The Effects of Dependence on Brazilian Third-Party Logistics Satisfaction

ABSTRACT Context: studies argue that similar levels of dependence are essential for supplier satisfaction in buyer-supplier relationships. However, asymmetric relationships can also lead to supplier satisfaction. Objective: this paper investigates the effects of benefit-based dependence (positive motivations for maintaining relationships) between buyer and supplier and supplier satisfaction. Methods: response surface analysis (RSA) was used to test the relationship between third-party logistics (3PL) dependence and satisfaction dimensions in 174 dyads. Results: the results demonstrated that about supplier satisfaction, instead of dependence asymmetry what really matters is the degree of dependence between the parties. The more dependent one part is on the other, usually, the greater the supplier’s satisfaction. In many circumstances, a degree of dependence is acceptable and necessary to access resources and opportunities. Conclusions: the interaction between buyer and supplier dependence and supplier satisfaction is complex. Situations of dependence asymmetry in which the supplier is highly dependent on the buyer may still be satisfactory.

Os Efeitos da Dependência na Satisfação dos Operadores Logísticos Brasileiros

ABSTRACT Context: studies argue that similar levels of dependence are essential for supplier satisfaction in buyer-supplier relationships. However, asymmetric relationships can also lead to supplier satisfaction. Objective: this paper investigates the effects of benefit-based dependence (positive motivations for maintaining relationships) between buyer and supplier and supplier satisfaction. Methods: response surface analysis (RSA) was used to test the relationship between third-party logistics (3PL) dependence and satisfaction dimensions in 174 dyads. Results: the results demonstrated that about supplier satisfaction, instead of dependence asymmetry what really matters is the degree of dependence between the parties. The more dependent one part is on the other, usually, the greater the supplier’s satisfaction. In many circumstances, a degree of dependence is acceptable and necessary to access resources and opportunities. Conclusions: the interaction between buyer and supplier dependence and supplier satisfaction is complex. Situations of dependence asymmetry in which the supplier is highly dependent on the buyer may still be satisfactory.

Research on Comprehensive Evaluation of Service Capability of the Third-Party Logistics Suppliers with AHP and Gray Entropy Theory

To solve the problem of third-party logistics (3PL) evaluation and selection, a hybrid method with AHP and gray theory is proposed. First, the literature review about the 3PL evaluation method and technology is introduced. Furthermore, TPL comprehensive service capability evaluation system is established from aspects of service, time, cost and enterprise qualification. Besides, a comprehensive evaluation model process with gray entropy and AHP is introduced. Finally, a detailed evaluation process of 3PL supplier service capability in F company is introduced by an example, and the results show that the evaluation method in the paper is helpful to choose the TPL for logistics outsourcing.

Forensic mapping in a civil proceeding in South Africa

This paper discusses the application of forensic cartography in a civil arbitration case. This arbitration case stemmed from a hijacking of a freight of cigarettes on the 9th of May 2012. Forensic cartography in the form of a report was used to illustrate that the driver of a third-party logistics company was complicit with the crime syndicate that committed the hijacking. Cell phone data was used to map the communication between the various suspects and the driver. The time period of interest was between 15 December 2011 and 9 May 2012. The cellular base stations were used to map these communications in time and space. Based on the evidence provided it was clear that the driver of the third-party logistics company was complicit in committing the crime which led to the arbitration proceedings to be settled by the third-party logistics company in favour of the cigarette manufacturer. Further, it was concluded that the cartographic representation selection for forensic purposes is dictated by the specific case being investigated.

Study on the application of big data techniques for the third-party logistics using novel support vector machine algorithm

PurposeThis paper aims to effectively explore the application effect of big data techniques based on an α-support vector machine-stochastic gradient descent (SVMSGD) algorithm in third-party logistics, obtain the valuable information hidden in the logistics big data and promote the logistics enterprises to make more reasonable planning schemes.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the forgetting factor is introduced without changing the algorithm's complexity and proposed an algorithm based on the forgetting factor called the α-SVMSGD algorithm. The algorithm selectively deletes or retains the historical data, which improves the adaptability of the classifier to the real-time new logistics data. The simulation results verify the application effect of the algorithm.FindingsWith the increase of training times, the test error percentages of gradient descent (GD) algorithm, gradient descent support (SGD) algorithm and the α-SVMSGD algorithm decrease gradually; in the process of logistics big data processing, the α-SVMSGD algorithm has the efficiency of SGD algorithm while ensuring that the GD direction approaches the optimal solution direction and can use a small amount of data to obtain more accurate results and enhance the convergence accuracy.Research limitations/implicationsThe threshold setting of the forgetting factor still needs to be improved. Setting thresholds for different data types in self-learning has become a research direction. The number of forgotten data can be effectively controlled through big data processing technology to improve data support for the normal operation of third-party logistics.Practical implicationsIt can effectively reduce the time-consuming of data mining, realize the rapid and accurate convergence of sample data without increasing the complexity of samples, improve the efficiency of logistics big data mining, reduce the redundancy of historical data, and has a certain reference value in promoting the development of logistics industry.Originality/valueThe classification algorithm proposed in this paper has feasibility and high convergence in third-party logistics big data mining. The α-SVMSGD algorithm proposed in this paper has a certain application value in real-time logistics data mining, but the design of the forgetting factor threshold needs to be improved. In the future, the authors will continue to study how to set different data type thresholds in self-learning.

CPT-TODIM METHOD FOR INTERVAL NEUTROSOPHIC MAGDM AND ITS APPLICATION TO THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS SELECTION

The multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) has always been a concern in the research field. In this article, we establish the interval neutrosophic TODIM method based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT-IN-TODIM) for MAGDM issue. This new developed CPTIN-TODIM method has markedly superiority in describing decision maker’s psychological states, which utilizes the weight function to adjust weighting attributes distinguishing from the classical TODIM method. Then, this new developed method has been applied to select the third-party logistics service providers and been expound on the disparity with existing methods. Finally, the results of contrastive analysis indicate that this new developed method can lead to the appropriate conclusion and sticks out the differences between alternatives to provide clearer direction. Hence, the new developed CPT-IN-TODIM method is reliable and valid.

Enhancing performance in Turkey's logistics firms

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper concentrates on the link between dynamic capability development, strategic management, and environmental performance in third party logistics (3PL) companies. The results revealed that dynamic capabilities – namely, in order of descending importance, the sub-dimensions of sensing, coordinating, learning, and integrating – do drive company performance. In turn, where more environmental munificence is present, dynamic capabilities and strategic management are elevated in their quality and business value delivery. A balance of accessing their market's big picture, tailoring strategy to operational targets, and elevating dynamic capabilities cross-functionally within the company forms a triad for performance-enhancing success among the 3PL manager population. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.