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21 – 30 of over 4000
Article
Publication date: 1 July 1996

Theodore P. Stank, Patricia J. Daugherty and Alexander E. Ellinger

The impact of information exchange on suppliers' performance is investigated in the context of trade relationships formed between manufacturers and third party providers of…

1314

Abstract

The impact of information exchange on suppliers' performance is investigated in the context of trade relationships formed between manufacturers and third party providers of international logistics services. A conceptual model that predicts the important linkages among information exchange, responsiveness and performance is introduced and tested. The research shows that information exchange positively affects customers' perceptions of third party logistics providers' performance; information exchange also positively affects logistics providers' service responsiveness; and logistics provider responsiveness affects customers' perceptions of the providers' performance. These linkages provide a fuller understanding of why and how information exchange influences manufacturers' perceptions of the performance of third party logistics providers. Logistics providers that used information obtained from trading partners to develop more responsive operations were viewed as better performers.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Mohammed Sadiq Sohail and Obaid Saad Al‐Abdali

With competitive pressures placing an increasing dependence on the ability of organizations to deliver customer‐adapted products quickly and on time, logistics has been an area…

3460

Abstract

Purpose

With competitive pressures placing an increasing dependence on the ability of organizations to deliver customer‐adapted products quickly and on time, logistics has been an area that has been subjected to investigation. While there is a growing evidence of organizations increasingly seeking to outsource their logistics activities, there have been few comprehensive studies on the outsourcing of logistics in the Middle Eastern region. The purpose of this paper is to examine the usage of third party logistics (TPL) services in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research is used to study the extent firms use the services of logistics companies; the time period these have been used; the decision‐making process for choosing contract logistics and its impact on the organization.

Findings

Results based on the analysis of data relating to 496 firms in Saudi Arabia indicate that most of these users are satisfied with the services providers and has largely seen positive developments within the organization.

Practical implications

The results provide managers with evidence supporting the benefits of logistics outsourcing. The study also contains useful information for the providers of contract logistics services on the most frequently used services.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant addition to literature on logistics outsourcing as little empirical research has been previously reported from Arab world and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia to establish linkages between organizations and TPL providers. Moreover, the results of this study will also serve as a future benchmark for the entire Gulf Cooperation Council region, as Saudi Arabia happens to be the largest country in the Middle East.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 35 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2012

Tejas R. Shah and Mahendra Sharma

The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale for measuring benefits of third party logistics service providers for co‐operative dairies in an Indian context. The objective is…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a scale for measuring benefits of third party logistics service providers for co‐operative dairies in an Indian context. The objective is to measure benefits of third party logistics service providers for co‐operative dairies.

Design/methodology/approach

A standard scale development research procedure recommended by experts was followed. First, the literature review of studies to measure benefits of third party logistics was undertaken. Later, Delphi method was used. Interviews were conducted of experts and customers for understanding and generating items for measuring benefits of third party logistics service providers for co‐operative dairies. A survey was then undertaken first for development of the scale and later for validation purpose.

Findings

A reliable and valid scale is developed to measure the five dimensions of benefits of using 3PLSPs for co‐operative dairies: responsiveness, accuracy, customization of service, inventory handling and order processing and information sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This scale is developed to outsource logistics functions at operational levels in the context of co‐operative dairies in India. So, this scale can be tested for co‐operative dairies of countries other than India. The scale can also be tested where outsourcing of logistics activities is done at operational level, other than co‐operative dairies.

Practical implications

The proposed scale can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify important benefits to consider in outsourcing operational function of logistics management to 3PLSPs in co‐operative dairies.

Originality/value

Most relevant studies about benefits of third party logistics service providers do not have stable factor structure, especially for co‐operative dairies. The new scale fills the gap of the absence of a validated scale to measure benefits of 3PLSPs for co‐operative dairies at operational level.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1996

Peter Dapiran, Robert Lieb, Robert Millen and Amrik Sohal

Provides information relating to the experiences of Australian firms using third party logistics services (outsourcing of logistics functions being a business dynamic of growing…

5459

Abstract

Provides information relating to the experiences of Australian firms using third party logistics services (outsourcing of logistics functions being a business dynamic of growing importance in Australia). Presents conclusions from a survey showing that many of Australia’s largest firms utilize the services of contract logistics providers and some other firms are considering doing so. Provides insights in planning for implementation, for example, the need to educate the third party logistics services provider about the firm’s requirements and also information for the providers of the services.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 26 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2004

Rajesh Piplani, Shaligram Pokharel and Albert Tan

The use of information technology (IT) in the logistics area is growing all over the world and so is the number of third party logistics providers. In this article a specific case…

3137

Abstract

The use of information technology (IT) in the logistics area is growing all over the world and so is the number of third party logistics providers. In this article a specific case of interrelation between the uses of IT at the third party logistics service providers (3PLs) in Singapore is highlighted. Information collected through a randomly selected sample of 3PLs indicates that more and more service providers are either planning to incorporate IT in their operations or are benefiting from their use. Towards this end, the providers are acquiring new knowledge, skills and technologies. The survey results showed that respondents are also concerned about their investments in IT as they feel that with rapidly changing technology, their equipment, skill and processes could become obsolete before any tangible benefits could be derived from them. The providers indicate that financial justification is another key barrier to full‐scale IT implementation. These constraints hinder the implementation of strategic IT projects, which require significant investments. Therefore, a package program for skill development and equipment incentive could be initiated for 3PLs in Singapore.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2019

P.C. Jha, Remica Aggarwal and Surya Prakash Singh

The purpose of this research is to first explore various third party logistic service provider supply chain enablers. Thereafter the interrelationship amongst the various supply…

1002

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to first explore various third party logistic service provider supply chain enablers. Thereafter the interrelationship amongst the various supply chain enablers has been studied using ISM Methodology. Despite the complex relationships third party logistic service providers (3PLs) share with their clients or firms, they often attract a demand owing to the flexibility and competitive edge they provide to their client firms in adapting to the rapidly changing market conditions, focusing on their core competencies and developing long-term growth strategies for them. Choosing and evaluating the right third-party logistic service provider is an important responsibility for logistic managers. This largely depends on selecting appropriate 3PLs supply chain enablers that assess the 3PLs on different fronts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an ISM approach for studying the interrelationships between various 3PLs enablers and accordingly constructing a hierarchical structure of them.

Findings

The results suggest that delivery, service reliability and risk and uncertainty factors have the highest importance.

Research limitations/implications

Selection of the 3PLs is a critical issue when they are required to be selected by the company at the global level. This often requires doing a comparative study for both domestic as well as global service providers. Choosing appropriate supply chain enablers as the basis for selection of 3PLs therefore will serve as a research topic to be further explored both by researchers as well as company managers. Further studying the inter-relationships amongst various supply chain enablers will provide basis to managers to justify their choice.

Originality/value

The novelty of the research lies in the application of methodology to the case of third-party logistic service provider selection

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2018

Sudipendra Nath Roy and Tuhin Sengupta

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review and contributes to academic understanding and practitioner needs of third party logistics (3PL) which were…

1257

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review and contributes to academic understanding and practitioner needs of third party logistics (3PL) which were developed over the past decade.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a structured selection search of the entire English-language academic literature, after final refinement, the authors identified 95 relevant studies in this context. A succinct classification of literature has been performed to collate the entire literature encompassing viewpoints of both academicians and practitioners.

Findings

The key finding of this review suggests the opportunities exist in the understanding of the “optimization capabilities” of a 3PL provider. The authors found that when on the one side, constructs such as “supply chain vision”, “creativity”, “impact of geographical reach of services on the selection criteria” need more attention; on the other hand, operational dimensions of 3PL such as packaging ability, repair service, procedural compliance, conflict resolution, role of HR policies and mitigation of external risks provides a chance for future researchers to delve deeper into these domains. Furthermore, the authors also presented a comprehensive research gap framework highlighting potential research topics to be explored in near future.

Research limitations/implications

The paper captures peer-reviewed literature from the past decade and has been selected from the Web of Science database only.

Originality/value

The paper identifies different research gaps, namely, conceptual, contextual and methodological, to understand and develop opportunities for future research in the domain of 3PL. The paper makes a careful attempt by linking the synthesis of this literature review to previous literature reviews to establish the knowledge continuum of third party logistics.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Jeff Hoi Yan Yeung, Willem Selen, Chee‐Chuong Sum and Baofeng Huo

Aims to investigates the relationship of strategic choices of pure cost‐, pure differentiation‐, or a combination‐strategy on a composite measure of financial performance for…

5395

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to investigates the relationship of strategic choices of pure cost‐, pure differentiation‐, or a combination‐strategy on a composite measure of financial performance for third‐party logistics (3PL) providers in Hong Kong. In addition, it seeks to identify the importance of operations priorities underlying the respective adopted strategy, as well as the importance given to future competitive challenges for each strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Uses cluster analysis, ANOVA.

Findings

Logistics service providers classified to follow different strategies report different financial performance, with companies adhering to the combined strategy of cost and differentiation performing best, followed by pure differentiation companies, which in turn outperform pure cost‐, commodity driven‐companies.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may be widened to include customer, and not solely competitor, perceptions. Further studies could elaborate on technology adoption, information sharing, strategy formulation, operations practices, and benchmarking. Other studies could focus on the differences between high and low performers in terms of business performance, and the processes that enable low performers to become high performers; as well as comparing logistics strategies and practices between different countries.

Practical implications

Third‐party logistics providers, solely competing on cost and offering basic services only, need to differentiate to gain improved financial performance. Logistics companies can improve along multiple operational dimensions to achieve competitive advantage in the marketplace. Research identifies operational areas to be emphasized to drive strategy according to strategic orientation, as well as generic factors that will drive future logistics management in Hong Kong.

Originality/value

Linking perceived financial performance to strategic choices of pure cost‐, pure differentiation‐, or a combination‐strategy for 3PL providers in Hong Kong.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2006

Qiang Wang, Kenneth Zantow, Fujun Lai and Xiaodong Wang

To examine the strategic posture of third‐party logistics (3PLs) providers in mainland China.

5940

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the strategic posture of third‐party logistics (3PLs) providers in mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample survey, obtained by mail, of 3PLs firms in mainland China. Key informant data are used to operationalize Porter's competitive strategy and provides a framework to identify logistics strategies pursued by 3PLs providers. Various aspects of 3PLs providers are compared by different strategy types.

Findings

Identified four logistics strategies pursued by 3PLs providers in mainland China. Differentiation strategy outperforms cost leadership strategy. Companies pursuing cost leadership are shifting towards differentiation strategy to cope with the intense competition faced in mainland China's immense logistics markets.

Research limitations/implications

Bias may exist due to the mail survey. In‐depth studies on strategy formulation of 3PLs providers could be carried out to examine what factors influence the strategy formulation and explore the strategy evolution path.

Practical implications

This study is a very insightful source of information about 3PLs in mainland China for logistics managers, investors and policy‐makers. It provides guidance for 3PLs executives to formulate logistics strategy, adjust business objectives and prioritize operations, and for logistics users to select appropriate logistics providers. There are also suggestions for government to improve the business environment for the logistics industry. The study provides a basis for research on logistics management in mainland China.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer and comprehensive study of mainland China's 3PLs providers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine 3PLs providers in mainland China.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 36 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Yongyi Shou, Jinan Shao and Anlan Chen

Drawing upon the theory of the resource-based view, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among relational resources, innovation capability and firm…

1772

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing upon the theory of the resource-based view, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among relational resources, innovation capability and firm performance in the third-party logistics (3PL) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 203 3PL providers in China, this study adopts the approach of structural equation modeling to examine the hypothesized relationships among relational resources, innovation capability and firm performance.

Findings

The results of this research confirm that relational resources have a positive effect on firm performance. However, the effect is not direct, but realized through the mediation of innovation capability. This study indicates that relational resources are important for 3PL providers to achieve superior performance, and innovation capability plays a mediating role between relational resources and firm performance.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper to the literature are twofold. First, it extends the extant research by highlighting the mediating mechanism of innovation capability in relational resources’ influence on firm performance. Second, it advances the existing perspectives on 3PL firms in the Chinese context and this sheds light on logistics research on emerging markets.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 47 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 4000