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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2021

Drivers of logistics outsourcing: examining transaction costs, core competences and planned behavior

Oskari Rintala, Tomi Solakivi, Sini Laari, Juuso Töyli and Lauri Ojala

This study aims to investigate the extent to which psychological factors and the agency of decision-makers drive outsourcing decisions. Arguments based on transaction cost…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent to which psychological factors and the agency of decision-makers drive outsourcing decisions. Arguments based on transaction cost economics, the core competence approach and the theory of planned behavior are used to explain logistics outsourcing.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature was reviewed to identify constructs that are antecedents of logistics outsourcing intentions, and corresponding measures were developed. The data were gathered through a survey of supply chain professionals in Finnish manufacturing companies. A measurement model was reviewed to ensure reliability and validity and converted into a structural model for analysis. The analysis was based on partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling.

Findings

Supply chain managers objectively consider the characteristics of their organization's logistics identified in previous research as requiring assessment during the outsourcing process. However, and surprisingly, they also tend to rely on behavioral subjective factors such as positive attitudes, encouraging subjective norms and competence. Moreover, it seems that firms do not outsource logistics activities despite the high strategic importance of the function, but because of it.

Research limitations/implications

The constructed model is limited to the constructs chosen to represent drivers of logistics outsourcing. Further application with more samples would improve its reliability.

Practical implications

The factors proposed here with respect to assets and the capabilities of third-party partners could facilitate decision-making related to logistics outsourcing.

Originality/value

The findings emphasize the role of behavioral factors in the procurement function and therefore enhance the understanding of behavioral supply chain management.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-08-2019-0244
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

  • Decision-making
  • Intention
  • Structural equation modeling
  • Logistics outsourcing
  • Theory of planned behavior
  • Behavioral supply chain management

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Article
Publication date: 6 January 2021

Relationship heterogeneity in Taiwanese maritime logistics service supply chains

Moses Shang-Min Lin, Andrew Potter and Stephen Pettit

With the diverse, heterogeneous nature of relationships being a key characteristic of service supply chains, their management is an important area for consideration. This…

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Abstract

Purpose

With the diverse, heterogeneous nature of relationships being a key characteristic of service supply chains, their management is an important area for consideration. This is particularly true in the maritime logistics industry, yet the factors that lead to this heterogeneity are less well understood. This paper aims to explore the structure of relationships within the maritime logistics network and determine why they vary.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were carried out with 41 practitioners involved in the Taiwanese maritime logistics network. The data from these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and quasi-quantification.

Findings

The interviews identify that structural holes exist within this maritime logistics network, and that these particularly influence the relationships within this sector with ports being significantly affected. However, five factors are particularly identified that can further impact the strength of these relationships. Often, weak links between ports and both cargo owners and freight forwarders emerge as value-added services are provided by the network.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are framed in a Taiwanese context, where cultural and political norms may give different results to other geographical regions. The research also limits consideration to containerized flows.

Practical implications

By providing detailed insights into relationship structures within the maritime logistics network, managers can take steps to develop appropriate links with other members of the network, reflecting upon the factors that lead to heterogeneity.

Originality/value

This paper expands knowledge on logistics service supply chains, identifying the importance of relationships in a derived demand environment. For maritime researchers, specific factors leading to relationship heterogeneity in the network are detailed, to inform future research.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-03-2019-0116
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

  • Maritime logistics
  • Relationship management
  • Network view
  • Heterogeneity
  • Service complexity

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Article
Publication date: 28 December 2020

Reverse logistics uncertainty in a courier industry: a triadic model

Michael Wang, Bill Wang and Ricky Chan

Due to increasing supply chain complexity, the supply chain uncertainty has become an imperative issue, which hinders the development of modern logistics and supply chain…

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Abstract

Purpose

Due to increasing supply chain complexity, the supply chain uncertainty has become an imperative issue, which hinders the development of modern logistics and supply chain management. The paper attempts to conceptualize reverse logistics uncertainty from supply chain uncertainty literature and present the types of reverse logistics uncertainty in a triadic model.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of reverse logistics uncertainty is developed based on a triadic model of logistics uncertainty and supply chain uncertainty literature. A desk research is conducted to develop a taxonomy of reverse logistics uncertainty. To better depict the reverse logistics uncertainty, we use case studies to discuss the types of reverse logistics uncertainty in the triadic model.

Findings

The study reveals four types of supply chain uncertainties in the reverse logistics. We call them reverse logistics uncertainty. Type-A and Type-B uncertainty are new types of supply chain uncertainty in the reverse logistics.

Research limitations/implications

The types of reverse logistics uncertainty have not been empirically validated in industries. Especially, the two new types including Type-A and Type-B reverse uncertainty need further exploration.

Originality/value

Although reverse logistics has been discussed in the past decades, very few studies have been conducted on the supply chain uncertainty in returns management arena. The paper offers valuable insights to better understand the supply chain uncertainty in the reverse logistics. This also provides suggestions for both managers and researchers to reflect on the reverse logistics uncertainty management and business sustainability.

Details

Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MSCRA-10-2020-0026
ISSN: 2631-3871

Keywords

  • Reverse logistics uncertainty
  • Supply chain uncertainty
  • Uncertainty management
  • Logistics management
  • Courier

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Article
Publication date: 7 January 2021

Dynamic capabilities for the creation of logistics flexibility – a conceptual framework

Erik Sandberg

The purpose of this research is to develop a conceptual framework in which dynamic capabilities (DCs) for the creation of logistics flexibility are outlined, and elaborate…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a conceptual framework in which dynamic capabilities (DCs) for the creation of logistics flexibility are outlined, and elaborate it further based on empirical data from a case study at a Swedish fast fashion retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework that aims to delineate the relationship between generic classes of DCs and logistics flexibility is proposed. Thereafter, based on a theory elaboration approach, empirical data from a case study at a Swedish fast fashion retailer is used to identify more specific DCs and further outline the characteristics of the DCs classes.

Findings

The proposed framework draws on the three DC classes of sensing, seizing and reconfiguring, and how they underscore logistics range and logistics response flexibility. The framework also distinguishes between DC classes and logistics flexibility that occur at operational, structural and strategic levels. DCs for the creation of logistics flexibility at a Swedish fast fashion retailer have also been identified and described as a means to further elaborate the characteristics of the DC classes.

Research limitations/implications

Current empirical data is limited to one specific company context.

Practical implications

The research presents a systematic and comprehensive map of different DCs that underscore logistics flexibility, a useful tool supporting logistics development efforts regarding flexibility.

Originality/value

The establishment of a more detailed DC lens, in which different classes of DCs are included, means that an improved understanding for how flexibility is created can be achieved. It helps the research to move beyond the “here and now” existence of logistics flexibility to instead focus on how logistics flexibility can be created.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-07-2020-0266
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

  • Logistics flexibility
  • Supply chain flexibility
  • Dynamic capabilities
  • Retail
  • Fashion

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Article
Publication date: 10 December 2020

Localisation of logistics preparedness in international humanitarian organisations

Lina Frennesson, Joakim Kembro, Harwin de Vries, Luk Van Wassenhove and Marianne Jahre

To meet the rising global needs, the humanitarian community has signed off on making a strategic change toward more localisation, which commonly refers to the empowerment…

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Abstract

Purpose

To meet the rising global needs, the humanitarian community has signed off on making a strategic change toward more localisation, which commonly refers to the empowerment of national and local actors in humanitarian assistance. However, to this date, actual initiatives for localisation are rare. To enhance understanding of the phenomenon, the authors explore localisation of logistics preparedness capacities and obstacles to its implementation. The authors particularly take the perspective of the international humanitarian organisation (IHO) community as they are expected to implement the localisation strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenon-driven, exploratory and qualitative study was conducted. Data collection included in-depth interviews with 28 experienced humanitarian professionals.

Findings

The findings showed the ambiguity inherent in the localisation strategy with largely different views on four important dimensions. Particularly, the interviewees differ about strengthening external actors or internal national/local offices. The resulting framework visualises the gap between strategy formulation and implementation, which forms major obstacles to the localisation aims.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required to support the advancement of localisation of logistics preparedness capacities. Important aspects for future research include triangulation of results, other stakeholder perspectives and the influence of context.

Practical implications

The authors add to the important debate surrounding localisation by offering remedies to overcoming obstacles to strategy implementation. Further, the authors’ proposed framework offers a language to precisely describe the ways in which IHOs (should) view localisation of logistics preparedness capacities and its operationalisation.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first academic article on localisation within the humanitarian logistics context.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JHLSCM-06-2020-0048
ISSN: 2042-6747

Keywords

  • Localisation
  • Preparedness
  • Disaster relief
  • Capacity strengthening
  • Humanitarian logistics
  • Humanitarian supply chains

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Article
Publication date: 24 December 2020

Environmental uncertainty and cross-buying in logistics outsourcing arrangements: a resource dependence perspective

Adriana Rossiter Hofer, Yao Henry Jin and A. Michael Knemeyer

This study follows the tenets of the resource dependence theory (RDT) to investigate the effects of four dimensions of industry-level environmental uncertainty …

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Abstract

Purpose

This study follows the tenets of the resource dependence theory (RDT) to investigate the effects of four dimensions of industry-level environmental uncertainty – munificence, dynamism, complexity and innovative intensity – on a shipper's cross-buying (i.e. outsourcing across multiple service categories) in logistics outsourcing arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

Negative binomial regression was used to test the hypotheses with a sample of US manufacturers. Measures were developed through information acquired from a proprietary database of 3PL companies obtained through Armstrong and Associates, Inc. and publicly available industry measures from the US Manufacturing Census and Compustat.

Findings

The findings indicate that individual dimensions of environmental uncertainty exhibit distinct influences on shippers' cross-buying in their logistics outsourcing arrangements. Specifically, the growth and initial innovative intensity of shippers' industries lead to an increased number of logistics service categories outsourced to 3PLs, while industry dynamism and exceptionally high innovative intensity drive the opposite effect.

Practical implications

These findings provide valuable guidance to 3PLs with respect to decisions related to the acquisition of specialized transportation, storage, information systems and personnel assets to serve specific industries. The findings highlight industry conditions that are more likely to lead shippers to outsource across a wider array of logistics service categories and, as a result, potentially yield higher customer retention and profit margins.

Originality/value

While extant 3PL literature posits that shippers' individual strategic orientations and capabilities impact their outsourcing strategy, this study contributes to the literature by providing a theoretical-based empirical examination of the industry-level influencers of such behavior.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-04-2019-0121
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

  • Cross-buying
  • Logistics outsourcing
  • Environmental uncertainty
  • Resource dependence theory
  • Innovative intensity
  • Negative binomial regression

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Article
Publication date: 30 November 2020

An automated guided logistics robot for pallet transportation

Rui Lin, Haibo Huang and Maohai Li

This study aims to present an automated guided logistics robot mainly designed for pallet transportation. Logistics robot is compactly designed. It could pick up the…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present an automated guided logistics robot mainly designed for pallet transportation. Logistics robot is compactly designed. It could pick up the pallet precisely and transport the pallet up to 1,000 kg automatically in the warehouse. It could move freely in all directions without turning the chassis. It could work without any additional infrastructure based on laser navigation system proposed in this work.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistics robot should be able to move underneath and lift up the pallet accurately. Logistics robot mainly consists of two sub-robots, like two forks of the forklift. Each sub-robot has front and rear driving units. A new compact driving unit is compactly designed as a key component to ensure access to the narrow free entry of the pallet. Besides synchronous motions in all directions, the two sub-robots should also perform synchronous lifting up and laying down the pallet. Logistics robot uses a front laser to detect obstacles and locate itself using on-board navigation system. A rear laser is used to recognize and guide the sub-robots to pick up the pallet precisely within ± 5mm/1o in x-/yaw direction. Path planning algorithm under different constraints is proposed for logistics robot to obey the traffic rules of pallet logistics.

Findings

Compared with the traditional forklift vehicles, logistics robot has the advantages of more compact structure and higher expandability. It can realize the omnidirectional movement flexibly without turning the chassis and take zero-radius turn by controlling compact driving units synchronously. Logistics robot can move collision-free into any pallet that has not been precisely placed. It can plan the paths for returning to charge station and charge automatically. So it can work uninterruptedly for 7 × 24 h. Path planning algorithm proposed can avoid traffic congestion and improve the passability of the narrow roads to improve logistics efficiencies. Logistics robot is quite suitable for the standardized logistics factory with small working space.

Originality/value

This is a new innovation for pallet transportation vehicle to improve logistics automation.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-04-2020-0052
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

  • Automated guided
  • Logistics robot
  • Pallet transportation
  • Driving unit
  • Path planning
  • Global localization

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1990

The Role of the Logistics Manager/Director

Don Sutton

The logistics function has increased dramatically over the last decade from the narrow responsibilities of distribution to a broader interpretation of the disciplines…

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Abstract

The logistics function has increased dramatically over the last decade from the narrow responsibilities of distribution to a broader interpretation of the disciplines involving all aspects of the material flow. The challenges that this has given logistics managers, who need to expand their skills to encompass the internal and external responsibilities of the traditional logistics function in order to take full advantage of the new technologies and incorporate new ideas into the business environment, are addressed.

Details

Logistics Information Management, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/eb007511
ISSN: 0957-6053

Keywords

  • Development
  • Logistics
  • Managers

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Article
Publication date: 1 October 1994

Putting the Logistics Manager in the Driving Seat

Tony Hagon

Attempts to question the established paradigms of the relationshipbetween logistics companies and their traditional customers, thesuppliers, the manufacturers, retailers…

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Abstract

Attempts to question the established paradigms of the relationship between logistics companies and their traditional customers, the suppliers, the manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers. Calls for a completely open mind to the role of logistics in future and seeks to address concerns that ought to be felt by logistics managers (both managers of companies and managers of the internal logistics function). Recommends that the definition of logistics be broadened to include transport and storage of knowledge. Concludes that the logistics manager must grasp the initiative by being an active partner in the supplier customer dialogue, emphasizing the value of logistics to that dialogue.

Details

Logistics Information Management, vol. 7 no. 5
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09576059410071538
ISSN: 0957-6053

Keywords

  • EDI
  • Knowledge‐based systems
  • Logistics
  • Managers
  • Relationship marketing

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1978

Organisation Design Strategies for Business Logistics

Göran Persson

During the 60's and 70's the Business Logistics—or, as it is now often referred to in Scandinavia, the Materials Administration—philosophy has become a well established…

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Abstract

During the 60's and 70's the Business Logistics—or, as it is now often referred to in Scandinavia, the Materials Administration—philosophy has become a well established and accepted management philosophy, based on a systems theory approach and emphasising a total materials flow concept. In literature as well as in practice however one encounters some major conceptual problems. One of the most significant areas in this context concerns the organisational aspects of the concept. Here proposals and assertions have covered a wide spectrum. Hence it has often been claimed that a logistics manager in a line position, based upon an organisational design involving a logistics department, is a requirement for the realisation of the philosophy. Just as firm, however, is the claim that a total approach to logistics only can be achieved within a matrix organisation framework. However, applications of the above‐mentioned organisational strategies often have negative logistics consequences. For example it is easy to find organisations where the introduction of a “logistics manager” concept has resulted in conflicts hindering the possibilities for a realisation of the logistics potentials for many years ahead.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, vol. 8 no. 6
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/eb014424
ISSN: 0269-8218

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