Drivers of logistics outsourcing: Evidence from large and medium size Russian manufacturing companies

Abstract

Goal of the research: To study and understand complex phenomenon of logistics outsourcing, its state of affairs in Russian context, driving forces behind it. Main tasks of the research: To study and analyze evolution of logistics outsourcing concept in the academic literature; To investigate decision making process in logistics outsourcing in the view of drivers and stages; Exploration of logistics outsourcing evolution in terms of services provided (i.e. by levels), its driving forces, and applicability to Russian business environment in the context of other trends in global supply chain management; To conduct descriptive and statistical analysis based on survey data from large and medium size Russian manufacturing companies; Regression analysis for assessment of significance of applicability of generally accepted drivers in logistics outsourcing decisions in the Russian business context. Results: Logistics outsourcing literature was explored, definitions, taxonomy of levels, drivers behind decision process were clarified; Information from survey was analyzed, descriptive explanation was developed, characteristics of logistics outsourcing practice were provided; Conducted regression analysis provided evidence of significance of a number of assessed factors (drivers) in the study sample; Conclusions were developed on significance of certain drivers in Russian business context by levels of logistics outsourcing and in a view of global trends in supply chain management; Managerial recommendations were provided.