scholarly journals The role of TPLs in innovative logistics solutions in importation

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-91
Author(s):  
Alessandra Vitorino Razzera ◽  
Marcelo André Machado
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Mind Set

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in providing innovative logistics solutions for Brazilian importations. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study has been conducted in which four logistics service providers are interviewed on the topic of innovation in importation logistics. The collected data (interviews, brochures and presentations) were triangulated and analyzed. Findings The collected data highlight the integrating role of TPLs in providing innovative logistics solutions of the technological nature, in addition to drivers, which involve communication, trust, logistics and institutional actions. Research limitations/implications This study, instead of focusing on procedural issues, intended to focus on two important theoretical and practical drivers: innovation in the importation process and strengthening of intangible factors. It is known that trading conditions and geographical proximity have an impact in importation, but they have not been discussed here because of the subject delimitation of the present study. Regarding the implications of the present study, no specific theoretical reference has been found on the subject in terms of the importation process but is rather related to information technology, which is then presented. Practical implications This study focuses on the fundamental role of TPLs in the development of innovative logistics solutions in importation. Social implications The fundamental role of TPLs in the development of innovative logistics solutions in importation is based on trust and relationship, internal and external to the organization. Originality/value This study, instead of focusing on procedural issues, intends to focus on two important theoretical and practical drivers – innovation in the importation process and strengthening of intangible factors – suggesting that a change of mind-set and a differentiated background in importation logistics are developed by TPLs.

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.

Relationship marketing and third-party logistics: evidence from hotel industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjida Reza ◽  
Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik ◽  
Navaz Naghavi ◽  
Raja Rub Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Hotel Industry ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Investment

PurposeThis study examines the outsourcing criteria prevalent in the Hotel industry of Pakistan. In doing so, the study investigates the role of trust in the association between relationship marketing dimensions—communication, opportunistic behavior, reputation, satisfactory prior outcomes and specific investment—and third-party logistics provider’s (3PL) selection.Design/methodology/approachUsing a close-ended questionnaire, data were collected from 97 hotels of various categories operating in Pakistan and involved in 3PL outsourcing. Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modeling was employed to estimate the modeled relationships.FindingsWith a high predictive relevance of the model, communication, satisfactory prior outcome and reputation were found to have a significant effect on the trust, whereas the results showed a significant mediating role of trust in the association between communication, reputation and 3PL provider’s selection.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses static data from selected firms and cannot be used to analyze behavior over a period of time. Hence, a generalization of results should be made carefully.Practical implicationsFindings imply that for fully capitalizing on the benefits by virtue of their prospective relationship, the managers must streamline their processes and activities according to path directions that endorse a higher degree of trust in their service providers and establish an effective system of communications interconnecting their mutual goals and objectives.Originality/valueThe outcome of the research study illustrated the perceptions of the local businesses with regards to the 3PL service provider(s) selection via the establishment of trust.

Evaluating the Supply Chain Role of Logistics Service Providers

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yemisi A. Bolumole
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Strategy ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

The shift from traditional and functional third‐party logistics to comprehensive supply‐chain relationships has significant implications for the role of third‐party logistics service providers (3pls). Extending previous research in which four factors were found to influence 3pls' supply chain function, this paper contains an assessment of the varying role(s) 3pls can play in the supply chain. The factors include: the strategic orientation of the outsourcing organization; its perception of 3pls' roles within the logistics strategy; the nature of the resultant client‐3pl relationship; and, the extent to which logistics is outsourced. The supply chain impact of these factors are evaluated based on the findings from case study research. Each different 3pl role (conceptual and empirical) is examined and implications for practical implementation are provided.

Knowledge management in environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics service providers

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Evangelista ◽  
Susanne Durst
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Companies ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Sustainability Practices

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured literature review on knowledge management (KM) and KM strategy in environmental sustainability practices of logistics service providers. The paper highlights the nature and scope of existing research and identifies areas for future research. Design/methodology/approach – The study consists of a systematic review of existing research regarding KM in sustainable logistics. In all, 38 refereed research papers formed the basis of analysis. This methodology allows for the minimization of researcher bias and the maximization of reliability and replicability. Findings – The literature review made possible the identification of three basic elements through which building-up appropriate KM approaches and KM strategies in the area of environmental sustainability by third-party logistics service companies will be enhanced: customer relationship management, quality of human resources and the adoption of information and communication technology tools and systems. Research limitations/implications – This study may not have enabled a complete coverage of all articles in the field of KM in the context of environmental sustainability practices of logistics service companies. Yet, it seems reasonable to assume that the review process covered a large share of studies available. The main research implications deriving from the study concern research methods, analysis of factors hampering/supporting the implementation of KM in practices related to environmental sustainability, development of measures to demonstrate the impact of KM on sustainability practices and role of different stakeholders in the implementation of KM in environmental sustainability practices. Originality/value – To the best of the authors ' knowledge, no systematic literature review on this topic has previously been published in academic journals.

scholarly journals Distributed manufacturing as an opportunity for service growth in logistics firms

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Purvis ◽  
Andrew Lahy ◽  
Robert Mason ◽  
Mike Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Distributed Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Changing Role

Purpose The aim of the paper is to explore the changing role of a logistics service providers (LSPs) to better support their supply chain (SC) partners on their journey of advancing their product-service systems through distributing manufacturing around the world. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a novel route towards service growth followed by the LSP by integrating upstream into the value chain and the resultant consequences in the configuration of the servitisation strategy, SC structure and allocation of roles. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal exploratory case study design is followed. The case company is one of the world’s largest LSPs. Findings The study highlights how companies can transition towards the development of service solutions when not following a uni-directional, downstream pattern of integration in the value chain. The findings challenge the established model of servitisation as a forward uni-directional process across the continuum from goods to a service-focussed logic. They illustrate how companies can also move in a reversed direction, move possible back-and-forth or extend and restrict their position along the servitisation continuum. Originality/value The study reveals that service transition involves a deliberate developmental process to build capabilities as firms shift the focus of their product-service offering. It provides novel empirical evidence of how the service growth journey can manifest itself in practice. With insights into the benefits and challenges of distributed manufacturing, it also highlights some of the opportunities available to LSPs to expand their product-service offerings and some of the potential threats.

scholarly journals THE COMPLEX RESEARCH METHOD IN THE QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (26) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tam Minh Vu ◽  
Quang Van Le
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Complex Case ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Study Methodology

The complex case study is one of the qualitative research methods applied in many fields. However, studies using this method are limited since various forms need identifying in orderto match the research objectives. Within the content of this article, the author introduces the basic theories and steps of the complex case study in qualitative analysis. In addition, in order  to facilitate the clearer understanding and the application, this article illustrates the topic of "innovation in cooperation between third party logistics service providers and customers" using this method. In this article, the author presents three analytical cases: (1) Nike - APL Logistic scenarios; (2) APL Logistic - TBS Logistics; (3) APL Logistic - ICD Tan Cang Song Than to clarify the steps of the complex case study methodology.

Customer pressure and green innovations at third party logistics providers in China

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaofang Chu ◽  
Linlin Wang ◽  
Fujun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Organization Culture ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Green Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Conditional Effect ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how customer pressure influences green innovation in the context of Chinese third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and especially the role of organizational culture in moderating this relationship.Design/methodology/approachBased on survey data collected from 165 3PL providers in China, hierarchical moderated regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses.FindingsCustomer pressure is an important driver of green innovation amongst 3PL providers. Flexibility-oriented organizational culture strengthens the effect of this driving force, while control-oriented organizational culture weakens this force. Green innovation significantly contributes to financial performance and flexibility orientation strengthens this contribution, while control orientation weakens it.Research limitations/implicationsThis research examines the contingency effect of organizational culture in helping to resolve inconsistencies in the relationship between customer pressure and green innovation. Although the inconsistencies cannot be resolved completely, the research opens an avenue to explore other contingency factors or the possibility of a non-linear relationship.Practical implications3PL firms could undertake green innovation to satisfy customers’ environmental requirements. To develop their green innovation initiatives, managers should allow their employees greater autonomy and design (or re-design) operations procedures and regulations to be more flexible, thus enabling the diffusion of green innovation and avoiding or reducing the potential influence of control-oriented organization culture.Originality/valueThe study considers the conditional effect of organizational culture to reconcile the mixed results in the literature regarding the relationship between customer pressure and green innovation of logistics service providers.

The Effects of the Financial Crisis on 3PL Enterprises

2013 ◽  
pp. 427-448
Author(s):  
Fotios Misopoulos ◽  
Konstantinos Papathanasiou
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Financial Crisis Of 2008

This research examines the various ways in which Third Party Logistics service providers (3PLs) are being affected by the current market turmoil, also known as the financial crisis of 2008-2010 (which still rages on). Furthermore, the research locates and analyses the countermeasures 3PLs apply in order to respond to the recession. The main focus is in the Greek market; however a global overview of the industry was considered vital in order to conceptualize the entire subject in a clear and comprehensible way. The main aspects of the logistics industry have been described, and the significance and role of 3PLs are stated appropriately. A deep research on past growth of such enterprises, combined with the effects and impacts previous crises had, and the extracted information utilized by the conducted research, has led to unquestionable results - in terms of affection and selected countermeasures - which are representative for the 3PL providers throughout the Greek market.

scholarly journals Towards a framework on the factors conditioning the role of logistics service providers in the provision of inventory financing

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 1225-1241
Author(s):  
Sumeer Chakuu ◽  
Donato Masi ◽  
Janet Godsell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Transaction Costs ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Credit Rationing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Inventory Financing

PurposeThis paper explores the conditions in which logistics service providers (LSPs) can compete or collaborate with banks in offering inventory financing as a supply chain finance (SCF) service.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study research methodology was adopted. The case study involved six LSPs across Europe. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews.FindingsThe results highlighted that an attractive credit demand for LSPs consists in suppliers with high amounts of inventory or borrowing needs that go beyond their borrowing capacity from the perspective of a bank. LSPs can respond to this demand when they have three specific capabilities as follows: risk assessment, risk monitoring and organizational capabilities. The offer of inventory financing can be controlled by the LSPs or by the banks. When the LSPs control the offer, they offer different conditions compared to the banks in terms of credit rationing, transaction costs, payment flexibility, tax rate advantage and financial risk management. When the banks control the offer, the LSPs influence the nature of the SCF services only in terms of credit rationing and transaction costs. The LSPs seem to easily develop risk assessment and risk mitigation capabilities, while the organisational capabilities appear to be the most challenging to build, and when absent they create a barrier to the provision of inventory financing.Originality/valueThe value of the paper is twofold. First, the paper provides a comprehensive taxonomy of the factors conditioning the role of the LSPs in the provision of inventory financing as a SCF service. Second, the paper clarifies the link between the factors and the different roles played by the LSPs.

Talent acquisition in startups in India: the role of social capital

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumar Mukul ◽  
Gordhan K. Saini
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Talent Acquisition

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the talent acquisition practices adopted by startups and understand how small entrepreneurs leverage social capital to address the talent acquisition challenges faced by them, and; identify some of the unique parameters adopted by startups in talent acquisition. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multiple case study method to explore the talent acquisition practices in startups in India. The study included six case studies on startups in Hubli city of North Karnataka in India. Findings This paper finds that startups (especially in smaller cities) face challenges such as lower quality of talent pool, absence of a brand name, inability to provide competitive salary and other benefits as per industry standards and locational disadvantages in talent acquisition. Thus, entrepreneurs leverage their social capital for talent acquisition by handpicking talent on the basis of familiarity or credible networks and recommendations. Incubation centres provide institutionalized sources of social capital to help them attract good talent. This study finds that employee-culture fit and trust play important role in acquiring talent in startups. Practical implications The study has implications for startup entrepreneurs, recruitment service providers, incubation centres, trainers, policymakers, etc. The study provides useful insights to the startups with regard to their recruitment practices. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature in the domains of talent acquisition, startups and social capital by describing hiring challenges faced by startups and exploring the mechanisms used by them in overcoming such challenges.

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