An exploration of the collaborative relationships of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Third-party Logistics Providers (3PLs) and its impact on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM)

Abstract

Purpose:
This research aims to explore how small and medium enterprises (SME) third-party logistics providers (3PLs) in their collaborative relationships can advance sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). A review of the literature shows that there are several calls for research into supply chain relationships and their importance in developing SSCM. The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) have set ambitious targets aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions by mid-century in an effort to combat climate change. The logistics sector has a high dependency on non-renewable energies; thus, these net zero targets have focused attention of 3PLs to view SSCM and the triple bottom line as an integral part of their corporate strategy.

Design/Methodology/Approach:
The research design employed in this study is a multi-method, multi-phase triangulation of a questionnaire survey, a delphi study, and a case study, combined with a moderation panel running parallel with the project to bring a moderating influence on the research design and data analysis.

Findings:
The major findings of this research propose that SME 3PLs can advance SSCM by encouraging the senior management of their customers to embrace an innovative strategic perspective defined by long-term commitment, deeper integration, heightened loyalty, all rooted in trust, and nurtured within a shared culture of cultivating committed individuals, within their well-established, non-contractual business partnerships.

Implications:
This research implies that SME 3PLs are logistics experts; they can offer expertise valuable to their customer's greater supply chains that is free from corporate politics, thus making an impartial contribution to the supply chain even more valuable. Further, a company profile promoting sustainable supply chain solutions can serve as an effective recruitment tool for attracting individuals who prioritise sustainability in their choice of workplace. Finally, SME 3PLs should actively drive sustainability instead of waiting for government regulations, customer demands, or senior management to avoid being left behind when sustainability reaches critical concern.

Date of Award	Oct 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aston University
Supervisor	James Stone (Supervisor)