Review article
https://doi.org/10.31217/p.31.2.3
The role of the 4PL Model in a contemporary supply chain
Helga Pavlić Skender
orcid.org/0000-0001-6668-4124
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics, Rijeka, Croatia
Petra Adelajda Mirković
orcid.org/0000-0002-0741-4826
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics, Rijeka, Croatia
Ivan Prudky
orcid.org/0000-0001-9732-3276
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics, Rijeka, Croatia
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to understand the concept of a fourth-party logistics provider and to identify his functions and importance for an organization. Although the concept of fourth-party logistics provider is present in academic researches for a relatively long time, it still remains underestimated. The paper presents a conceptual model that is based on the research of fourth-party logistics provider within the exsisting theorethical and empirical literature. The results have shown that fourth-party logistics provider is not incorporated enough into contemporary supply chain solutions, although a growing demand for it is evident. Future research may be broadened by implementing both qualitative and quantitative approach to evaluate the impact of fourth-party logistics provider on a business performance distinguishing among industries. This paper provides a knowledge-based conceptual framework to understand the value of fourth-party logistics provider inclusion in an organisation supply chain.
Keywords
Logistics operators; Fourth-party logistics operators – 4PL; Outsourcing; Supply chain management
Hrčak ID:
191352
URI
Publication date:
22.12.2017.
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