scholarly journals Measurement challenges of supply chain performance in complex shipping environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Photis Panayides ◽  
Odd Jarl Borch ◽  
Anastasiya Henk
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose Logistics service performance measurement (PM) is a fundamental activity pertaining to the achievement of logistics goals and the improvement of services. The choice of logistics PM criteria depends on stakeholder goals and expectations, including logistics service providers, customers and government and regulatory institutions. PM is especially challenging in areas where high values are at stake, several actors are involved and uncertainty about cause-and-effect relations is high. This paper aims to examine the measurement of performance in offshore oil and gas logistics, which has unique characteristics such as a supply chain (SC) exposed to a harsh environment, the presence of several independent carriers and a highly specialised and costly set of vessels involved in long-distance transport legs. Design/methodology/approach The study is designed as a multiple case study of two Norwegian shipping companies and two international oil and gas companies. Data were collected from several parts of the offshore service SC in several Arctic oil and gas fields. Findings This paper sheds light on the performance of the SC and presents key performance indicators for logistics operations. It concludes that the measurement of SC performance must be context-specific and emphasis needs to be placed on the degree of uncertainty and inter-dependency related to the SC in question. Originality/value The study suggests a list of context-specific key performance indicators for offshore logistics with a special emphasis on the peculiarities of a harsh operational environment.

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.

Logistics service quality and customer satisfaction in B2B relationships: a qualitative comparative analysis approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Gaudenzi ◽  
Ilenia Confente ◽  
Ivan Russo
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
B2b Relationships ◽  
Logistics Service Quality

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the logistics service quality (LSQ) from a supply chain quality perspective. The purpose is twofold: (1) to investigate how business customers perceive the LSQ dimensions in business-to-business (B2B) relationships, with a particular focus on the role of logistics service providers and (2) to analyse the manner in which such dimensions, when combined, lead to high levels of customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachData collected through a survey of a sample of Italian food companies are analysed using a qualitative comparative analysis approach. The analysis explores ways of achieving customer satisfaction through different combinations of LSQ dimensions and not only via a “single recipe,” as in most symmetrical methods.FindingsThe study describes how seven dimensions of LSQ lead to achieve customer satisfaction, particularly highlighting and discussing how the different LSQ constructs lead to gain high customer satisfaction via different configurations. This approach is unique in identifying not only linear relationships among variables as traditional statistical methods do, via a configurational approach.Research limitations/implicationsMost academic studies in the related literature investigate service quality from a quality management and a supply chain management perspective. This study fills the existing gap in the analysis of B2B relationships, focusing on the role of third-party logistics (3PL) service providers.Practical implicationsThe study presents useful implications for practitioners, describing several ways in which 3PL service providers can combine LSQ dimensions to perform a continuous improvement of customer experience and to gain higher levels of customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study fills the existing gap in the analysis of B2B relationships, using the lens of quality management and supply chain management perspectives, and focusing on the role of 3PL service providers.

scholarly journals Service modularity in managing healthcare logistics

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 174-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timo Pohjosenperä ◽  
Päivi Kekkonen ◽  
Saara Pekkarinen ◽  
Jari Juga
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Platform ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Cognitive Frame ◽  
Context Specific

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how modularity is used for enabling value creation in managing healthcare logistics services.Design/methodology/approachMaterial logistics of four different kinds of hospitals is examined through a qualitative case study. The theoretical framework builds on the literature on healthcare logistics, service modularity and value creation.FindingsThe case hospitals have developed their material logistics independently from others when looking at the modularity of offerings, processes and organisations. Services, such as assortment management, shelving and developing an information platform, have been performed in-house partly by the care personnel, but steps towards modularised and standardised solutions are now being taken in the case hospitals, including ideas about outsourcing some of the services.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper proposes seven modularity components for healthcare logistics management: segmentation, categorisation and unitisation of offerings, differentiation and decoupling of processes, and centralisation and specialisation of organisations. Thus, this study clarifies the three-dimensional concept of modularity as a cognitive frame for managing logistics services with heterogeneous customer needs in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.Practical implicationsModularity offers a tool for developing logistics services inside the hospital and increases possibilities to consider also external logistics service providers.Social implicationsManaging healthcare logistics services through modularity has potential social implications in developing healthcare processes and changing the usage of health services. On a wider scale, modularity is helping healthcare systems reaching their goals in terms of service quality and cost.Originality/valueThis paper shows the context-specific antecedents of service modularity and the usage of modular thinking in managing healthcare logistics.

scholarly journals Outsourcing of humanitarian logistics to commercial logistics service providers

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioanna Falagara Sigala ◽  
Tina Wakolbinger
Keyword(s):  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Humanitarian Organizations ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the potential of outsourcing of humanitarian logistics activities to commercial logistics service providers (LSPs) throughout the different disaster phases. The authors identify incentives for initiating outsourcing of humanitarian logistics activities to commercial logistics providers, humanitarian logistics activities to be outsourced and selection criteria for partners. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on empirical data collected by interviewing 12 practitioners from commercial LSPs and 12 practitioners from humanitarian organizations (HOs). A review of related literature guided this research. Findings This research shows that incentives for initiating outsourcing engagements, partner selection criteria and activities to be outsourced are changing throughout the different disaster phases. A number of research propositions are presented. Research limitations/implications This research constitutes a first step towards the goal of a comprehensive analysis of humanitarian logistics outsourcing throughout the different disaster phases. The authors collected data from practitioners and large organizations based mainly in Europe and the USA. Hence, insights from national and local organizations of other parts of the world are missing. Practical implications This research provides a deeper understanding of outsourcing of humanitarian logistics activities. As the main implication for practice, the research suggests a strategic use of outsourcing during the three disaster phases. The authors acknowledge that business objectives, risks, stakeholder agendas and requirements, as well as costs play a vital and changing role for outsourcing decision-making during the three disaster stages. The managerial implications arising from the research can provide support to commercial LSPs and HOs that initiate or develop strategic outsourcing relationships. Originality/value This study covers the gap in the humanitarian literature related to context-specific factors of outsourcing in humanitarian logistics by empirically investigating the phenomenon. This is one of the first studies that empirically investigate the potential of outsourcing of humanitarian logistics activities throughout the disaster phases.

Dynamic capabilities of logistics service providers: antecedents and performance implications

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 1058-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy S.N. Chen ◽  
Patrick K.O. Fung ◽  
Simon S.M. Yuen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Dynamic capabilities (DC) have been linked to firm competitive advantage, but the ways in which firms can create and build these DC are still not clear. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model with organizational learning (OL) and supply chain orientation (SCO) as antecedents of dynamic logistics capabilities and firm performance as the outcome. The study tests this model on a sample of logistics service firms. Design/methodology/approach Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data collected from 103 logistics firms drawn from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation of Hong Kong. Findings Results show that OL directly enhances DC and indirectly through SCO. The relationship between OL and SCO is stronger than the relationship between OL and DC. DC are positively related to logistics firm performance. Research limitations/implications The study relied on perceptual and self-reported data from senior management. Relationships among variables may also be inflated by common method variance but efforts were taken to reduce this threat. Practical implications Logistics firms should promote a learning culture in the organization. Organization learning enhances a firm’s willingness to change and innovate. It also helps employees to gain a better understanding of clients’ supply chains and possibilities. SCO helps the firm to direct its reconfiguration and renewal efforts where the returns are the highest. Originality/value There is scant empirical research on the antecedents of DC outside of manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services. The study focused on the logistics services industry. SCO, a necessary strategic orientation for firms in the supply chain, has not been empirically investigated in the previous research. This study addressed these gaps in the literature and contributes to the understanding of the factors giving rise to DC.

scholarly journals How can logistics service providers foster supply chain collaboration in logistics triads? Insights from the Italian grocery industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Bruno Prataviera ◽  
Alessandro Creazza ◽  
Fabrizio Dallari ◽  
Marco Melacini
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Previous Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

Purpose Collaborative solutions are increasingly being proposed to generate value in supply chains. Concurrently, firms have progressively outsourced logistics operations to logistics service providers (LSPs). However, many questions remain unsolved regarding the role played by LSPs in supporting supply chain collaboration (SCC) in triadic rather than dyadic contexts. This study aims to explore the relational mechanisms that LSPs can leverage to foster value creation through collaboration, elaborating on an existing theory about SCC by focussing on logistics triads. Design/methodology/approach By leveraging the view of the network theory, a multiple case study approach was adopted. Seven cases having logistics triads as units of analysis were identified and analysed within the Italian grocery supply chain, allowing for empirical investigation with a middle-range approach to extend the previous theory. Findings LSPs are pivotal actors that can actively promote SCC. LSPs can exploit large volumes and asset availability to increase efficiency while improving logistics flexibility and developing regular and trustworthy relationships with the other triad members. Building upon their logistics capabilities and the relational mechanisms in place, LSPs can help manufacturers collaborate with retailers by improving mutual trust and communication, acting as trust builders or trust conductors within the triad. Originality/value The study explores the role of LSPs in logistics triads, extending the previous literature. It highlights that LSPs facilitate not only supply and demand integration but also relational integration between firms. Trust emerges as a fundamental building block for SCC, as LSPs can look beyond economic benefits to foster partnerships that empower the co-development of original collaborative solutions.

scholarly journals Horizontal logistics collaboration for enhanced supply chain performance: an international retail perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 631-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasco Sanchez Rodrigues ◽  
Irina Harris ◽  
Robert Mason
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Distribution Costs ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Stage 1

Purpose – The paper aims to develop a supply chain-driven model horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC). HLC initiatives can fail. To improve the chance of success, a thorough consideration of the potential issues involved, such as seeking supply chain partners’ support, ensuring access to information/data security and assessing whether an HLC model could bring improvements to a wide range of supply chain metrics rather than reductions in distribution costs only, needs to be understood before deciding to proceed with such an initiative. Design/methodology/approach – A two-stage methodology is deployed. As part of Stage 1, a series of 20 semi-structured interviews with senior managers from retailers, retailers’ suppliers and logistics service providers were undertaken. Subsequently, in Stage 2, a focus group with practitioners from retailers and logistics service providers was run to verify the findings gathered during Stage 1. Four elements of a new HLC project being considered are investigated by supply chain champions across the UK Fast-Moving Costumer Goods industry, namely, consideration factors, required synergies, enablers and anticipated output metrics. Findings – When considering whether to embark on an HLC project, the supply chain requirements need to be taken into account and potential supply chain performance benefits projected. The paper identified several consideration factors; synergies and enablers that support the development of HLC projects are identified, such as legislation, trust among partners, common suppliers and delivery bases, capable third party logistics (3PL) and an effective commercial model, including a fair sharing of benefits. Research limitations/implications – The research provides new understanding in accounting for the needs of the supply chain when considering an HLC initiative involving leading players from the retail sector. Practical implications – The importance of taking a supply chain approach when evaluating the feasibility of HLC is demonstrated. HLC arrangements among competing supply chains need to be designed and run by taking account of all supply chain partners, namely, suppliers, 3PLs and customers (in this case, retailers). Originality/value – The contribution is threefold: identification of outset consideration factors, ideal required synergies, actioning enablers and wider supply chain metrics of HLC; development of a supply chain-driven model for HLC, which includes in the decision-making whether or not to adopt a horizontal logistics collaboration model, wide supply chain metrics such as stock levels of finished products and shelf availability, inventory, working and fixed capital, and product waste in addition to distribution costs; and, the proposal of a new definition for HLC which challenges published definitions.

Evaluating the key performance indicators for supply chain information system implementation using IPA model

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1844-1863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal Ganguly ◽  
Siddharth Shankar Rai
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ahp Model ◽  
Novel Approach

Purpose To enhance the transparency of the supply chain and ensure proper dissemination of information among the supply chain members in a timely manner, more and more companies are implementing supply chain information system (SCIS). Often the challenge among the organizations is how to go for a proper SCIS implementation and to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the SCIS. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to evaluate the KPIs for SCIS of SCISs implementation from user’s perspectives. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, 16 KPIs were identified based on extensive literature survey. A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model is constructed to measure the users’ perceived importance and satisfaction for the KPIs. Subsequently, based on these two measurements, an importance-performance analysis (IPA) model along with a customer satisfaction attitude (SA) index is developed to categorize and prioritize the KPIs. As an empirical study, SCIS users across five industries belonging to different sectors were investigated to validate the model. Findings An IPA model along with a customer SA index is developed based on a fuzzy AHP model to evaluate the KPIs and provide the priorities of their improvement. Based on this result, some management implications and suggestions are proposed. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to five organizations. More representative samples which can be sector specific can ensure better confirmation of the empirical results. Originality/value The KPIs identified in the research indicate the nature and dynamics of a complex SCIS implementation. It can serve as a checklist of areas that require attention when implementing a SCIS. The KPIs are presented through grouping in a systemic way. The development of the SAs in IPA model using fuzzy AHP is a novel approach.

Explaining logistics social responsibility from a dynamic capabilities perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 1255-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Gruchmann ◽  
Stefan Seuring
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Capabilities Theory ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities Perspective

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.

The impact of supply chain relationship quality on performance in the maritime logistics industry in light of firm characteristics

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 1077-1097 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youngran Shin ◽  
Vinh Thai ◽  
Kum Fai Yuen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Firm Characteristics ◽  
Maritime Logistics ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Configuration Theory ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Anchoring on configuration theory, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate how supply chain relationship quality (SCRQ) differs across firm characteristics (FC) in the maritime logistics industry. In addition, it utilises transactional cost theory to establish the relationship between SCRQ and supply chain performance (SCP). Design/methodology/approach The data were obtained from a survey with 205 maritime logistics service players (shipping firms, shippers and freight forwarders) in Singapore. MANOVA and t-test analyses are used to examine the difference in SCRQ (i.e. trust and commitment) across FC which includes firm types and ownership types. Thereafter, structural equation modelling is employed to examine the influence of SCRQ on SCP. Findings The results indicate that the effects of trust and commitment on SCRQ vary significantly. It was also found that trust as an aspect of SCRQ has a significant impact on SCP, whereas commitment does not. Research limitations/implications As the field data were obtained from only one industry, future replication of the findings to other industries should consider industry-specific factors, if applicable. Practical implications It is suggested that maritime logistics service players should carefully manage trust and commitment to simultaneously enable SCP. By identifying the various aspects of FC that contribute to SCRQ, maritime logistics service providers could devise appropriate strategies for different customer segments more effectively. Originality/value This study expands current supply chain research by linking two dimensions of SCRQ in relationship marketing with SCP in supply chain management. It is also one of the first empirical attempts to explore the role of FC in the linkage between SCRQ and SCP in the maritime logistics industry.

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