Developing a framework for evaluating sustainability index for logistics service providers: graph theory matrix approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1627-1646
Author(s):  
Anchal Gupta ◽  
Rajesh Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Graph Theory ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Matrix Approach ◽  
Green Logistics ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Index ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify sustainability practices and to propose a framework for evaluating the sustainability index of logistics service providers (LSPs).Design/methodology/approachSustainable practices followed by LSPs are identified through literature review and analysis of a case study. Thirteen such sustainable practices are identified. Thereafter, with expert inputs, nine sustainable practices are shortlisted and considered for the evaluation of the sustainability index in the proposed framework. Graph Theory Matrix Approach has been applied to evaluate the sustainability index of an LSP.FindingsMajor practices identified for evaluating sustainability index include the use of recyclable packaging, use of renewable energy sources, green procurement, reduction in carbon emissions, use of CNG/electric vehicles, rainwater harvesting and so on. The sustainability index of an LSP is evaluated by using the proposed framework.Practical implicationsLSPs can benchmark their sustainability index with respect to the best in the industry. Based on it, LSPs can also identify potential areas for improvement.Originality/valueNovelty of the study lies in the proposed framework for evaluation of sustainability index which can be used to develop strategies for green logistics. LSPs can also improve their performance in terms of sustainability measures by adopting green logistics.

Study of sustainability issues in an Indian logistics service provider: SAP-LAP approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anchal Gupta ◽  
Rajesh Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Index ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Sustainable Performance ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Case Organization

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze sustainability issues in the context of logistics service providers (LSPs) and to evaluate the sustainability index of an LSP in the Indian scenario.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method is used to understand the sustainability issues of an Indian LSP. The situation–actor–process (SAP) and learning–action–performance (LAP) framework has been applied to critically examine the sustainability issues of the case organization. The information about the case study is collected from both primary and secondary sources, and a detailed analysis of different sustainability issues in the context of an Indian case has been done. The sustainability index for the case organization has been also evaluated.FindingsIt can be observed from the in-depth case analysis that LSPs have started making use of green practices for long-term sustainability, but adoption is very slow in developing countries such as India. Based on SAP-LAP analysis of an Indian LSP, suitable actions are recommended for improving the performance of LSPs.Practical implicationsAdoption of sustainable practices by LSPs can lead to sustainable performance. Sustainability index can assist LSPs to benchmark their sustainability performance to meet the market requirements.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study is to analyze the issues related to implementation of sustainable practices in an Indian LSP through SAP-LAP framework. It also illustrates the evaluation of sustainability index.

scholarly journals Unravelling collaboration mechanisms for green logistics: the perspectives of shippers and logistics service providers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amer Jazairy ◽  
Robin von Haartman ◽  
Maria Björklund
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Green Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
The Right ◽  
Survey Responses

PurposeThe green logistics literature remains undecided on how collaboration between shippers (i.e. logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs) may facilitate green logistics practices (GLPs). This paper identifies two types of collaboration mechanisms, relation specific and knowledge sharing, to systematically examine their influence on facilitating the different types of GLPs – as seen by shippers versus LSPs.Design/methodology/approachSurvey responses of 169 shippers and 162 LSPs in Sweden were collected and analysed using exploratory- and confirmatory factor analysis, followed by multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal that neither of the actors consistently favour a certain type of collaboration mechanisms for facilitating all types of GLPs. Although it was found that both actors share the same view on the role of collaboration mechanisms for some GLPs, their views took contrasting forms for others.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the green logistics literature by incorporating a trilateral distinction to present collaboration recommendations for GLPs, based on (1) the collaboration mechanism at play, (2) the actor's perspective and (3) the GLP in question.Practical implicationsInsights are offered to managers at shipper/LSP firms to apply the right (“fit for purpose”) collaboration mechanisms in their relationships with their logistics partners with respect to the desired GLPs.Originality/valueThis is one of the first large-scale studies to systematically reveal in what way collaboration can facilitate the different types of GLPs.

Managing operations by a logistics company for sustainable service quality: Indian perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 1309-1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anchal Gupta ◽  
Rajesh Kumar Singh
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Quality Index ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Operational Excellence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand how logistics service providers manage their operations for sustainable service quality and operational excellence. This study is also trying to propose a framework for measuring service quality index along with some research propositions for analyzing service quality and operational excellence.Design/methodology/approachThe detailed case analysis on sustainable practices of Indian logistics service providers (LSPs) has been done on the basis of case study approach suggested by Eisenhardt (1989). After this case analysis, service quality index is evaluated for the given company based on Cleveland et al. (1989) framework. The SWOT and performance analysis of the case organization has been also done, which is further followed by development of framework and propositions for analyzing service quality and operational excellence for LSPs.FindingsIt can be observed from in-depth case analysis that LSPs are making use of green practices to conserve resources for long-term sustainability. LSPs optimize their resources and use sustainable practices in the form of use of reusable and recyclable packaging materials, rain water harvesting, use of solar panels, innovations such as trucking cube, safety concern toward goods and contribution toward environment and society.Practical implicationsResources optimization and green management practices are essential for LSPs for benchmarking environmental performance and for improving service quality and operational excellence.Originality/valueThis study has tried to analyze green logistics practices for sustainable service quality and proposed a framework for quantifying sustainability.

Measuring the gaps between shippers and logistics service providers on green logistics throughout the logistics purchasing process

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amer Jazairy ◽  
Robin von Haartman
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Green Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Request For Proposal ◽  
Purchasing Process

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to measure the gaps between the engagements of shippers (i.e. logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs) in different green logistics practices (GLPs) throughout the key phases of the logistics purchasing process: request for proposal, negotiations, contracting and execution.Design/methodology/approachA large-scale survey of shippers and LSPs in Sweden was conducted. Respondents were 331 firms (169 shippers, 162 LSPs). Mean values of the actors' perceptions were analysed using independent- and paired sample t-tests.FindingsWhile this study supports previous research indicating that LSPs engage more extensively in selling GLPs than shippers do in buying them, it shows that this conclusion does not uniformly apply to all GLPs nor all purchasing phases. Three patterns emerged for the gaps between the actors' buying-selling engagements throughout the purchasing process: (1) steady and wide gaps, (2) steady and narrow gaps and (3) emergent gaps. Distinct GLPs were associated with each pattern. It is also shown that the prioritisation of GLPs is fairly aligned between shippers and LSPs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the green logistics purchasing literature by systematically and simultaneously creating three types of distinction, between (1) shippers and LSPs, (2) different GLPs and (3) different logistics purchasing phases. Future studies could replicate the analysis in countries other than Sweden.Practical implicationsManagers of shipper/LSP firms learn tips to spot the GLPs that their partners prioritise, enabling them to modify their purchasing/marketing strategies accordingly.Originality/valueThe three types of distinction represent a novel approach in the green logistics purchasing literature.

Logistics service providers’ engagement in disaster relief initiatives

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 269-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Cozzolino ◽  
Ewa Wankowicz ◽  
Enrico Massaroni
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Disaster Relief ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Relief Operations ◽  
Humanitarian Supply Chain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of logistics service providers’ (LSPs) initiatives to disaster relief and how LSPs are engaged with humanitarian sector. In recent years, the importance of logistics services in disaster relief operations and the capacity of LSPs to improve humanitarian supply chain management have become an increasingly interesting topic for both professionals and academics. Design/methodology/approach This research follows a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies. Findings The current research, after considering the differences and similarities among collaboration, cooperation and coordination and underlining how crucial these mechanisms are in the humanitarian context, explains the contribution of LSPs to relief operations alongside humanitarians. Research limitations/implications There has been increased interest in humanitarian logistics on the part of international academic and professional communities. This study constitutes a first exploratory step in the research to build a platform for benchmarking analysis of logistics services that aims to ensure the effective implementation of social responsibility principles. Practical implications The managerial implications arising from the research offer a range of current responsible actions from which strategic and operative directions to contribute can be derived. Originality/value Humanitarian logistics represents a crucial field in logistics management. This paper addresses the innovative socially responsible initiatives undertaken by the main international LSPs in the area of humanitarian logistics.

scholarly journals Environmental alignment between logistics service providers and shippers – a supply chain perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-605
Author(s):  
Maria Huge-Brodin ◽  
Edward Sweeney ◽  
Pietro Evangelista
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Stakeholder Theory ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Sustainable Logistics ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

PurposeVarious suggested paths for greening logistics and supply chains often address the specific perspectives of single supply chain actors. Drawing on stakeholder theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop a deeper understanding of the alignment between logistics service providers (LSPs) and shippers in the context of adopting more environmentally sustainable logistics practices.Design/methodology/approachWith a case study approach, a dual perspective is taken in which both LSPs and shippers were researched. The cases comprise eight LSPs and six shipper companies in Sweden, Italy and Ireland. Information was first analysed in relation to levels of environmental awareness, customer requirements and provider offerings and critical success factors (CSFs) and inhibitors. In a second step, the findings were analysed using stakeholder theory.FindingsLSPs demonstrate higher ambition levels and more concrete offerings compared to shippers' requirements for green logistics services. Paradoxically, customers are an important CSF and also an inhibitor for both LSPs and shippers. Both LSPs and shippers perceive financial factors and senior management priorities as important CSFs. The application of stakeholder theory helps to illuminate the importance of the many secondary stakeholders vs that of one or a relatively small number of primary stakeholders.Originality/valueThe three-dimensional analysis of environmental alignment between LSPs and shippers reinforces existing knowledge and provides new insights. A novel use of stakeholder theory in a supply chain context underlines its usefulness in research of this kind.

Technology adoption by logistics service providers

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias Mathauer ◽  
Erik Hofmann
Keyword(s):  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Integration Process ◽  
Technology Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Successful Integration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal the effects of different technology access modes on the successful integration of technological innovations. From the perspective of logistics service providers (LSPs), theoretical and managerial implications for the process of technology adoption are discovered. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a structured literature review of the state-of-the-art in technology adoption by LSPs. Drawing on the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and absorptive capacity, the explorative case study research includes systematic analyses of ten technology projects conducted by seven different LSPs. Findings The findings illustrate that the technology access modes (make, buy and ally) prejudge the success of the integration process in terms of technology acceptance, as well as process quality, speed and costs of integration. This relationship is moderated by technology-, firm-, environment- and relation-related factors. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited by its qualitative research approach, only seven different LSPs were addressed. Furthermore, the scope of the investigated technologies is broad but not exhaustive. Practical implications For practitioners, research indicates that the way LSPs access technologies is highly related to a successful integration process. Therefore, the paper provides practical support for improving technology adoption. Originality/value As the link between LSPs’ technology access strategies and a successful integration process has been largely neglected thus far, this paper is the first contribution addressing this research gap. In this context, IDT and absorptive capacity are discussed for application to technology adoption in supply chain management research.

The role of customer relations for innovativeness and customer satisfaction

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Bellingkrodt ◽  
Carl Marcus Wallenburg
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Customer Relations ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Number Of Customers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into commonalities and differences of service innovation across industries. The compared sectors are logistics service providers and IT service providers (SPs). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 778 SPs via an online survey. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the empirical data. Findings – Both types of SPs benefit from close customer relations in terms of innovativeness and customer satisfaction. However, ITSPs rely more on a large number of customers to be innovative than logistics service providers (LSPs), further, LSPs can evoke a higher level of customer satisfaction when being innovative. Research limitations/implications – Empirical data were collected in a single country (Germany) and at one point in time. A confirmation of the results in different service settings is therefore encouraged. Practical implications – The results help managers with regard to their strategic decisions. The differentiating effects influencing innovativeness and customer satisfaction have been revealed. Originality/value – The research is extended by developing a model based on the knowledge of service innovation, social exchange theory and industry characteristics and by empirically testing this model.

3PLSP scale for co‐operative dairies in Indian context

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tejas R. Shah ◽  
Mahendra Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Stable Factor ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Operational Level ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

PurposeThe 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/approachA 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.FindingsA 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/implicationsThis 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 implicationsThe 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/valueMost 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.

Outsourcing in humanitarian logistics – status quo and future directions

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Gossler ◽  
Tina Wakolbinger ◽  
Christian Burkart
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

PurposeOutsourcing of logistics has great importance in disaster relief. Aid agencies spend several billion US dollars every year on logistics services. However, the concept of outsourcing has not been established adequately in literature on humanitarian logistics, leading to a fragmented view of the practice. This paper provides a holistic perspective of the concept by constructing a conceptual framework to analyze both practice and research of outsourcing in humanitarian operations. Based on this analysis, we explore future trends and identify research gaps.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a structured review of academic literature, a two-round Delphi study with 31 experts from aid agencies and a complementary full-day focus group with twelve experts from aid agencies and logistics service providers.FindingsThe paper systemizes the current practice of outsourcing in humanitarian logistics according to a conceptual framework of five dimensions: subject, object, partner, design and context. In addition, it reveals ten probable developments of the practice over the next years. Finally, it describes eight important research gaps and presents a research agenda for the field.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature review considered peer-reviewed academic papers. Practitioner papers could provide additional insights into the practice. Moreover, the Delphi study focused on the perspective of aid agencies. Capturing the views of logistics service providers in more detail would be a valuable addition.Originality/valueThe paper establishes the academic basis for the important practice of outsourcing in humanitarian logistics. It highlights essential research gaps and, thereby, opens up the field for future research.

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