Innovation and network development of logistics firms

Purpose of this paperThis paper takes an inward look at third party logistics (TPL) research trends and developments in order to evaluate the progress and maturity of the field. The research purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the evolution of TPL research with a focuson the level of analysis, research methods and knowledge creation approaches.Design/methodology/approachThis paper focuses on TPL research articles from five selected journals. A total of 131 articles published between 1990 and 2010 have been identified and analyzed. Based on several previously established frameworks, an analysis of the chosen articles has been conducted.FindingsTPL research has been developing constantly during the last two decades. Logistics researchers are switching their focus from the buyer’s perspective to the provider’s perspective and the dyad perspective. Survey-based method has been the most popular approach to study TPL phenomena over time. Logistics researchers have been publishing storytelling type of TPL research continually while the research field has been evolving gradually by generating new concepts and refining the existing knowledge. However, TPL research has not matured yet since only a few studies have been carried out in order to expand the knowledge base.Research implications/limitationsThis study only focuses on the articles from five selected journals. It is not an all-inclusive research.What is original/value of paperThis paper is an initial attempt to track the evolution of TPL research. It provides logistics researchers with an evolutionary picture of TPL studies.

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