Demand choices of high-tech industry for logistics service providers—an empirical case of an offshore science park in Taiwan

This study presents a methodological framework for analyzing factors that influence market share of third-party logistics (TPL) in high-tech industry. An emerging science park located in Southern Taiwan was chosen as the empirical case for the study. Confirmatory factor analysis was first conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the census data (136 outsourcing cases from 68 high-tech manufacturers). This was followed by calibrations of a binary logit model that examines the demand choices of the manufacturers in selecting two types of TPLs, express and forwarder. Results indicate that the strongest determinant of industrial demand choices is the service performance of the TPL, followed by service cost, and added value. In improving these service factors, the market share effect of express-based TPL is found to be slightly greater than that of forwarder-based. The analysis indicates that high-tech manufacturers with larger annual sales or smaller shipments favor express services over forwarding services.     

Assessing the relational benefits of logistics services perceived by manufacturers in supply chain

The growing importance of logistics activities that span the boundaries of supply chain firms has put an emphasis on supply chain relationship management. Based on the existing marketing concept on relational benefits and the supply chain management literature on consumer satisfaction, this research evaluates logistics service performance from the eyes of manufacturers. Using data collected from US manufacturing firms, the study has identified the factors that influence manufacturer's satisfaction, as well as the key to understanding the benefits-satisfaction-loyalty triads in supply chain relationships. The contribution of the paper includes developing a conceptual model, adding new theoretical insights into benefits-satisfaction-loyalty triad that has been applied by manufacturers and LSPs, and providing some meaningful perspective on how to strategically assess the use of logistics providers so as to transform a logistics firm from a tactical service provider to a hand-in-glove strategic partner.     

The impact of third-party logistics providers' capabilities on exporters' performance

Third-party logistics (3PL) services have experienced unprecedented growth. However, we are not aware of any study that explores the relationships among logistics outsourcing, competitive advantage, and business performance. We study the mediating role of logistics outsourcing as a strategy to develop firms' capabilities in the strategy-performance relationship. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm, we develop a research model grounded in the outsourcing-competitive advantage-performance paradigm. We apply structural equation modeling to empirically test the model using data collected from 150 exporters in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region of China. The results show that there are positive relationships among exporters' strategic orientation towards third-party logistics (3PL) providers, 3PL providers' basic and augmented capabilities, exporters' competitive advantage, and exporters' export performance. We also find that 3PL providers' augmented capabilities and exporters' competitive advantage are strong mediators, supporting the theorized model underpinned by RBV.     

Evaluation of 4PL operating models: A decision making approach based on 2-additive Choquet integral

By being a supply chain integrator who can assemble and manage the resources, capabilities, and technology of its own organization with those of complementary service providers, fourth party logistics (4PL) providers deliver comprehensive supply chain solutions and form an important option for business outsourcing. The adequate design of the partnership between companies in this type of outsourcing activities is essential. In order to support the effective usage of 4PL services, this paper proposes an analytical multiple criteria decision making approach to evaluate 4PL operating models. While decision criteria and their hierarchy were identified, it is observed that there exist interactions, e.g. simultaneous satisfaction of two or criteria is sometimes required. This situation can not be handled with traditional multi-criteria decision making methods which assume criteria independence. 2-additive Choquet integral is appropriate to model criteria interactions by pairs and is used in this study. The proposed framework is applied for a logistics company willing to expand its operations. Finally, an application is provided to demonstrate the potential of the methodology for 4PL operating model selection.     

Capabilities for advanced services: A multi-actor perspective

Servitization involves manufacturers developing service offerings to grow revenue and profit. Advanced services, in particular, can facilitate a more service-focused organization and impact customers' business processes significantly. However, approaches to servitization are often discussed solely from the manufacturer's perspective; overlooking the role of other network actors. Adopting a multi-actor perspective, this study investigates manufacturer, intermediary and customer perspectives to identify complementary and competing capabilities within a manufacturer's downstream network, required for advanced services. Interviews were conducted with 24 senior executives in 19 UK-based manufacturers, intermediaries and customers across multiple sectors. The study identified six key business activities, within which advanced services capabilities were grouped. The unique and critical capabilities for advanced services for each actor were identified as follows: manufacturers; the need to balance product and service innovation, developing customer-focused through-life service methodologies and having distinct, yet synergistic product and service cultures; intermediaries, the coordination and integration of third party products/services; customers, co-creating innovation and having processes supporting service outsourcing. The study is unique in highlighting the distinct roles of different actors in the provision of advanced services and shows that they can only be developed and delivered by the combination of complex interconnected capabilities found within a network.     

Antecedents to and outcomes of reverse logistics metrics

Business to business reverse logistics processes are shaped in large part by a firm's strategy to meet regulatory (e.g. waste electrical and electronic equipment directive) and certification (e.g. ISO 14000) requirements. Firms adopt both recommended and internally developed reverse logistics metrics in order to monitor the performance of these processes along the entire value chain, and especially amongst both buyer and supplier marketing interactions. Unfortunately, literature regarding antecedents to and outcomes of reverse logistics metric development is scarce, leaving industrial marketing professionals with limited guidance as to how to establish and gain value from a sophisticated metric program. This study uses goal-setting theory and the knowledge-based view to conceptualize a model that examines transactions from the perspective of both the supplier (inbound reverse logistics) and customer (outbound reverse logistics) in a business to business context. This granular view reveals how actors occupying different supply chain positions manage collaborative marketing processes such as reverse logistics. Survey data were gathered from organizations affiliated with the United States Department of Defense supply chain and hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results corroborate the assertion that information support capabilities and stated goals are antecedents to establishing metrics; however, the study uncovers outcome disparities between inbound and outbound reverse logistics processes. As the roles of both suppliers and customers in complying with take-back regulation continue to grow, the findings of this study provide marketing professionals and scholars with important insights regarding the use of reverse logistics metrics.     

企业物流服务组织模式与决策动因的对应分析

企业物流服务组织中的主要模式一般包括物流外包、物流自营以及部分外包部分自营。在现实中,由于受到复杂主、客观环境因素的影响,企业在进行物流服务模式的选择时必须考虑诸多因素,以形成合理的、具有针对性的决策方案。因此,研究企业物流服务组织模式与决策动因之间的关系非常重要。本文通过对物流服务需求方实体企业的抽样调查分析,从企业所在系统和环境因素入手来挖掘企业决定其物流组织模式的主要动因,运用对应分析方法对不同物流服务模式与决策动因之间的关系进行研究,从而为企业的物流决策行为提供借鉴。     

基于企业竞争力视角的物流金融服务研究

作为顺应市场发展、实现多方共赢的创新型物流服务,物流金融不仅有利于中小企业融资和银行金融业务的创新,也是提高物流企业竞争力的重要方式。本文以我国物流企业的未来竞争力为视角,对发展物流金融服务的具体策略和路径进行深入探讨,指出物流金融服务必将推动物流企业的管理创新和业务发展,成为我国物流企业决胜未来和物流产业迅猛发展的重要手段。     

Formalization of reverse logistics programs: A strategy for managing liberalized returns

The ability to manage returns has become a critical success factor for many firms. Liberal returns policies are encouraging large volumes of returns, and reverse logistics programs are being used to recover returned assets that would otherwise be lost. However, lack of formal policy may inhibit reverse logistics effectiveness. This research examines the relationships between formalization, liberal policies, and related capabilities and overall effectiveness of reverse logistics programs for a sample of firms in the automobile aftermarket parts industry.     

物流云服务下动态设施选址问题研究

基于云计算的物流云服务平台利用云中的资源,可以实现供应链上资源的优化组合,进而改变了供应链节点间的服务映射关系,真正实现节点间的"多对多"映射,从而一定程度上改变动态设施选址的模式。在物流云服务环境下研究动态选址问题,结合云服务环境下"多对多"映射关系的特性,以动态P中值选址为例,提出了一种新的基于云服务的动态选址模型,并结合具体算例,运用Cplex求解,证明在物流云服务环境下,可以明显降低选址总成本,同时增加供应链的服务柔性。     

供应链视角下的煤炭物流企业运营模式创新研究

《煤炭物流发展规划》的出台为煤炭物流产业的发展提供了重大机遇,也为煤炭物流企业的模式创新提出了新的要求。以供应链管理的视角研究煤炭物流运营,提出了煤炭物流企业的定位和跨越发展模式、网络整合模式、战略联盟模式、增值服务模式和产业延伸模式。     

Improving logistics outsourcing through increasing buyer-provider interaction

Logistics outsourcing has been at the top of the management agenda during recent decades. Through this approach companies have been able to improve logistics performance. However, several studies point out severe problems with outcome and it is even claimed that in some cases “logistics outsourcing has become a source of corporate failure and disappointment” [Boyson, S., Corsi, T., Dresner, M. and Rabinovich, E. (1999). Managing effective third-party logistics relationships: What does it take? Journal of Business Logistics, 20 (1), 73-100.]. Previous research shows that many companies have taken outsourced functions back in-house. The aim of this paper is to explore the reasons behind the problems in logistics outsourcing. Our analysis is based on an extensive literature survey. This examination indicates that outsourcing decisions require a holistic perspective. We apply the industrial network model [Håkansson, H. and Snehota, I. (1995). Developing relationships in business networks. Routledge, London.] for the analysis of potential consequences of logistics outsourcing. The main conclusion of the paper is that increasing interaction between buyer and provider would be beneficial to the outcome of outsourcing.     

Outsourcing integration and third party logistics services: An appreciation of two ‘classic’ articles in industrial marketing management

This paper provides an appreciation of two highly cited, ‘classic’ Industrial Marketing Management articles pertaining to outsourcing integration and third party logistics services. The appreciation includes revisiting the general topic themes emanating from both articles, third-party logistics (3PL) service providers, outsourcing and core competence for competitive advantage, relationships, integrating supply chain actors, and combining products and services as a value proposition, with an objective to cast each article's influence on, and ongoing and future contributions to, present day research.     

Developing logistics value propositions: Drawing Insights from a distributed manufacturing solution

With a focus on supply chains as ecosystems of service exchange, our paper aims to explore how value propositions are developed and evolve via combinations of service innovation. A single longitudinal case study is presented. The units of analysis are different projects along a logistics service provider (LSP)’s innovation journey. The study explores how the case company identified innovation in logistics as a gap and developed a distributed manufacturing strategy with a unique business model involving a reallocation of production functions across a global supply network. Our contribution is two-fold. In terms of theory, we adopt a service-dominant logic perspective to investigate how companies' value propositions evolve over time. In terms of managerial contributions, our paper provides insights into how service providers can strategically integrate their resources with service ecosystem partners to provide competitive business propositions.     

服务外包与中国产业升级：基于全球化的视角

全球化和信息技术发展为后起国家的产业升级提供了新的选择。通过发展服务外包,新兴经济国家可充分发挥后发优势,这些国家的产业升级有可能突破传统的线性路径。相对于制造业,中国服务业的市场化和国际化水平较低。发展服务外包将为中国产业升级带来新的机遇。本文以全球化为视角,探讨服务外包与后起国家产业升级的路径变化,并运用SWOT方法,分析我国发展服务外包的优势与差距,提出推进服务外包发展、促进产业升级的政策措施。     

物流外包边界问题研究

物流外包（第三方物流）近年来在全球得以快速发展，除第三方物流的产业技术经济优势外，还有着深层次的经济理论根源。本文运用交易成本理论，按照企业边界理论的分析方法，深入研究物流外包的边界问题，并分析第三方物流迅猛发展的理论基础．探讨如何利用物流外包边界思想来解决相关实际问题。     

Assessing resources, logistics service capabilities, innovation capabilities and the performance of container shipping services in Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between resource, logistics service capability, innovation capability and the performance of Taiwanese container shipping service firms based on the resource-based view (RBV). A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was employed to test the research hypotheses. Results indicated that resource had a significant positive effect on logistics service capabilities and innovation capabilities. In addition, the findings indicated that logistics service capability had a positive effect on the performance of container shipping service firms. However, resource and innovation capability were not found to have significantly positive effects on firms’ performance. Theoretical and managerial implications of the research findings for container shipping service firms are discussed.     

Decision support for build-to-order supply chain management through multiobjective optimization

This paper aims to identify the gaps in decision-making support based on multiobjective optimization (MOO) for build-to-order supply chain management (BTO-SCM). To this end, it reviews the literature available on modelling build-to-order supply chains (BTO-SC) with the focus on adopting MOO techniques as a decision support tool. The literature has been classified based on the nature of the decisions in different part of the supply chain, and the key decision areas across a typical BTO-SC are discussed in detail. Available software packages suitable for supporting decision making in BTO supply chains are also identified and their related solutions are outlined. The gap between the modelling and optimization techniques developed in the literature and the decision support needed in practice are highlighted. Future research directions to better exploit the decision support capabilities of MOO are proposed. These include: reformulation of the extant optimization models with a MOO perspective, development of decision supports for interfaces not involving manufacturers, development of scenarios around service-based objectives, development of efficient solution tools, considering the interests of each supply chain party as a separate objective to account for fair treatment of their requirements, and applying the existing methodologies on real-life data sets.     

Production planning of a hybrid manufacturing-remanufacturing system under uncertainty within a closed-loop supply chain

This paper deals with the production planning and control of a single product involving combined manufacturing and remanufacturing operations within a closed-loop reverse logistics network with machines subject to random failures and repairs. While consumers traditionally dispose of products at the end of their life cycle, recovery of the used products may be economically more attractive than disposal, while remanufacturing of the products also pursues sustainable development goals. Three types of inventories are involved in this network. The manufactured and remanufactured items are stored in the first and second inventories. The returned products are collected in the third inventory and then remanufactured or disposed of. The objective of this research is to propose a manufacturing/remanufacturing policy that would minimize the sum of the holding and backlog costs for manufacturing and remanufacturing products. The decision variables are the production rates of the manufacturing and the remanufacturing machines. The optimality conditions are developed using the optimal control theory based on stochastic dynamic programming. A computational algorithm, based on numerical methods, is used for solving the optimal control problem. Finally, a numerical example and a sensitivity analysis are presented to illustrate the usefulness of the proposed approach. The structure of the optimal control policy is discussed depending on the value of costs and parameters and extensions to more complex reverse logistics networks are discussed.     

Managing reverse logistics to enhance sustainability of industrial marketing

In this paper, a sustainable industrial marketing framework of latest requirement of green and sustainable operation is proposed. When literatures in strategy, marketing and operation have provided insight about the efficiency of reverse logistics and business value for the customer, the interrelationship is still under explored. This raises the question whether manufacturers could determine ecological friendly strategies to address their customer's environmental conscious needs and design the suitable solution to strike the balance between ecology and economics. Based on the case study of a medical product manufacturer, this study addresses this question by investigating how manufacturers identify the problem of reverse logistics; design and develop of sustainable product and service by enhancing the efficiency of operations, and market competencies that add value to their customers' business processes. Within the strategy for designing for effective reverse logistics, these findings contribute to understand the use of information system and technology for reverse logistics to enhance the customer's business process and provide value-added process for customer retention.