Title: Assessment of global logistics strategies for Third Party Logistics

Authors: Tong-Sheng Liu, Chiun-Ming Liu, James R. Brown

Addresses: College of Business and Economics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Systems Management, Feng Chia University, Taichung 407, Taiwan. ' College of Business and Economics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA

Abstract: The aim of this study is to apply data envelopment analysis, industry code analysis, Dun and Bradstreet business ratio analysis and market entry analysis to analyse global logistics strategies among third party logistics (3PL) providers. Results suggest that global logistics strategies for 3PLs depend on how and what they provide logistics services for their clients. If 3PLs are adept at physical logistics, a more niche market strategy should be adopted to avoid direct competition. On the other hand, if 3PLs are more proficient in international and managerial logistics solutions, they should develop more channels in the global market.

Keywords: global logistics strategy; data envelopment analysis; DEA; industry code analysis; market entry analysis; Dun and Bradstreet business ratios analysis; third party logistics; 3PL.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2008.016071

International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 2008 Vol.4 No.1, pp.102 - 124

Published online: 05 Dec 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article