Rudolf O. Large

The influence of customer-specific adaptations on the performance of third-party-logistics relationships—document studies and propositions

The main purpose of this research was to acquire a better understanding of the performance of third-party logistics. Based on previous research, the demanded specificity, the intended performance evaluation, the expected adaptations by the provider and the willingness of the customer to adapt to the provider were identified as potential influences of third-party logistics relationship performance. Additionally, 22 requests for quote were analysed. This document analysis demonstrates that the degree of partner-specific adaptations is influenced by the complexity of the service and the amount of existing assets of the customer. Furthermore, these analysis shows that most of the customers demand a specific location, expect specific investments by the provider and place-specific demands on performance measurement and reporting. Propositions were established to describe the relationships between these constructs and the potential influences on third-party logistics relationship performance. As a starting point for further research, a structural model was constructed.

SCM Research Methodologies: Employing Structural Equation Modeling

Supply Chain Management research very often involves an analysis of relationships among abstract concepts. For this type of analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is a very powerful technique because it combines measurement models (confirmatory factor analysis) and structural models (regression analysis) into a simultaneous statistical test. The objective of this paper is to show how SEM can be employed in theory testing. We will also describe a process regarding its implementation and show an example of a research paper based on this methodology.

Eastern-Western supplier-customer relationships in agricultural machinery industry: results of an empirical investigation in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, and Germany

Abstract International trade between Germany and the young reform states in Central and Eastern Europe is growing rapidly. Germany is the most important trading partner for nearly all of the Central and Eastern European countries. Nevertheless, there are relatively few empirical studies concerning purchasing activities of western manufacturers in Central and Eastern Europe. Especially the characteristics of successful relationships between Central and Eastern suppliers and their western customers have not been addressed. This paper presents results of a survey carried out in the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine and Germany. The research reported, contributes towards answering the following research questions. (1) What are the reasons for establishing Eastern-Western supplier-customer relationships? (2) What are the characteristics of German customers buying in Central and Eastern Europe? (3) Which attributes are prominent by Eastern suppliers? (4) What are the ingredients of a successful supplier-customer relationship? The survey showed that many successful relationships between German manufacturers and Central European suppliers have been established. The importance of these relationships for both suppliers and customers is shown by the average share of materials by value bought in Central and Eastern Europe, the high specificity of the purchased materials, the types of contracts employed, and the extent of support activities. Furthermore, the study has identified the requirements and numerous attributes of successful Eastern-Western supplier-customer relationships.

Sourcing from Central and Eastern Europe: Conditions and Implementation

Describes the country‐specific conditions and developments in Central and Eastern Europe, the risks and opportunities of sourcing in this region and the measures necessary to implement supply systems including eastern suppliers. In order to use the future capabilities of eastern companies, it will be necessary to shape long‐running, cooperative relations. Four major tasks of implementing procurement systems involving suppliers from Central and Eastern Europe can be distinguished: the establishment of an appropriate internal organization to facilitate sourcing in Central and Eastern Europe; the identification, assessment, and selection of eastern suppliers; the development of suppliers′ capabilities and performance; and the implementation of logistical and legal relationships between the buyer and the supplier necessary for the operation of the procurement system. Therefore, not only the purchase prices have to be considered in procurement decisions, but also any other related costs. Higher logistics costs...

Drivers and Consequences of Changes in Logistics Managers′ Occupational Profile

This research investigates the influences of increased inter-functional and inter-organizational coordination as well as logistics outsourcing on logistics managers′ occupational profile and job satisfaction. Based on structural modeling an increase of inter-functional coordination is identified as an important driver of changes in logisticians′ occupational profile. On the contrary, there is no evidence for an impact of inter- organizational coordination on the logistics profession. Logistics managers′ job satisfaction is influenced by the degree of changes in logistics managers′ occupational profile, the inter-functional coordination and the increase of logistics service buying. These findings have important managerial implications and consequences in the field of logistics education.

Partner-specific adaptations, performance, satisfaction, and loyalty in third-party logistics relationships

This paper addresses the question of the impact of alternative ways to partner-specific adaptations in third-party logistics provider relationships upon performance, customer satisfaction, and the degree of customer loyalty. It offers a view of related theory and a preliminary analysis of “request for quotation” documents. On this basis, several hypotheses are formulated. A questionnaire survey and structural equation modeling (SEM) are then used to test the hypotheses. The analysis shows that adaptations by logistics service providers exert positive influences on performance and customer loyalty. On the other hand, there is a negative impact of customers’ adaptations on performance because own adaptations are perceived as an effort. Nevertheless, the study provides evidence that the total effect of customers’ adaptations on customer loyalty is positive. The results suggest that third-party logistics providers should adapt systems and procedures to their customers’ specific requirements. Despite the negative impact found of customers’ adaptations upon the level of perceived performance, providers should promote moderate customers’ adaptations in order to increase customer loyalty.

Driver Shortage and Fluctuation: Occupational and Organizational Commitment of Truck Drivers

This research investigates the influences of working conditions and organizational support on truck drivers’ job satisfaction and organizational and occupational commitment. Seven hypotheses are derived that are anchored in the organizational behavior and vocational literature. Based on structural modeling, the importance of working conditions and the necessity of organizational and interorganizational initiatives are shown to be the main factors explaining truck drivers’ organizational and occupational commitment. These types of commitment can be seen as levers to overcome truck driver shortage and employee turnover. Therefore, the findings provide important organizational and industry-wide implications to cope with the lack of professional truck drivers.

Who buys logistics services? Organisational and occupational issues

ABSTRACT Recent literature focuses on the question, why or how to select logistics service providers. There is little knowledge regarding the organisational units and the individuals involved in the buying process. This research investigates organisational and occupational issues of logistics service buying based on a survey. The results provide evidence that depending on the stage of the logistics service buying process, various organisational divisions are involved. While early stages show the coexistence and cooperation of purchasing and logistics departments, logistics is dominant in supporting the relationship. The chief logistics officer is of central importance. Nevertheless, other general groups of actors participate.

ORAL COMMUNICATION CAPABILITIES OF GOVERNMENTAL PURCHASERS IN THE USA

The main purpose of this paper is the evaluation of previous German and Spanish research conducted related to oral communication capability in a different cultural surrounding. In order to test the validity of the European findings, a new sample was drawn using membership data of the U.S. based National Institute of Governmental Purchasing. The results of this paper corroborate that oral communication capability is a construct consisting of three dimensions. The model obtained in Europe for managers from private sector purchasers is also applicable in the U.S. for public purchasers. Furthermore, European results proposed four distinct types of communicators, while in the U.S. two additional groups of purchasers were found. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence for demographic or cultural influences on the oral communication capabilities of purchasers.

Dimension humaine du management logistique : stress, fatigue et santé des salariés

RÉSUMÉ Plusieurs travaux ont abordé la question du management des ressources humaines en contexte logistique, mais en privilégiant des aspects liés à la motivation des salariés, aux outils à la disposition des entreprises pour l’améliorer, ou encore à la politique de rémunération la plus efficace. L’article souhaite s’interroger sur la dimension humaine de la logistique en adoptant un autre point de vue. Il s’intéresse, d’une part, à la manière dont l’exécution d’activités logistiques impacte la santé et le niveau de fatigue des salariés ; d’autre part, comment le stress et les réponses au stress sont modérés par un certain nombre de caractéristiques intrinsèques et extrinsèques. Les réflexions sont conduites à partir de travaux académiques de référence, et elles sont illustrées à partir d’exemples issus de la presse professionnelle. L’objectif final est de susciter un programme de recherche original sur des thématiques pour l’instant très peu étudiées en management logistique.