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Engaging in green logistics: An eye on shippers, logistics service providers, and their interactions
University of Gävle, Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development, Department of Industrial Management, Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Management. University of Gävle, Center for Logistics and Innovative Production. KTH.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0582-8942
2020 (English)Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

The logistics and transport industry places a heavy load on the environment, causing various harms such as air pollution, global warming and resource depletion. The logistics and supply chain management literature assigns the largest share of responsibility for alleviating such harms to two supply chain actors: shippers (i.e., logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs), which motivated focusing on them in this thesis. Specifically, the purpose of this thesis is to investigate the engagements of shippers and LSPs in different green logistics practices (GLPs) throughout the logistics purchasing process, and to propose improvements for such engagements by their interactions.

Three research questions drive this investigation. The first question handles comparing the drivers (i.e., institutional pressures) for shippers to purchase GLPs and for LSPs to provide them—to reveal how this ‘one-tier network’ is driven as a whole. The second question aims to describe how shippers and LSPs engage in the different GLPs throughout the logistics purchasing process (across its four phases: request for proposal, negotiations, contracting and execution) and why such engagement takes place as it does. The third question aims to propose improvements for shippers’ and LSPs’ engagements in the different GLPs throughout the process—by enacting different degrees of interactions (cooperation vs. collaboration). A methodological triangulation approach is used to answer these questions, based on five papers that are extracted from three studies: a single case (shipper-LSP dyad), a multiple case (3 shippers, 5 LSPs) and a survey (169 shippers, 162 LSPs).

The findings reveal a lack of direct regulatory, market and competitive pressures on shippers to purchase GLPs. These are compared to existing (yet insufficient) regulatory pressure, effective market pressure and emergent competitive pressure on LSPs to provide GLPs. The findings also reveal gaps between the actors’ purchasing-providing engagements in GLPs across the purchasing process, which followed three patterns: steady & wide, steady & narrow and emergent. Distinct GLPs are associated with each pattern, and detailed explanations are presented for these associations based on the characteristics of each GLP . Further, the findings propose paths to improve the actors’ engagements in GLPs across the process, based on the gap pattern for each GLP and the degrees of shipper-LSP interactions required for it (cooperation vs. collaboration).

This thesis contributes to the body of knowledge through systematically incorporating a trilateral actor-, phase- and GLP-specific distinction into the green logistics purchasing discussion. Also, it transcends the descriptive (and general) level of analysis of shippers’ and LSPs’ green engagements during the logistics purchasing process, by: (i) explaining why such engagements occur as they do and (ii) providing recommendations that could actually improve these engagements. Insights are offered to managers at shipper/LSP firms to assist them in modifying their purchasing/marketing strategies throughout the purchasing process with respect to specifically targeted GLPs. Insights are also offered to policymakers to set suitable regulations on both actors to support ‘greening’ logistics networks.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Stockholm: KTH Royal Institute of Technology , 2020. , p. 150
Series
TRITA-ITM-AVL ; 37
Keywords [en]
Interactions, logistics relationships, LSP, GSCM, logistics buyer, environmental sustainability, third-party logistics, Sweden
National Category
Economics and Business
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-34005ISBN: 978-91-7873-625-6 (print)OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-34005DiVA, id: diva2:1470224
Public defence
2020-10-02, https://kth-se.zoom.us/j/69608280656, Stockholm, 10:00 (English)
Opponent
Supervisors
Available from: 2020-09-24 Created: 2020-09-24 Last updated: 2022-09-09Bibliographically approved
List of papers
1. Improving logistics performance in cross-border 3PL relationships
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Improving logistics performance in cross-border 3PL relationships
2017 (English)In: International Journal of Logistics, ISSN 1367-5567, E-ISSN 1469-848X, Vol. 20, no 5, p. 491-513Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This paper proposes guidelines for improving logistics performance in terms of cost efficiency and on-time delivery in shipper–third-party logistics (3PL) provider relationships within an offshore outsourcing context. A conceptual framework is constructed based on a thorough literature review. Empirical data are collected through semi-structured interviews in a single-case study with a dyadic perspective, examining the 3PL relationship between Ericsson of Sweden and Aramex of Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, a revised framework is proposed after illustrating the case and merging the literature with practice. The findings highlight the impact of communication, trust, culture, system compliance, work agreements, and standardisation on cost efficiency and on-time delivery performance. The developed framework illustrates a sequential order for working on these factors to achieve performance improvement. This research is one of the first to propose guidelines for performance improvements within offshore outsourcing of 3PL services. 

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis Group, 2017
Keywords
Third-party logistics, offshore outsourcing, logistics performance, 3PL relationships
National Category
Economics and Business
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-23815 (URN)10.1080/13675567.2017.1306036 (DOI)000406507800006 ()2-s2.0-85016135143 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2017-03-27 Created: 2017-03-27 Last updated: 2022-09-09Bibliographically approved
2. Analysing the institutional pressures on shippers and logistics service providers to implement green supply chain management practices
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Analysing the institutional pressures on shippers and logistics service providers to implement green supply chain management practices
2020 (English)In: International Journal of Logistics, ISSN 1367-5567, E-ISSN 1469-848X, Vol. 23, no 1, p. 44-84Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This paper applies institutional theory to analyse the institutional pressures (regulatory, market, competitive) experienced by two actors within supply chains: shippers (i.e. logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs). Both actors are subject to institutional pressures to adopt green supply chain management practices, which could drive shippers to purchase green logistics services from LSPs, and LSPs to provide them. Also, the two actors are influenced by various factors that moderate the level of pressures on them and the responses they undertake. This study examines these pressures and moderators in detail to analyse how they influence green logistics purchasing/providing decisions. Empirical data were obtained from eight individual cases of three shippers and five LSPs. Accordingly, we compare these pressures and moderators based on the actors’ different roles in the supply chain. The findings aim to contribute to advancing the theory through (i) incorporating the roles of the moderating factors and (ii) providing further applications within specific shipper-LSP contexts. Further, this paper aims to assist managers within shipper and LSP organisations by demonstrating how their firm and market characteristics moderate the pressures exerted on them to buy or provide green logistics services, while providing insights on issues influencing their responsiveness.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
UK: Taylor & Francis Group, 2020
Keywords
Institutional theory; GSCM; green logistics; environmental sustainability; LSP; logistics buyers; case study; contract logistics
National Category
Economics and Business
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-26225 (URN)10.1080/13675567.2019.1584163 (DOI)000508870300003 ()2-s2.0-85062345949 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2018-03-12 Created: 2018-03-12 Last updated: 2022-09-09Bibliographically approved
3. Aligning the purchase of green logistics practices between shippers and logistics service providers
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Aligning the purchase of green logistics practices between shippers and logistics service providers
2020 (English)In: Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, ISSN 1361-9209, E-ISSN 1879-2340, Vol. 82, article id 102305Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This paper explores shippers’ (i.e. logistics buyers) and logistics service providers’ (LSPs) perceptions of green concerns under diverse contractual settings during the key phases of the lo-gistics purchasing process: request for proposal, negotiations, contracting and execution. Accordingly, it derives recommendations that could increase the actors’ inter- and intra-organisational alignment on green targets throughout these phases. Empirical data are obtained from eight individual cases of three shippers and five LSPs, representing the buyer/seller roles within logistics arrangements. Contrary to previous literature holding the view that setting more green demands by shippers would guarantee green outcomes, the findings show that shippers’ green demands may hinder green logistics applications due to impediments to LSPs’ asset-sharing strategies. Also, a deadlock situation is revealed in the negotiations phase, where both actors await each other to introduce additional demands/offers - calling for further regulatory intervention to release this deadlock. Moreover, this paper shows how a mismatch of interests in contractual periods between shippers and LSPs can obstruct green investments - signalling that the green criterion is not the decisive factor in shaping shippers’ outsourcing strategies. The findings also stress a lack of follow-up efforts by shippers on green measures that were specified pre-contract, attributing this to contrasting intra-organisational objectives within shippers’ firms. This paper contributes to the green logistics purchasing literature by revealing how different contractual settings play an important role in shaping shippers’/LSPs’ perceptions of green concerns during the logistics purchasing process. Further, it is one of the first studies to provide phase-specific recommendations to increase the actors’ alignment on green targets.

Keywords
Case study, Contractual settings, Environmental sustainability, Green supply chain management, Logistics buyers, Logistics purchasing, LSP, Transport
National Category
Economics and Business
Research subject
no Strategic Research Area (SFO)
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-26226 (URN)10.1016/j.trd.2020.102305 (DOI)000530686800009 ()2-s2.0-85082747508 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2018-03-12 Created: 2018-03-12 Last updated: 2020-09-24Bibliographically approved
4. Measuring the gaps between shippers and logistics service providers on green logistics throughout the logistics purchasing process
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Measuring the gaps between shippers and logistics service providers on green logistics throughout the logistics purchasing process
2021 (English)In: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, ISSN 0960-0035, E-ISSN 1758-664X, Vol. 51, no 1, p. 25-47Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to measure the gaps between the engagements of shippers (i.e.logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs) in different green logistics practices (GLPs)throughout the key phases of the logistics purchasing process: request for proposal, negotiations, contractingand execution.

Design/methodology/approach – A large-scale survey of shippers and LSPs in Sweden was conducted.Respondents were 331 firms (169 shippers, 162 LSPs). Mean values of the actors’ perceptions were analysedusing independent- and paired sample t-tests.

Findings – While this study supports previous research indicating that LSPs engage more extensively inselling GLPs than shippers do in buying them, it shows that this conclusion does not uniformly apply to allGLPs nor all purchasing phases. Three patterns emerged for the gaps between the actors’ buying-sellingengagements throughout the purchasing process: (1) steady and wide gaps, (2) steady and narrow gaps and(3) emergent gaps. Distinct GLPs were associated with each pattern. It is also shown that the prioritisation ofGLPs is fairly aligned between shippers and LSPs.

Research limitations/implications – This study contributes to the green logistics purchasing literature bysystematically and simultaneously creating three types of distinction, between (1) shippers and LSPs, (2)different GLPs and (3) different logistics purchasing phases. Future studies could replicate the analysis incountries other than Sweden.

Practical implications – Managers of shipper/LSP firms learn tips to spot the GLPs that their partnersprioritise, enabling them to modify their purchasing/marketing strategies accordingly.

Originality/value – The three types of distinction represent a novel approach in the green logisticspurchasing literature.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2021
Keywords
Environmental sustainability, Logistics buyer, LSP, Procurement, Third-party logistics, Transport, Sweden, Survey
National Category
Other Mechanical Engineering
Research subject
Intelligent Industry
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-33378 (URN)10.1108/IJPDLM-08-2019-0237 (DOI)000563572500001 ()2-s2.0-85089577721 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2020-08-26 Created: 2020-08-26 Last updated: 2021-02-03Bibliographically approved
5. Do relationships matter? Linking the advancement of shipper-logistics service provider relationships with green logistics implementation
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Do relationships matter? Linking the advancement of shipper-logistics service provider relationships with green logistics implementation
2019 (English)In: Proceedings of the 26th EurOMA conference, 2019Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The contract logistics literature implicitly suggests that establishing advanced relationships between shippers (logistics buyers) and logistics service providers (LSPs) plays a role in facilitating green logistics practices. We systematically test this claim through surveying 335 companies (170 shippers; 165 LSPs) in Sweden. Using factor- and multiple regression analyses, we confirm that implementing green logistics practices is influenced by advanced relationships settings, but not all practices adhere to this. Also, a distinction is made on whether relationship advancement is expressed by the contract design or the degree of integration between the partners; the former better explains the implementation of the practices.

Keywords
LSPs, environmental sustainability, logistics relationships
National Category
Economics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-30176 (URN)
Conference
26th EurOMA conference, June 17-19, 2019, Helsinki, Finland
Available from: 2019-06-24 Created: 2019-06-24 Last updated: 2022-09-09Bibliographically approved

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