Title: Determinants of outsourcing performance in container terminal operations: a moderated mediation model

Authors: Szu-Yu Kuo; Chin-Shan Lu

Addresses: Department of Shipping and Transportation Management, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, No. 142, Haijhuan Rd., Nanzih Dist., Kaohsiung City 811213, Taiwan ' Department of Transportation and Logistics Management, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Room 818, Assembly Building 1, No. 1001, Daxue Rd., East Dist., Hsinchu City 300093, Taiwan

Abstract: This study empirically examines the determinants of the performance of outsourcing from a container terminal practitioner's perspective. We attempted to examine the effects of container terminal operators' outsourcing management capabilities, outsourcing providers' basic and specific capabilities, communication quality, and partnership quality on outsourcing performance. Data is collected from 145 practitioners in container terminal operators at Port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan. A moderated mediation model was developed for data analysis. The research findings showed that firms' outsourcing management capability positively influenced outsourcing providers' basic and specific outsourcing capability, and that outsourcing providers' basic and specific outsourcing capability positively influenced outsourcing performance. Specifically, the results also indicate that communication quality and partnership quality had moderating effects on the indirect effect of outsourcing management capabilities on outsourcing performance through outsourcing providers' basic and specific outsourcing capability. Theoretical and managerial implications from the research findings on outsourcing management for container terminal operators are discussed.

Keywords: container terminal; outsourcing management capability; communication quality; partnership quality; outsourcing performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2022.125830

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2022 Vol.15 No.1/2, pp.1 - 32

Received: 07 May 2020
Accepted: 15 Dec 2020
Published online: 30 Sep 2022 *

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