Title: An analysis of third party logistic selection criteria in oil and gas sector: an integrated SWOT-AHP approach

Authors: Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan; Radi Mohd. Radi; Syed Mubashir Ali; Esam H. Zahran; Amro Hayder Al Sahtout; Saad Aldin Esam

Addresses: Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Department of Computer Science and Management Information Systems, College of Computer Science and Information Systems, Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, Pakistan ' Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE ' Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Abstract: Outsourcing logistics activities has become an essential topic and is considered by several academicians and practitioners in literature. In this paper, we have considered a problem that an oil and gas company in the Middle East is facing in their logistics selection criteria for outsourcing. Our proposed research methodology adopted both qualitative and quantitative approach. A well-structured integrated method based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) have been used to identify relevant criteria of third-party logistics service provider (3PLSP) and subsequently rank them. Proposed research methodology has been implemented in an oil and gas company as a case study. Results show that the highest ranked criteria under strength, weakness, opportunity, and threats of considered case company are operational accuracy (20.4%), operational speed (51.6%), transportation costs (12.4%), and insurance costs (15.6%) respectively. This study has several managerial and practical implications which are discussed at the end.

Keywords: outsourcing; third party logistics selection criteria; SWOT analysis; AHP; oil and gas sector.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2022.125660

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2022 Vol.43 No.1, pp.20 - 47

Received: 23 Feb 2020
Accepted: 27 Jun 2020

Published online: 26 Sep 2022 *

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