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1 – 10 of over 24000The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the impacts of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the impacts of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of international distribution center operators (IDCOs) in Taiwan.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. A two-steps structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was performed in this study to test the research hypotheses. The first step is performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the validity of the measurement model. The second step proceeds to estimate the structural model between latent variables.
Findings
A five-dimension scale including open-mindedness (O), commitment to learning (C), system perspective (E), partner learning (A), and shared vision (N) was proposed in this study and was supported by CFA analysis to measure IDCOs’ logistics learning capability in this study. Results of SEM indicated that logistics learning capability is positively related to logistics service capability, whereas logistics service capability is also positively related to organizational performance. Although logistics learning capability has no direct relationship to organizational performance, we found it indirectly affects organizational performance via logistics service capability.
Research limitations/implications
This study primarily focusses on the effect of logistics learning on organizational performance. Future research could incorporate environmental uncertainty as a moderator to assess its impact on the relationship between logistics learning capability and organizational performance.
Practical implications
IDCOs can enhance customer service and financial performance by developing logistics learning capability and specifically focussing efforts on supply chain partner learning.
Originality/value
This study presents the first to examine the effects of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of IDCOs. Particularly, this study proposes a five-dimension logistics learning capability scale from a supply chain perspective.
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Chung-Shan Yang and Taih-Cherng Lirn
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate empirically the impact of intrafirm resources, interfirm relationships, and logistics service capabilities on logistics performance (LP…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate empirically the impact of intrafirm resources, interfirm relationships, and logistics service capabilities on logistics performance (LP) in the context of container logistics.
Design/methodology/approach
Factor analysis was employed to identify the key intrafirm resources (i.e. tangible assets and intangible assets), interfirm relationships (i.e. communication (COM) and long-term relationships), logistics service capabilities (i.e. service efficiency, service reliability, service flexibility, and value-added service), and LP dimensions. Data were collected from a survey of container shipping service providers, and were analyzed by a structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.
Findings
The findings show that interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities act as mediator variables between intrafirm resources and LP.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this research support the application of the general theory on firm-level performance and the resource-based view (RBV) as a lens through which LP can be achieved via logistics service capabilities. In addition, the findings lend empirical support to the capability-building view, which asserts the importance of resource investment and relationship maintenance, and the development of distinctive capabilities to enhance performance.
Practical implications
Container logistics operators should not view their intrafirm resources (including logistics information technology and teamwork organizational culture) or interfirm relationships (including informal COM with key stakeholders and evergreen relationship with key stakeholders) separately; instead, a systems approach should be used.
Originality/value
This research updates the RBV theory by clearly indicating that the overall performance of shipping firms cannot be decided solely by the firm’s own resources. Interfirm relationships and logistics service capabilities are found to be powerful moderators which help shipping firms allocate their resources effectively and thus improve their LP.
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Patricia J. Daugherty, Haozhe Chen and Bruce G. Ferrin
The purpose of this paper is to examine how organizational structural factors (namely decentralization, formalization, and specialization) influence a firm's logistics service…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how organizational structural factors (namely decentralization, formalization, and specialization) influence a firm's logistics service innovation capability and firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model is proposed combining the Strategy‐Structure‐Performance framework and the Resource‐Based View of the firm. Empirical survey data were collected in the Chinese electronics manufacturing industry, and structural equation modeling is performed to assess measures and test the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
In the current research context, both decentralization and formalization were found to be positively related to a firm's logistics service innovation capability, although the formalization was originally proposed to have negative impact on logistics service innovation capability. However, specialization was not a significant predictor according to our results. A positive relationship between logistics service innovation capability and market performance is also confirmed.
Research limitations/implications
In order to improve the validity of the study by eliminating external factors, the study was conducted in a single industry in one country. Therefore, study results should be interpreted and applied with caution, and future research should replicate the tests in different contexts or extend the current study by including other relevant factors.
Practical implications
At a time when market environment is extremely competitive and unstable and service becomes a key differentiator, it is critical for firms to better understand and manage controllable internal factors, organizational structure in this context, to enhance service innovation capability, thus achieving better performance.
Originality/value
This study makes a contribution to the limited yet important knowledge base regarding logistics service innovation.
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Tim Gruchmann and Stefan Seuring
So far, most of the literature on logistics social responsibility (LSR) has prioritized the examination, classification of and adaption toward positive LSR practices instead of…
Abstract
Purpose
So far, most of the literature on logistics social responsibility (LSR) has prioritized the examination, classification of and adaption toward positive LSR practices instead of investigating necessary logistics service providers’ capabilities to implement LSR strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to theory by an assessment of LSR and its linkages to dynamic capabilities theory to gain insights into how logistics service providers can foster an enhanced application of LSR practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is conceptual and grounded on dynamic capabilities theory. Relevant literature from logistics management, supply chain management and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) as well as dynamic capabilities was examined to build upon existing theory by conceptualizing LSR from a dynamic capabilities perspective. In addition, propositions for future research are presented based on the conceptual model.
Findings
With regards to the controversial discussion in the literature about the direct link between dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage as well as the necessary degree of heterogeneity of dynamic capabilities, the conceptualization of LSR from a dynamic capabilities perspective adds new elements to this discussion. Considering long-term or even sustainable competitive advantage, the current degree of homogeneity across logistics services might hinder a sustainable advantage in the long run and demands for more advanced logistical capabilities. In this line, it is important to understand and utilize the causal relationships between different logistical resources and capabilities to achieve a unique long-term advantage allowing logistics service providers to further enhance LSR practices.
Practical implications
Due to the current role of logistics service providers, they should not just foster their resources focusing on the relationship to the focal firm, but they should also develop and implement new logistical capabilities derived from SSCM-related dynamic capabilities to design alternative service portfolio extensions and new business models.
Originality/value
Although dynamic capabilities have been studied intensively in the last two decades, the causal relationships between different logistical resources and necessary dynamic capabilities to achieve advantages by enhancing LSR practices still lack conceptualization. To build on the understanding of LSR, the paper at hand presents a conceptual framework explaining LSR and SSCM practices through the lens of dynamic capabilities theory.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of emergent resource-capability, its configurations and its impacts on customer service innovation and cost advantages in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of emergent resource-capability, its configurations and its impacts on customer service innovation and cost advantages in the context of the halal dynamic environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study performed a cluster analysis on a sample of 123 Malaysian halal-based third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
Findings
The findings reveal that the emergent resource-capability comprising physical, technology, knowledge, relational and organizational is advanced uniformly into low, medium and high level. The high resource-capability is significantly different with the medium and low resource-capability, while the medium resource-capability is significantly different with the low resource-capability. The extent of emergent resource-capability has a significantly positive effect on customer service innovation and cost advantage. Especially, high and medium resource-capabilities have enhanced greater customer service innovation and cost advantage significantly, indicating the higher the extent of resource-capability, the greater the enhancement of performance.
Practical implications
3PL providers or logistician professionals should understand the extent of emergent resource-capability to empower the competitiveness of service innovation and cost in the dynamic environment.
Originality/value
The study expands the knowledge with regard to resource-capability complexities which clarify the uniform extent of five emergent resource-capability naturally and provides empirical evidence on the emergent resource-capability of halal logistics services that can empower a successful halal logistics services and competitiveness.
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Weihua Liu, Shuang Wei, Yanjie Liang, Di Wang and Jingkun Wang
This study explores the influencing factors on organizational efficiency of the smart logistics ecological chain, and designs the corresponding theoretical framework to guide the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the influencing factors on organizational efficiency of the smart logistics ecological chain, and designs the corresponding theoretical framework to guide the practice of enterprises
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-case study method is adopted in this study. It includes four companies A, B, C and D in China as the case study objects, collects data through enterprise survey and uses the combination of open coding and spindle coding to process the data. By testing the reliability and validity, the theoretical framework is summarized.
Findings
First, organizational efficiency in smart logistics ecological chains is directly related to their service and technology innovation capability. Second, symbiotic relationships, information sharing and customer demand affect the efficiency of smart logistics multi-case ecological chains by influencing their service capacity; their technological innovation capability regulates the mechanism of influence. Third, technological innovation in smart logistics ecological chains positively impacts their service capabilities. Improving technological innovation capability can enhance logistics service capabilities.
Originality/value
According to the characteristics of smart logistics, the theoretical framework about organizational efficiency of smart logistics ecological chain is constructed, which fills the research gap and can provide interesting perspectives for the future research related to the smart logistics ecological chain. At the same time, the findings can also help enterprises to better build the smart logistics ecological chain in practice.
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Wei-Hung Hsiao and Tsung-Sheng Chang
The logistics industry has benefited hugely from the growth of e-commerce. The logistics and transportation industry operators have realized that higher-quality service and…
Abstract
Purpose
The logistics industry has benefited hugely from the growth of e-commerce. The logistics and transportation industry operators have realized that higher-quality service and logistics management provides the competitive edge as the primary channel of communication with consumers. Digital voice assistants (DVA) is an information system based on an artificial intelligence framework that can interact through voice, such that a deliveryman can query for or use information in a relatively short time. The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of DVA in logistic service.
Design/methodology/approach
This study aims to develop a framework for innovation and logistics service capabilities of logistics and transportation services to structure a model based on the analysis hierarchy process method to discuss the factors considered when adopting DVA.
Findings
The results of this study implied that common problem and expectations of current operators in the delivery of goods and their expectations of DVA.
Practical implications
Innovative operations and planning are possible with information technology-enabled logistic services. It is important to identify relevant DVA development avenues.
Originality/value
The purpose of this study is to show which factors are significant to the logistics and transportation industry using DVA to aid the deliverymen, and it provides guidance for manager evaluating adopted DVA and its object.
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Gaoyan Lyu, Lihua Chen and Baofeng Huo
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how different logistics resources and resource patterns, such as logistics infrastructure, logistics location, logistics knowledge and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how different logistics resources and resource patterns, such as logistics infrastructure, logistics location, logistics knowledge and logistics information, affect logistics capabilities and operational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on data collected from 273 companies in China, this study examines impacts of individual logistics resource dimensions on resource integration capability, customer service capability and operational performance through contingency approach. Furthermore, three logistics resource patterns are identified and linked with resource integration capability and operational performance through configuration approach.
Findings
Contingency results show that different logistics resources have different impacts on resource integration capability and operational performance. Configuration results reveal that companies’ capabilities and operational performance vary for different logistics resource patterns: the high-uniform pattern has a better resource integration capability and operational performance than other patterns, while all logistics resource patterns have similar customer service capability levels.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies should examine other resource capabilities and performance indicators of companies and extend this study to other countries and regions.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the logistics resource literature through empirically investigating relationships among logistics resources, resource integration capability and operational performance using contingency approach, and through identifying different logistics resource patterns based on configuration approach. The findings extend the logistics resource literature, particularly on research of logistics parks in China.
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Peter M. Ralston, Scott J. Grawe and Patricia J. Daugherty
The purpose of this manuscript is to assess the impact of logistics salience on logistics capabilities and performance. Specifically, the impact of logistics salience on logistics…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this manuscript is to assess the impact of logistics salience on logistics capabilities and performance. Specifically, the impact of logistics salience on logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation is measured along with logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation effect on logistics performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Conclusions were drawn from survey data gathered from logistics and supply chain managers at US firms. Structural equation modelling was utilized to measure the statistical significance of the hypothesized model paths with all findings meeting the basic requirements of interpretation.
Findings
The results suggest that logistics salience positively impacts both logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation. Logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation both positively influence logistics performance. These findings give credence to the resource based view of the firm which states that resources lead to capabilities which leads to performance.
Research limitations/implications
Conclusions based on the study's results highlight the importance of logistics within firms and indicate that the function must be made salient throughout the firm to further capitalize on the benefits of logistics. These benefits include enhanced logistics capabilities and their eventual impact on logistics performance.
Originality/value
Using the resource based view of the firm as the theoretical framework, the manuscript supports the notion that logistics salience is an important resource for firms looking to provide differentiated services and innovative logistics operations to their customers.
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Weihua Liu, Di Wang, Xuan Zhao, Cheng Si and Ou Tang
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future development of the logistics industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts the multi-case study method based on a sample of four Chinese logistics enterprises, in which the authors consider the logistics service maturity (LSM), a distinct characteristic of logistics enterprises.
Findings
NLSPD is directly related to the degree of supply–demand matching (SDM) and LSM. Customer demand, service capability and peer competition influence the performance of NLSPD through the SDM degree, whereas LSM moderates these influencing mechanisms. Moreover, the degree of SDM has a positive impact on LSM.
Practical implications
The findings can help the managers of logistics enterprises and practitioners in the logistics industry understand the complexity of NLSPD. First, they should broaden and deepen their service offering to enhance the degree of LSM. Second, they should pay attention to the factors that affect SDM systematically. Finally, it is vital to balance the relationship between LSM and SDM.
Originality/value
NLSPD has become an important tool affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of logistics service enterprises. This is the first paper to propose a theoretical framework for NLSPD that considers the characteristic of the logistics industry. It clarifies the mechanisms of influencing factors, and contributes to the literature by filling the research gap.
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