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The Emerging Role of the Third‐Party Logistics Provider (3PL) as an Orchestrator
Author(s) -
Zacharia Zach G.,
Sanders Nada R.,
Nix Nancy W.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of business logistics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.611
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 2158-1592
pISSN - 0735-3766
DOI - 10.1111/j.2158-1592.2011.01004.x
Subject(s) - business , transaction cost , supply chain , third party , competitive advantage , perspective (graphical) , industrial organization , resource (disambiguation) , process management , supply chain management , marketing , knowledge management , computer science , computer network , internet privacy , finance , artificial intelligence
The connectivity and communication requirements of leading supply chains have created the emergence of a more advanced role for third‐party logistics providers 3PLs. They have evolved from providing logistics capabilities to becoming orchestrators of supply chains that create and sustain a competitive advantage. This article uses a theoretical perspective based on resource‐based theory, network theory and transaction cost economics, and a thorough literature review, to develop a model with seven propositions. Finally, using structured interviews of industry executives from a leading 3PL, we offer empirical support for the model and propositions that can be used to define the orchestrator role of a 3PL.