Title: Aligning 3PL service bundles with relational integration: a conceptual model

Authors: Michael D.J. Clements, Mark M.J. Wilson

Addresses: Faculty of Commerce, Centre of Applied Systems Research, School of Management and Marketing, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong 2522, Australia. ' Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, Commerce Division, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract: A problem often overlooked in 3PL literature is the necessity of aligning relational integration with service levels. This paper provides a preliminary conceptual framework to identify the level of complexity of 3PL services and aligning this with buyer-seller relationships. The conceptual argument offered in this paper makes a contribution to the debate about the links between the complexity of 3PL service bundles and the level of buyer-seller relationship integration needed for efficient logistics. The practical implications revolve around determining the necessary relational development associated with delivery of 3PL service bundles. Understanding this will enable practitioners to avoid any unmet expectations or the costs of over delivering when seeking outsourcing providers.

Keywords: 3PL; third party logistics providers; service bundles; supply chain management; SCM; integration; performance; relationship levels; service levels; buyer-seller relationships; logistics outsourcing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTM.2009.025038

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2009 Vol.12 No.1, pp.88 - 105

Published online: 10 May 2009 *

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