Ontological structuring of logistics services

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.

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.

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.

With the rapid popularization of the Internet in China and equally rapid development of e-commerce, an increasing number of individuals prefer the C2C e-commerce platform for shopping. Sellers’ credit evaluation is one of the important reference values of buyers’ online shopping. As the quality of the credit evaluation affects the purchase risks of customers, the C2C e-commerce credit evaluation of online shopping and the purchase risk of customers are studied. This study divides the purchase risk of customers into six dimensions, namely, store risk, product risk, money risk, distribution risk, time risk, and security risk. The effect of C2C credit evaluation on the purchase risk of consumers is then discussed. Subsequently, the effects of the C2C credit rating system and customer purchase risk on the purchase intention of customers are further explored. Furthermore, logistics services, as an important part of C2C e-commerce transactions, are analyzed as a mediator in this research. This study uses regression analysis to test the research hypotheses. Results corroborate that improving the credit evaluation of online shopping can reduce the purchase risk of customers. Logistics service has mediating effects on the credit evaluation of online shopping and the purchase risk of customers. The latter can be reduced through logistics service, thereby further increasing the purchase intention of customers. Among the dimensions of customer purchase risk, product risk, money risk, delivery risk, and time risk are the most significant factors affecting the purchase intention of customers. Increasing the purchase intention of customers by reducing these four risks is possible. The logistics service affects the purchase risk and intentions of customers as well. The mediating effect reduces the purchase risk of customers and improves the ability of logistics service to increase the purchase intention of customers. Moreover, improving credit evaluation can enhance the purchase intention of customers. Logistics service has a mediating effect on the credit evaluation of online shopping and purchase intention of customers. That is, improving the credit evaluation of online shopping can improve the logistics service, thereby increasing the purchase intention of customers. On the basis of these conclusions, this study provides sellers and logistics service providers with constructive suggestions to improve the C2C e-commerce platform.

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.

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.

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.

In 1962, Peter Drucker prophesized the importance logistics services were to have, when he suggested distribution was “one of the most sadly neglected, and most promising areas of American business,” and an area that provided substantial opportunity (p. 3). Since Drucker’s prognostication, logistics services have evolved into an industry that supports not only the United States economy (2002 U.S. logistics costs totaled $910 billion and 8.7% of the total U.S. GDP (Delaney 2003)), but also the world’s economy. Logistics services have received increasing attention as a tangible way for firms to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage. Combined with the current trend of developing closer relationships with fewer suppliers, this means that logistics firms must strive to distinguish themselves from others offering similar services. One way in which logistics services providers can accomplish this is by developing a superior brand.

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

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.

Logistics is the backbone of trade because it integrates the supply chain for trade facilitation of all businesses including pharmaceuticals. The objective of this article is to review pharmaceutical ocean logistics trends and issues, and four Malaysian third-party logistics (3PL) research publications consisting of service quality, cost and service differentiation, integration and information system of freight-forwarding and container freight. The publication review is to ascertain if third-party logistics are potentially capable of supporting ocean pharma non-cold chain freight to pre-empt medicine shortages and identify challenges of the logistics supply chain. The research showed logistics service quality impacts customers’ satisfaction, low costs and service differentiation influence firms’ sustainable financial competitiveness, integration of depot and hauliers enhances national logistics performance, information system affects supply chain integration (SCI), and SCI affects operational and environmental performance. These studies involved third-party logistics service providers (LSP) along the supply chain which were freight-forwarding companies and their customers, and the container depots and hauliers. The review provides research evidence of logistics service quality potentially capable of meeting the requirements of conventional ocean-going non-cold chain pharma container freight as featured in professional logistics publications. Medicine shortages attributed to freight forwarders are unlikely noting their agility and robustness in the face of economic uncertainties. They are agile enough to manage factors internal and external to the firms. The research also provides suggestions to the SCI challenges confronting the conventional ocean container freight supply chain at the depot-haulier interface to forestall delays. This article reviews relate to research investigations of 3PL in Malaysia, a country sitting in the heart of Southeast Asia.

The Indian manufacturing industry is growing rapidly, and supply chain management (SCM) plays the most important role in the industry. In SCM, customer satisfaction in terms of quantity, quality and on time delivery is the most important critical factor. To satisfy this requirement, the best third-party logistics (3PL) service provider is required. Therefore, the selection of the best third-party logistics provider is one of the basic requirements in SCM. Logistics services are the backbone of an economy, providing the efficient, cost effective flow of goods and services on which other commercial sectors depend. The logistics companies work as the outsourced or third-party service providers and support the organization's logistics functions. In this study, we identified some important criteria for 3PL implementation in SCM in Indian manufacturing industries. With the help of this study, supply chain managers from small to medium sized manufacturing industries can simplify the selection process for 3PL vendors. This study will help in the selection of the best vendor from such a competitive group and provide justification for the selection.

With the principle of division of labor in logistics, an integrator can focus on planning and monitoring within a network, while subsidiary logistics service providers (LSPs) are responsible for the actual physical manipulation of goods. Because of heterogeneous service descriptions, processes and IT-systems, the integrator requires a platform that provides the ability to interact with LSPs and to plan, execute and monitor contracts for integrator’s customers. Such an integration platform is currently developed in the research project Logistics Service Engineering & Management. Crucial to such a platform is the ability to maintain a complete catalog and to efficiently identify and choose appropriate services. In this paper a metamodel-based approach is presented facing these requirements.