Purpose – Theory is needed for a discipline to mature. This research aims to provide a summary analysis of the theories being used in contemporary logistics and supply chain management (SCM) studies.Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature review of articles appearing in five top tier logistics and SCM journals is conducted in order to identify how often theory is used and to classify the specific theories used. An analysis of the theoretical categories is presented to explain the type and frequency of theory usage.Findings – Over 180 specific theories were found within the sampled articles. Theories grouped under the competitive and microeconomics categories made up over 40 per cent of the theoretical incidences. This does not imply all articles utilize theory. The research found that theory was explicitly used in approximately 53 per cent of the sampled articles.Practical implications – Two implications are central. First, in the minds of editors, reviewers and authors is approximately 5...

An inventory of theory in logistics and SCM research

Purchasing practices in small- to medium-sized enterprises: an examination of strategic purchasing adoption, supplier evaluation and supplier capabilities

While many companies outsource their logistics functions, creating a collaborative relationship with third-party logistics service providers remains a challenge. The current study explores the effects of often overlooked human factors in this context. Data on buyer perspectives were collected in China. The analysis results suggest that buying firm's top management championship, supplier firm's designated employees, and the buyer-seller personal relationships (i.e. Guanxi) at different levels, all have significant impacts on inter-firm collaboration, which in turn enhances the buying firm's logistics performance.

Managing logistics outsourcing relationships: an empirical investigation in china

Purpose – This 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/approach – The 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.Findings – The 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 pa...

How logistics‐service providers can develop value‐added services for SMEs: a dyadic perspective

Purpose – Humanitarian logistics plays a critical role in the aid response to hunger and disasters worldwide. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses a competitive bidding process to procure P.L. 480 Title II food aid, a $2 billion business annually. This paper describes a mixed‐integer program (MIP) decision tool that mimics the USDA bid approach in order to improve ocean carrier and food supplier bid pricing strategy.Design/methodology/approach – First, the USDA bid process is detailed and the MIP decision tool is described. Then how the tool is run against historical data to approximate future USDA bid awards is explained, allowing the authors to subsequently advise food supplier and ocean carrier clients of expected price competition and pricing flexibility before they submit bids.Findings – The MIP decision tool has demonstrated its effectiveness in supporting $8 million in food aid bids. Bidding implications for food aid carriers and suppliers are provided as well as suggestions for additional ...

Improving Bid Pricing for Humanitarian Logistics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for purchasing transport services to enable small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) to improve relationships with logistics service providers (LSPs) and enhance their own competitive advantage and profitability. Many SMEs lack competence in purchasing transport services and a subsequent lack of “purchasing power” may cause SMEs to be treated as “order takers” rather than “order makers” by LSPs, who have more leverage in the purchasing process.Design/methodology/approach – This research stemmed from a knowledge transfer research project between the focal company and a university comprising a longitudinal single case study using action research for developing and implementing the framework.Findings – A framework using several tools for purchasing transport services and improving transport performance has emerged from this research. Benefits from using this framework were enjoyed by both the focal company and its LSPs and the focal company improv...

Nigel Shaw

Papers

A framework for purchasing transport services in small and medium size enterprises