Exploring Logistics-as-a-Service to integrate the consumer into urban freight

A few studies on response blocking as well as response interruption and redirection (RIRD) as a treatment for automatically maintained problem behavior have examined different levels of treatment integrity. Results from these studies have shown continued suppression of responding under low levels of integrity for some participants after they were exposed to blocking at full integrity. The current study compared the treatment effects of RIRD at two levels of integrity (100 and 33%). The 33% condition was not preceded by exposure to full integrity. Four children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 8 and 16 participated. The effects of treatment integrity on vocal stereotypy were assessed using an ABAB‐variant design in which B consisted of an alternating‐treatments comparison of different levels of integrity. Results varied across participants, and although both conditions decreased stereotypy, 100% integrity produced lower levels of stereotypy quicker than 33%. The current study expands upon current literature by suggesting that lower levels of integrity (33%) may still suppress vocal stereotypy.

Cloud computing (CC) services can offer substantial cost-effective global operational and relationship benefits if the cooperation between logistics and CC services are resilient. Potential vulnerabilities to cooperation of CC and logistics service providers can occur with respect to vital factors such as security and trust. Extant studies have demonstrated CC benefits as well as few challenges associated with CC services application. However, no extant study has examined the inter-organisational benefits based on cooperative resilience between CC and logistics service providers in terms of both capability and trust vulnerability factors. This study examines the cooperative resilience of logistics and CC service providers based on innovation diffusion theory within a supply chain risk assessment framework. Using structural equation modelling techniques, we investigate the relationship between the vulnerability factor (trust), capability factor (security) and collaboration benefits (relationship and operational) offered by CC service providers based on 236 Chinese logistics service firms’ perceptions of CC adoption. The results indicate Chinese logistics companies perceive security impediments as a major factor affecting cooperative resilience between logistics service and CC service providers.

In today's rapidly evolving world and global marketplace, the logistics industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation due to the age of digitalization. The logistics service providers play a crucial role in facilitating the efficient movement of goods and services across various industries. As technology continues to advance, logistics service providers must adapt to the changing landscape and embrace digital solutions to remain competitive. The concept of Industry 5.0 has emerged as the next phase of industrial revolution, characterized by the seamless collaboration between humans and automated systems. Within this context, the logistics sector, known for its intricate supply chains and extensive operations, stands to benefit immensely from the integration of Industry 5.0 principles. This essay aims to examine and explore the current situation of logistic sector and service providers in light of digitalization, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they face in this dynamic environment.

Currently, logistics service providers experience a high increase in activity. It makes logistics service providers compete with each other in service quality. To be able to compete, logistics service providers need to measure customer perceptions on logistics service satisfaction. The results of measuring customer perceptions can be used to improve the quality of logistics services. This study attempted to measure customer perceptions of third-party logistics (3PL) service users by considering competitor performance factors. This study integrated the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) method and the Competitive Zone of Tolerance based Importance Performance Analysis (CZIPA) method to measure customer perceptions and determine the priority attributes for improvement account competitors' performance factors. Based on the research, the CSI method was proven to measure customer perceptions of 3PL service users. CZIPA can determine the attributes that were prioritized for improvement based on the performance of competitors.

PurposeSustainability-related risk management of logistics service providers (LSPs) is an essential part of sustainability performance of focal companies, as logistics services touch the entire supply chain (SC) – from raw material sources to end-customers. The purpose of this paper, draws on resource-based view and stakeholder theory in exploring how companies can manage environmental and social sustainability-related risks from logistics service suppliers. This kind of capability is essential in order to maintain reputation in the eyes of stakeholders, and to maintain long-term financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe data of this multiple-case study were collected from semi-structured interviews in eight case-companies in Finland. Five of the cases are primary logistics buyers, and three represent LSP companies.FindingsThe cross-case analysis showed that primary buyers of logistics services use their sustainability criteria as a prerequisite for LSP candidates, and when the level is adequate and equal, other factors, e.g. price and capacity, are decisive. Based on the analysis, large LSPs are preparing for the future competition, and act in a more sustainable manner than their customers (buyers) expect at the moment, while small LSPs strictly comply with the regulation. However, buyers’ requirements for sustainable logistics services are increasing as the stakeholder expectations for comprehensively sustainable SCs are growing.Originality/valueOnly little research has been conducted on sustainable logistics from the buyer company’s risk management perspective. This paper adds the knowledge of sustainability-related risk management in purchasing of logistics services and in the logistics industry.

PropósitoEl propósito de este trabajo es estudiar las relaciones entre las capacidades y características de ejecutoria de los proveedores de servicios de logística (LSP) en la región del Caribe. El estudio considera la ejecutoria en la mejora de los procesos de la organización en relación con sus capacidades de innovación, sus esfuerzos en el intercambio de información y colaboración con los clientes, la planificación de contingencias y teniendo en cuenta la incertidumbre de la tecnología de sus clientes.Diseño/metodología/enfoqueSe aplicó una encuesta a 88 empresas de servicios logísticos con operaciones en la región del Caribe. Un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales se utilizó para analizar las hipótesis propuestas.ResultadosLos resultados indican que la ejecutoria en la mejora de procesos de los LSP se relaciona significativamente a sus capacidades de innovación, y que estas capacidades se relacionan positivamente con la colaboración y el intercambio de información. Además, los resultados indican que el intercambio de información entre los LSP y sus clientes significativamente mejora la calidad de la planificación de contingencia. Sin embargo, el estudio demostró que las capacidades de innovación no están relacionadas directamente a la planificación de contingencia y que incertidumbre relacionada con la tecnología de los clientes, no tiene un efecto significativo en las capacidades de innovación de las LSP.Limitaciones de la investigación/implicacionesLa muestra de empresas LSP se limita a tres países de la región del Caribe. La examinación en otros países y en otros contextos industriales aumentaría la validez de los resultados y ampliaría este a otras áreas como la manufactura y los servicios.Originalidad y valorEste estudio mide la ejecutoria operacional de los LSP desde una perspectiva diferente: su ejecutoria en la mejora de procesos y considera cómo múltiples factores afectan esta ejecutoria.

PurposeThis work aims to combine the perspectives of logistics‐service providers (LSPs) and small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) in the development of value‐added logistics services. The purpose was to create a theory‐based and initially tested framework that could help both service providers and SMEs identify new opportunities for developing their logistics.Design/methodology/approachThe research followed design‐science methodology and was carried out via semi‐structured interviews within the case company (a large Finnish LSP), its customers, and experts from the area of logistics services. Data on companies offering value‐added logistics services were also used in the research. The focus of the research was on advanced value‐added logistics services.FindingsThe paper presents a framework for categorizing logistics services for SMEs and proposes new logistics‐service models for SME customers. Altogether, three service models are proposed to bridge the gap between LSP and SME customers. In particular, the consulting‐oriented approach seemed to be appropriate for the SMEs. The other two models, 3PL with planning and Outsourced Chief Logistics Officer, require more effort from both parties.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents a theoretical framework for categorizing logistics services and discusses the strategic options for an LSP to expand its service portfolio. However, further empirical research related to logistics‐service design is needed to develop the framework further and to improve its external validity.Practical implicationsThis work offers insights that support LSPs to develop their service offerings to better match the needs of SMEs, and also allow managers of SMEs to better utilize the available LSP competence and services.Originality/valueThe existing research in the area of value‐added logistics services has mainly focused on either the customer perspective or the service‐provider perspective. The dyad combining these perspectives has been largely neglected. Furthermore, studies in this area have been on large enterprises as opposed to SMEs. This work fills this gap by designing value‐added logistics‐service models that combine SME needs with LSP capabilities.

This paper mainly studies the problem of multi-task assignment of providers in port logistics service supply chain. As a core enterprise, port plays the role of logistics service integrator.With the continuous development of industrial integration, logistics service providers not only provide one kind of logistics service, but also develop into composite suppliers who capable of providing a variety of logistics services . This paper studies the task assignment problem of multi-service capability providers in the port logistics service supply chain. The two-stage logistics service provider task assignment model was built ,which is based on the mixed evaluation method (including MOORA and FMEA) and the multi-objective planning method. Eventually, the effectiveness of the model method was verified by combining with an example.

PurposeWith the fast growth in China's economy and China's accession into WTO, the demand for logistics services has been growing significantly in China. China's logistics service providers need to pay more attention to adopt more efficient logistics technologies to provide better services for their customers. The purpose of this paper is to study the factors affecting the innovation in logistics technologies for logistics service providers in China.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire survey on logistics service providers in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen is conducted to study the innovation in logistics technologies by China's logistics industry. Logistics technologies are classified into four types: data acquisition technologies, information technologies, warehousing technologies, and transportation technologies. The influencing factors include internal and external factors. Regression analysis is used to analyze the influences of these factors on technological innovation.FindingsThe innovation in logistics technologies is significantly positively influenced by organizational encouragement, quality of human resources, environmental uncertainty, and governmental support for logistics service providers in China.Originality/valueOwing to the lack of empirical research on the adoption of logistics technologies in China, this paper provides an empirical study on the factors influencing the innovation in logistics technologies by logistics service providers in China. Our research results can help China's logistics companies develop better strategies to adopt innovative logistics technologies, and can make them become innovation‐based logistics service providers.

Accepted by: Prof. M. Zied Babai The introduction of online marketplace channels has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing logistics efficiency, with smart logistics technologies improving channel information transparency. However, limited research explores the transformation motivation of traditional logistics firms from an operational perspective. This study explores channel introduction and investment strategies within a logistics supply chain involving a logistics service integrator (LSI) and a logistics service provider (LSP). Three models are investigated: the reselling model, the online marketplace model and the dual-channel model. The findings reveal that the online marketplace channel always benefits consumers, while LSI and LSP, scruple with the channel introduction, and win-win strategies exhibit limitations. We observe that a high commission rate and investment efficiency do not consistently favour either the LSP or the LSI. Notably, the expansion of the win-win region can be attributed to free-rider effects in investment and the implementation of the two-part tariff mechanism. Furthermore, a shared preference is disclosed between the LSI and LSP for the individual channel introduction with an equivalent investment efficiency.

The increasing significance of logistics activities that extend across the boundaries of supply chain firms highlights the importance of managing relationships within the supply chain. Many automotive companies nowadays find outsourcing logistics functions to be a compelling choice. In the current landscape, a growing number of automotive companies are opting for outsourcing logistics functions. This shift is driven by the desire to attain strategic advantages in logistics with the ultimate goal of cost reduction. As the Malaysian automotive industry continues to grow annually, it is increasingly crucial for car manufacturers and assemblers in Malaysia to establish successful relationships with Logistics Service Providers (LSPs). In alignment with the current marketing concept that prioritizes relational benefits and insights derived from the supply chain management literature concerning consumer satisfaction, this research evaluates logistics service performance perceived by manufacturers. The validation process involves distributing questionnaires to 74 car manufacturing companies in Klang Valley area, achieving a response rate of 52.7%. In this study, the automotive companies are chosen to examine the relative importance of the three identified benefits, Special Treatment, Value Added (VAL), and Collaborative Benefits (COL) using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and a new benefit, Loyalty Benefit (LOY), was added to the framework. The contribution of this study includes providing new theoretical insights into the benefits–satisfaction–loyalty triad as applied by manufacturers and logistics service providers (LSPs). It also provides valuable perspectives on how to strategically evaluate logistics providers, aiming to transform a logistics firm from a tactical service provider into a closely integrated strategic partner

Purpose This paper investigates the impact of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the business models of logistics service providers (LSPs) and truck original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Design/methodology/approach Employing a multi-case study methodology, this research analyses the business models of 9 LSP firms and 10 OEMs in the EU road transportation sector. Data sources include semi-structured interviews, annual reports and a wide range of industry reports. Findings The research reveals a shift in the value network, with OEMs integrating logistics services into their offerings and developing “Network-Operator” models. LSPs, on the other hand, exhibit a reactive approach to AV innovation, focusing on digitalization and internal processes rather than substantial business model transformation. Practical implications The study suggests that LSPs should proactively explore new business models to adapt to the changing landscape. For OEMs, the focus should be on aligning long-term value creation around AVs. Social implications The adoption of AVs represents a shift with social implications, particularly in employment within the transportation sector and the broader societal impacts of enhanced road safety and reduced congestion. Originality/value The paper offers novel insights into how AVs are redefining the roles within the road transportation ecosystem.

Modeling logistics service providers in a non-cooperative supply chain

The paradigm of cloud logistics is essentially built upon the virtualization of logistics resources from different logistics service providers. The virtualized resources are pooled and can subsequently be combined and encapsulated within customer-specific modular logistics services. The pooling within bigger logistics networks leads to a high quantity of different available logistics resources and services. Domain-specific structuring with the concept of the logistics service map helps to retrieve specific requested services from that quantity. The structuring of resources and services is a challenging task based on the semantic gap of differing wordings, descriptions used by different providers. The developed ontology design pattern for domain-specific structuring of logistics services can help to close the semantic gap as well as to enable the concept of the logistics service map. Structuring data and information (of services) from different providers can be made available, linked and interchanged easily within the network. Digitalized collaboration is supported and the disruptive paradigm of cloud logistics is enabled.

The objective of this paper is to increase understanding of the concept of service modularity and to present examples of applications of modularity approach in logistics services. This aim is pursued with an empirical case study, consisting of interviews of 25 logistics service providers (LSPs). Themes found in the literature are used in the interviews and in the analysis of the interviews. The findings show that the LSPs consider modularity as a useful approach, and examples of applications of modularity can be found in the logistics industry. In the future, modularity thinking has potential to become a valuable tool for responding to the challenges facing the logistics service industry, as customers’ demands become increasingly diversified, and services, processes and organisational networks become more complex.