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Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have been widely implemented in today's logistics operations to reduce the handling time and improve service efficiency. This enables a firm to promise a delivery time (PDT) when selling products, which improves customer satisfaction and enhances the firm's brand image. However, the costly PDT logistics service should be seriously evaluated when the market competition is intensified to aggravate the firm's cost concern. In a competitive decentralized framework, this paper investigates the value of IoT-enabled PDT quotation in a brand's logistics outsourcing decisions. We develop three-stage optimization models and show that the brand's production quantity and equilibrium profit exhibit non-monotonic relationships to the competition intensity degree. Given a moderate competition intensity degree, the brand developing IoT and quoting PDT suffers from imbalanced payoffs between PDT cost-saving and sales volume expansion. This distorts the PDT cost and hence, investing in the IoT-enabled logistics system might not be beneficial. This paper contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of heterogeneous logistics service incorporating the PDT quotation on traditional quantity competition within a dual-channel supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logistics outsourcing is today viewed as a globally accepted best business practice. Through outsourced logistics organizations can improve; customer services, cut down costs, minimize risk, increase competitive advantage and improve shareholder returns. The study sought to determine logistics outsourcing drivers, practice and challenges among tea processing firms in Kenya. The study surveyed the tea processing firms in Kericho County (Kenya) by collecting primary data through self administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found out that there is a strong drive towards the use of outsourcing as a strategy to reduce costs, to pursue core business activities, reduce risks, and gain competitive advantage. According to the study findings, logistics outsourcing among the tea firms was most prevalent in operations such as warehousing, fleet management, fleet operations, transport and distribution. The survey also established that some of the challenges faced by the firms as they moved to outsource their business activities included loss of control of the activities, loss of employee loyalty, industrial unrests, switching costs, loss of information to competitors and resistance to change by the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid globalization of business activities, logistics has become incredibly complex and intricate. As such, managing logistics is more challenging than ever. One of the trendy solutions to deal with this challenge is logistics outsourcing. In this regard, Sub‐Saharan African firms are no exception. To help Sub‐Saharan African firms succeed in leveraging logistics outsourcing for their competitive differentiators, this article aims to investigate how the organizational capabilities of third‐party logistics service providers (3PLs) contribute to their users' logistics outsourcing success. Based on an empirical analysis of 211 food processing firms in Uganda, we found that the 3PLs' technological and innovation capabilities positively affected logistics outsourcing success. In contrast, the 3PLs' flexibility and integration capabilities had no bearing on the logistics outsourcing success. In particular, our importance–performance map analysis (IPMA) revealed that the 3PLs' technological capability was the most significant factor in logistics outsourcing success. The article also expounds on how the 3PLs' technical capability can bring logistics outsourcing success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article attempts to summarize the various aspects that must be taken into account when developing the organization's logistics concept and deciding to outsource logistics activities. The purpose of the article is to explore the various theoretical and managerial aspects that need to be considered when deciding on logistics outsourcing. In this regard, an analysis of the various theories, theoretical approaches and concepts that substantiate the various dimensions of the causes and consequences of the implementation of logistics outsourcing was first performed. With regard to the managerial aspects in the decision-making process for the outsourcing of logistics activities, the impact of different levels of the organization's goals, the scope of outsourcing and the type of logistics service provider has been analyzed. The combination of the theoretical and managerial aspects in the decision-making process for logistics outsourcing allows for a much deeper preliminary analysis and evaluation of the options for the scope of outsourcing, for the type of logistics service provider, as well as for the degree of achievement of the set goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transformations in Business & Economics is the property of Vilnius University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study focuses on understanding how different supply chain stakeholders' power dynamics influence supply chain relationships' stability and dynamics in a logistics triad. The study uses a qualitative research approach (multiple case studies) to collect data from the perspectives of logistics service providers (LSPs), suppliers, and customers. Having unique resource/service capability helps the LSP dominate long-term triad relationships by controlling its partners and impeding changes in embedded dyads. The identified theoretical and empirical outcomes provide insights to academics and practitioners to understand the supply chain relationship dynamics based on LSP's dominant power. This study's originality primarily focuses on the dominant player—LSP—to influence triadic supply chain relationships, which is significantly different from the traditional view—the dominant power controlled by suppliers or customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outsourcing of logistics activities is an important trend in the development of modern organizations. Many factors influence the decision to outsource. The degree of impact of this decision on the organization's goals can be used as a leading criterion for evaluating the logistics outsourcing decision. The main goal of this study is to clarify, based on an analysis of the literature sources, on which goals and performance indicators logistics outsourcing has the greatest impact. It is these goals and measures that can subsequently be used in practice as the main criteria for choosing the scope of the outsourcing decision.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logistics outsourcing is a practice commonly used by firms to allow them to access capabilities that they lack internally. Although the main drivers of outsourcing in general are fairly well known, the question of what explains logistics outsourcing decisions within the UK pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, in particular, remains under-researched. Therefore, this study aims to bridge the aforementioned gap in the literature. We surveyed 49 drug manufacturers located in the UK using a web-based questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using logistics regression, exploratory factor analysis, and t-tests. We found that UK drug manufacturers regard improving quality and reliability and reducing logistics costs as the most significant reasons for outsourcing logistics services. We also found a direct positive relationship between the service provider's techno-commercial offerings and delivery performance, and the likelihood of being selected to provide these services. We further explored materials transportation, product delivery, research and development, and clinical trials, which are among the most frequently outsourced logistics activities in the UK pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The study contributes to the wider literature on logistics outsourcing, and more specifically to that on the UK pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Findings from this research can also be used to guide outsourcing practitioners’ decisions about the selection of logistics service providers. In addition, the study can help to enhance the service providers' understanding of why firms buy logistics services and which services they are likely to buy.

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present the issues of outsourcing logistic services in Internet commerce companies. Design/methodology/approach: The article is based on an analysis of the literature on the subject and reports, as well as the presentation of the author's own questionnaire research. Findings: Own research has shown that the outsourcing of logistics activities in Polish online stores is still not very popular. For several years, the percentage of companies using the services of external companies as part of logistics has been at the level of 10%. Research limitations/implications: The issues require further research, mainly in order to define the reasons why companies decide to carry out activities in the area of logistics on their own. It would be advisable to analyze and compare the costs of logistics activities in detail in the case of outsourcing and in the case of carrying out these activities on their own. Practical implications: From the practical point of view, the presented analyzes can be used by companies offering their services as part of logistics for electronic stores, so that their offer is better suited to the specificity of e-stores. Originality/value: The article is addressed to academics and students, but also to entities operating in the logistics industry - mainly companies offering fulfillment. The work presents the current results of original research and compares them with data from previous years, which allowed to indicate the trend in the development of logistics services outsourcing in the e-commerce industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the logistics outsourcing market has significantly expanded, driving also the growth of the logistics real estate sector. However, these subjects have been investigated separately, without empirical evidence on the assessment of warehouse features, nor studies matching those with 3PL providers' needs. This paper aims to fill this gap by providing a deeper understanding of the alignment between the 3PL industry's needs and the logistics real estate offering. An extensive literature review was used to investigate the characteristics of the logistics real estate industry and define the present and future challenges for the 3PL industry. Afterwards, 3PL warehouse features were analysed through data collected on 75 logistics buildings located in Italy. Results indicate that the logistics real estate seems relatively prepared to support the 3PL industry's needs. However, such alignment could be further strengthened through investments by the logistics real estate towards environmental sustainability and warehouse automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability awareness across various economic sectors requires firms to use logistics outsourcing to reduce logistics-related emissions with compliant logistics service providers (LSPs). LSPs apply advanced information technologies to help achieve high efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability goals. While logistics outsourcing has received considerable attention from researchers, limited research has identified the elements of logistics outsourcing and established research trends regarding technology and sustainability aspects of logistics outsourcing. This study aims to establish trends in technology and sustainability in logistics outsourcing and identify the important elements of logistics outsourcing. A bibliometric analysis technique using the Biblioshiny package in R. A SCOPUS search resulted in 2019 documents. Research on technology and sustainability in logistics outsourcing is growing, especially in developed countries, with little or no research from developing countries. Sustainable supply chains and third-party logistics themes dominated the past research. Current research is on reverse logistics, circular economy, and green logistics; the latter is likely to dominate the future, focusing on risk management, pollution control, and innovation through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. Essential elements of logistics outsourcing are identified as maintaining a good relationship based on trust and cooperation, LSP multi-selection criteria that include sustainability and technology capabilities, proper contract management, and an appropriate in-house versus outsourcing balance for competitiveness. LSP managers are advised to develop sustainability and technology capabilities, including reverse logistics. The paper contributes to logistics management theory by identifying the elements of logistics outsourcing and presenting a bibliometric result to guide future research on sustainability and technology capabilities in logistics outsourcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has left some permanent effects on the Regional Agri-Supply Chain (RASC). It has single-handedly accelerated the RASC's performance through the globalization of local products and increased e-agri-business, virtual retailing trends, and smart logistics and warehousing services. The post-COVID worldwide growing demand for regional agri-products has increased the competitiveness in logistics outsourcing. Motivated by these changing notions, this paper addresses two major questions—whether the competitiveness in logistics outsourcing allows the supply chain drivers (supplier, retailer, and 3PL) to form a sustainable B2B pricing supply chain model, and what will be 3PL firms' strategic decisions to secure sustainable profit under this competitiveness? In the light of competitive literature, this paper proposes two decision-making approaches, optimistic and pessimistic, models them using the Stackelberg game theory, and solves them using the subgame perfect Nash equilibrium. The result shows that, even after competitiveness in logistics outsourcing, the supply chain drivers agree to form a contractual supply chain. However, the competitive strategy-making of 3PL firms is a little tricky. Each focal 3PL firm must have perfect information about the peer firm's strategic movement to choose its preferable strategy. Further, they can preferably constrain their core competencies (service price and quality level) to assure a sustainable profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research article's primary aim was to provide a comprehensive and systematic view of a new dimension of logistics in the form of logistics innovations in agricultural enterprises in Slovakia. The intention thereof was to define and then analyse selected logistics innovations in agricultural enterprises. The research object was formed by 95 agricultural enterprises in Slovakia. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument. MS Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 20 were used to process the data in the questionnaire. The univariate descriptive statistics and multivariate descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. The research results were tested and evaluated by means of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Medium-sized agricultural enterprises in Slovakia represented the largest segment (68%) of the study. The agricultural enterprises mostly understand the use of smart technologies as an innovation in logistics (mean = 4.43). The results of the research showed that the analysed agricultural enterprises intend to innovate mainly the production logistics (mean = 3.20). Out of the logistics processes, the agricultural enterprises want to innovate mostly the inventory management (mean = 4.55). Lean logistics is the most frequently implemented logistics innovation in agricultural enterprises (mean = 3.64). The hypothesis testing has proven that there is a statistically significant relationship between the utilisation of lean logistics and production logistics innovation. In addition, it was proven that there is a statistically significant relationship between the utilisation of radio frequency identification (RFID) and the logistics process innovation - inventory management.

Choosing the most suitable cold chain logistics service providers (CLPs) is a vital strategic decision for businesses aiming to achieve an effective and sustainable cold supply chain. A sustainable CLP is one that integrates sustainable practices across its whole operation cycle to achieve product quality, on-time deliveries, and satisfied customer requirements, while preventing products from going to waste, which is especially important in the context of a developing country. This study aims to evaluate and select the best CLP regarding their sustainability performance. For this evaluation, a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM)-based framework is proposed that integrates the grey analytic hierarchy process (G-AHP) and grey complex proportional assessment (G-COPRAS) methodologies, in which grey numbers are used to express the linguistic evaluation statements of experts. Initially, the evaluation criteria based on service level, economic, environmental, and social dimensions were determined by means of a literature review and experts' opinions to employ the MCDM approach. The G-AHP was utilized to identify the criteria weights, and then, G-COPRAS was used to select the best CLP among the alternatives. A case illustration in Vietnam is presented to exhibit the presented approach's applicability. From the G-AHP findings, product quality, logistics costs, innovation, and effectiveness of cold chain processes, customer experience, and CO emissions of refrigerated vehicle were ranked as the five most important criteria. From the G-COPRAS analysis, Yoshida Saigon Cold Logistic (CPL-05) is the best CLP. The robustness of the applied integrated MCDM approach was also tested by conducting a comparative analysis, in which the priority rankings of the best CLPs were very similar. The assessment in this study is directed towards enabling managers, practitioners, and stakeholders of cold chain businesses to assess the most efficient CLP in the supply chain in the market and also to devise suitable strategies toward sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates decisions in a three-echelon closed-loop supply chain composed of one manufacturer, one retailer, and one third-party logistics provider (3PL), with the retailer being dominant. Inspired by game theory, we develop an equilibrium model for a retailer-led, closed-loop supply chain under logistics outsourcing. We derive the optimal forward and reverse logistics decisions of each supply chain member. This article analyzes the effects of market size, consumers' sensitivity to sales prices, the proportion of logistics costs, consumers' environmental awareness, and consumers' sensitivity to recycling prices on decision-making process. Finally, we provide a numerical example to verify the validity of our conclusions. Our results indicate that the higher the manufacturer's share in the forward logistics cost, the higher the sales price, the wholesale price, and the forward logistics service price, and the lower the order quantity. The higher the manufacturer's share in the reverse logistics costs, the lower the recycling price, the transfer price, and the recycling amount, and the higher the reverse logistics service price. Whether it is forward logistics or not, the higher the manufacturer's share in the logistics costs, the lower the profits of each member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is aimed at defining the role of improving the management of logistic processes as a method of improving the activity of enterprise. The relevance of application of logistic approach in the management of enterprise and definition of the concept of «management of logistic processes» is explored. The reasons for the relevance of the problem of improving the management of logistic processes of enterprise, especially during the period of instability in all countries of the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic, are allocated; factors influencing the efficiency of the supply chain are defined. The goals of supply processes management and supply chains management for the enterprise and logistic system are indicated. The importance of established communications and transparency of information flows of the logistic system in the process of regulation of activities at different levels of organization of logistic processes is substantiated. It is emphasized that the most common type of organization of logistic processes is outsourcing. A definition of logistics outsourcing is provided, the advantages and disadvantages of using outsourcing in logistics activities are considered, since the cost-efficiency of its use is quite a complex parameter, as is the service itself. The expediency of using a methodical approach in the management of logistic processes is examined, according to which the effectiveness of outsourcing of logistic functions is considered as the difference between the costs of the process. The research showed that improvement of management of logistic processes is of particular importance, since their competent organization is the key to improving the efficiency of production and economic activity of enterprise along with rapid adaptation to a changing environment.

The theoretical foundations of organizational and managerial innovation in increasing efficiency of manufacturing, practical business aspects of organizational and managerial innovation in enhancing business efficiency are studied. These issues were considered both by Ukrainian and foreign scientists. However, today, despite the multitude of works highlighting these issues, there are no comprehensive studies dealing with the generalization and systematization of existing supply chain models. Organizational and managerial innovations in increasing efficiency of logistics are considered using the example of a supply chain. It is proved that organizational and managerial innovations are continuous in time, starting from the initial one, which, after a situational analysis, goes through planning, programming, particular actions aimed at its implementation and making decisions for the future. Given the existing risks and the complexity of innovative solutions, specific approaches are proposed to increase efficiency of logistics using the example of a supply chain. Improving a supply chain with particular tools allows introducing market changes in the organization of the supply chain. Application of innovation in logistics requires quick decisions to address the issues of production, management and environmental impacts on logistics processes. It is found that a supply chain with the necessary attributes provides many benefits to companies that use its tools through outsourcing agreements. Considering the practice of European companies, it is proven that the introduction of logistics tools increases the company’s profitability after six months of their constant use and its participation in logistics outsourcing projects, contributes to the growth of the company’s market share, speeds up its penetration into new markets by expanding the geography of the functioning of logistics operators and banks – supply chain business partners.

There are a number of theories developed by the social sciences that provide the appropriate theoretical foundation to justify the role of the logistics outsourcing strategy to improve organizational performance. The aim of the article is to analyze the theoretical approaches, concepts and theories that justify the impact of logistics outsourcing on the performance of organizations. The peculiarities of resource-based theory, network theory and systems theory, transaction cost theory and agency theory in the context of the integration of logistics principles and practices with supply chain management, as well as their impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With continuous change in the global and domestic markets for TPL services, it becomes imperative that both users and providers of TPL services equip themselves with the best in terms of strategy, processes and technology. One of the ways this can be achieved is to bridge the gap between what the industry wants and what research provides. This paper conducts a systematic literature review of research output on TPL vis-à-vis how the industry views the challenges faced by it in TPL services. The paper identifies that future research should focus on driving innovation particularly within the last mile by utilising route optimisation, incentivised scheduling, and real-time electronic tracking and communication. It should also focus on how to leverage employees and provide added value to shippers. Supply chain transformation through improved logistics optimisation and improved integration across the supply chain is also another important avenue to pursue in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In a rapidly changing global business environment, the outsourcing of logistics activities to fourth party logistics (4PL) service providers is growing in popularity as a strategy for efficiency and customer service improvements. However, there are very few empirical studies on logistics outsourcing performance. In addition, there is a lack of information on the effectiveness of a 4PL model, especially from a South African perspective. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to determine if the use of a 4PL model to manage the courier distribution for a major retailer in South Africa was able to achieve ongoing cost savings for the client. Method: This research entails a case study of a large non-food retailer in South Africa. Secondary quantitative distribution cost data covering a 10-year period was analysed, using a time series method. The findings were verified through semi-structured interviews of key personnel involved in the implementation and management of the outsourcing contract. Results: The outsourcing of courier distribution management resulted in the targeted cost savings for the client organisation to be exceeded. Cost savings were consistent over a 10-year period. Conclusion: The findings of this study supports the theory that the outsourcing of logistics functions can result in sustainable cost savings for clients if done properly. It adds to the limited body of independent evidence that exists on the matter of sustainable results obtained from 4PL outsourcing agreements.

The research article's primary aim was to provide a comprehensive and systematic view of a new dimension of logistics in the form of logistics innovations in agricultural enterprises in Slovakia. The intention thereof was to define and then analyse selected logistics innovations in agricultural enterprises. The research object was formed by 95 agricultural enterprises in Slovakia. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument. MS Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics 20 were used to process the data in the questionnaire. The univariate descriptive statistics and multivariate descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. The research results were tested and evaluated by means of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Medium-sized agricultural enterprises in Slovakia represented the largest segment (68%) of the study. The agricultural enterprises mostly understand the use of smart technologies as an innovation in logistics (mean = 4.43). The results of the research showed that the analysed agricultural enterprises intend to innovate mainly the production logistics (mean = 3.20). Out of the logistics processes, the agricultural enterprises want to innovate mostly the inventory management (mean = 4.55). Lean logistics is the most frequently implemented logistics innovation in agricultural enterprises (mean = 3.64). The hypothesis testing has proven that there is a statistically significant relationship between the utilisation of lean logistics and production logistics innovation. In addition, it was proven that there is a statistically significant relationship between the utilisation of radio frequency identification (RFID) and the logistics process innovation -- inventory management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many companies managed to improve logistics performance by making outsourcing decisions on logistics activities. The use of logistics outsourcing, not only can maintain their focus on core businesses, but also continue to minimize distribution costs by establishing relationships with third party service providers to create value of their operational performance excellence. But in a decentralized supply chain condition, the control of the supply chain players towards third-party logistics service providers is also limited, while the performance of logistics services affects the availability of products, quality, price, and market share of these companies. Coordination mechanisms are needed in a decentralized supply chain, especially with the implementation of logistics outsourcing decisions, so companies can maintain competitive advantage. In this paper, the model revenue and inventory-risk sharing contract was developed to coordinate the supply chain consisting of manufacturers, third party logistics service providers, and retailers. In addition, incentive and penalty schemes are applied based on the performance of logistics service providers that will affect the level of availability in retailers, so that inventory risk can also be allocated to all stakeholders.

The article deals with the creation of logistics systems for the distribution of bakery enterprises in Kazakhstan. The authors created a system of algorithms for determining specific measures to create an effective logistics system, taking into account industry specifications of bakery products. The stages of the algorithm were studied and analyzed, and the implementation process was considered.

The article is aimed at analyzing the activities of transport intermediaries in the Odesa market, systematizing the main problems of their activities and determining the most effective ways of further development. The results of a marketing study on the quality level of services of the transport intermediaries, presented in the Odesa market are presented. In the course of the study with the help of a 5-point scale the activity of 35 companies-carriers was analyzed. For conducting the rating of intermediaries, the expert method of assessment on the basis of 6 indicators was used: «Technical characteristics», «Reliability», «Quality», «Speed of delivery», «Prices», «Autopark». A detailed assessment scale was developed for each indicator. According to results of the study on the market of transport intermediaries of Odesa, six main problems were identified and ways of their solution were submitted. It is determined, that first of all an increase of efficiency as to activity of transport intermediaries and quality of provided services is connected with more intensive use of modern information systems and technologies along with introduction of new systems of staff motivation.

The purpose of the article is to study and justify the need to use information technologies (IT), in particular financial, logistics provision and in the management of business processes. This will increase competitive advantages, improve the quality of logistics services and reduce the cost of their implementation. In accordance with the goal, such interrelated tasks are solved: peculiarities of development of integrated logistics providers are defined and studied; priority directions in the work of providers are determined; the foreign and Ukrainian experience of implementation of services in the field of logistics are analyzed; necessity of using virtual logistics providers in the market of transport and logistics services is substantiated. Scientific novelty of the conducted research consists in theoretical substantiation and experimental confirmation of methods and tools for development, management and organization of information support of logistics provider activity. The particular attention in the research is paid to modeling and designing of information support systems for innovative forms of logistics providers. Their activities are based on the automation of the implementation of logistics business processes, as well as capabilities of artificial intelligence when making managerial decisions in the field of logistics to improve the financial position of enterprises. The practical significance of the research is to develop an innovative virtual logistics provider in the market of logistics services and expand financial possibilities of using innovative logistics provider tools to improve processes of information support management for logistics operating activities.

The Russian market of logistics services suffered substantial losses during recent economic recession. Decrease in import from the EU and the USA, reduction of consumer spending within the country, increased borrowing costs led to sharp reduction in the growth rate of the investigated market value. Shortage of the modern infrastructure, fragmentation and imbalance of the Russian logistics market have contributed badly. This article focuses on identification of the promising strategic development directions for logistics service providers operating on the Russian market. On the basis of literature survey, the authors derive attractive client groups for 3PL operators, priority regions for geographical expansion as well as high-demand logistics and related services. The results of this survey could help logistics agents to define or clarify their market positioning and serve as a basis for further study of specific features in logistics outsourcing development in Russia.

The aim of the article is to summarize scientific approaches to the definition of the category “logistics potential”, the justification of the methodology for assessing the favourability for the development of logistics outsourcing of regions of Ukraine. Methodology. We suggest investigating the level of favourability for the development of the logistics-outsourcing system of the region through an integrated assessment of its following components: infrastructure and logistics, socio-economic, transport, geographic. The calculation of the integral indicator for assessing the level of favourability for the development of the logistics-outsourcing system of regions of the country is carried out on the basis of summing the rank values of each of the abovementioned list of the synthetic component. І=Σ li + Σ lj +Σ ek +Σ tm +Σ gn (i=1,…7; j=1,…5; k=1,…6; n=1,…4). Separate components play an equal role in assessing the favourability for the development of the logistics-outsourcing system in the region. According to the final integral indicator, the place (rating) of each region is determined from the point of view of the potential of the logistics-outsourcing system of the region in the general composition of regions of the country. The suggested methodology for assessing the regions according to the level of favourability for the development of the logistics-outsourcing system provides an opportunity to compare the regions, identify the weak spots in the development of logistics services of regions in terms of components (infrastructure-logistic, socio-economic, transport, geographic), and find ways to improve regional logistics infrastructure and logistics outsourcing. Results of the analysis showed that under other equivalent conditions, the variation of the gross regional product by 65.73% depends on the variation of capital investment in transport, warehousing, postal and courier activities, and this dependence is logarithmic. Value/originality. A methodology for evaluating the favourability for the development of logistics outsourcing of the regions is proposed, the use of which enables to determine perspective directions of development of regional logistics infrastructure.

One of the strategic decisions that must be made by most modern organizations is the decision to outsource. The organizations use logistics outsourcing as a key strategy to achieve significant cost and differentiation benefits. The purpose of this article is to consider the main elements of logistics that may be the subject of a logistics outsourcing decision, as well as criteria for selecting a third party logistics provider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: in a rapidly changing global business environment, the outsourcing of logistics activities to fourth party logistics (4PL) service providers is growing in popularity as a strategy for efficiency and customer service improvements.. However, there are very few empirical studies on logistics outsourcing performance. In addition, there is a lack of information on the effectiveness of a 4PL model, especially from a South African perspective. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to determine if the use of a 4PL model to manage the courier distribution for a major retailer in South Africa was able to achieve ongoing cost savings for the client. Method: This research entails a case study of a large non-food retailer in South Africa. Secondary quantitative distribution cost data covering a 10-year period was analysed, using a time series method. The findings were verified through semi-structured interviews of key personnel involved in the implementation and management of the outsourcing contract. Results: The outsourcing of courier distribution management resulted in the targeted cost savings for the client organisation to be exceeded. Cost savings were consistent over a 10-year period. Conclusion: The findings of this study supports the theory that the outsourcing of logistics functions can result in sustainable cost savings for clients if done properly. It adds to the limited body of independent evidence that exists on the matter of sustainable results obtained from 4PL outsourcing agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Computer Engineering & Applications is the property of Beijing Journal of Computer Engineering & Applications Journal Co Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the thriving enterprise, logistics ensures continuous flow and speed of all processes, from the moment of obtaining materials, through their processing up till the product delivery for acceptable price to the customer. The fulfillment of these requirements is not easy and requires a sophisticated logistics system involving the use of innovations that help improve and streamline processes such as transport, transfer, handling, storage, management of packaging. The main objective of the paper is based on the study of theoretical knowledge and the implementation of a questionnaire survey, to determine and analyse the utilisation of selected technologies and innovations in logistics of automotive enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]