Title: Logistics outsourcing by Moroccan manufacturing firms: a qualitative study

Authors: Latifa Fadile; Mohamed El Oumami; Zitouni Beidouri

Addresses: Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Laboratory, High School of Technology, Hassan II University, P.O. Box 8012, Oasis, Casablanca, Morocco; High National School of Electricity and Mechanics, Hassan II University, P.O. Box 8118, Oasis, Casablanca, Morocco ' Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Laboratory, High School of Technology, Hassan II University, P.O. Box 8012, Oasis, Casablanca, Morocco ' Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Laboratory, High School of Technology, Hassan II University, P.O. Box 8012, Oasis, Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract: The relevant literature on logistics is largely centred on advanced countries and research on logistics outsourcing (LO) in developing countries in general with African ones, sparse in particular. This paper addresses this gap by shedding light on the usage of LO by Moroccan manufacturing firms. Thus, a qualitative study is conducted to know the extent to which they outsource their logistics: factors influencing the LO decision, benefits and risks of LO, logistics activities outsourced, impact of LO on their performance, logistics services providers' (LSPs) types, determinants and sources used to select the appropriate LSPs, and finally their expectations regarding the supply of their LSPs. The results denote that the usage of LO reveals positive impact on firm's performance although it still at a nascent stage in Morocco. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge of LO practices. Research limitations are highlighted and potential future research avenues are proposed.

Keywords: logistics outsourcing; manufacturing firms; Morocco; qualitative study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2022.122960

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2022 Vol.41 No.3, pp.265 - 294

Received: 31 Jul 2019
Accepted: 03 Dec 2019

Published online: 19 May 2022 *

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