A typology of horizontal logistics collaboration concepts: an illustrative case study from agri-food supply chains

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model for horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC), including the collaboration types, enablers, context influence and performance indicators.Design/methodology/approachFirst, this study discusses the currently available typologies and their limitations and defines relevant collaboration classification dimensions. Then, a detailed analysis of each dimension is conducted, including the identification of resulting collaboration types. Next, collaboration enablers and the context influence are discussed, as well as their implications on the logistics system, with a specific focus on agri-food supply chains (AFSCs). Additionally, adequate key performance indicators (KPIs) are selected to evaluate collaboration outcomes. Finally, the horizontal logistics collaboration concept (HLCC) is applied to an illustrative case study from AFSCs.FindingsThe results show that HLC is a complex strategy where several elements intervene in the creation of the collaboration scenario. The research also shows that the specific characteristics of AFSCs influence the partners' selection process and increase the importance of partners' similarity and information exchange.Practical implicationsThe results provide managers with practical insights into the dynamic nature of HLC both at the operational and relational levels.Originality/valueThis paper provides a theoretical contribution by introducing a new comprehensive model for HLC and a practical typology that allows a deeper understanding of the mechanisms governing different HLC scenarios.

Illustrating scholar–practitioner collaboration for data-driven decision-making in the optimization of logistics facility location and implications for increasing the adoption of AR and VR practices

“…According to her, illustrative case studies serve to make unfamiliar topics, familiar and give readers a common language about the topicwhich in the case of our study is the notion of scholar-practitioner collaboration for data-driven decision-making. Finally, as Badraoui et al (2021) emphasize, an illustrative case study is used by the researchers when they wish to explore a developed concept in a real collaboration setting. Similarly, the LPR case serves as an illustrative example in which we explore our developed notion of scholar-practitioner collaboration for data-driven decision-making in a real collaboration setting.…”

What drives horizontal logistics collaboration? A grounded theory analysis of Chinese logistics service providers

“…1,17 In addition, some studies have revealed the specific developmental patterns of HLC. It is often shown as a transportation alliance, 3,4,6,14,19,28 collaborative inventory, 7,21 strategic and tactical data sharing, 1,2,8,12,22 goods consolidation, 6,7,15 logistics order sharing, 4,5,12,16 facility sharing, 5,6,21,32 human resource sharing, 1,7,21,32 and synchronous logistics. 1,21,22,32…”

“…VLC and HLC help promote the development and success of supply chains. 6,7,11,12,15,16,30 Many studies have been conducted on VLC, which refers to coordination between companies at different levels of the supply chain (upstream and downstream) and manifests in logistics service coordination between suppliers, customers, and LSPs. 1,2,5,8,9,22 Research focused on HLC is still in its infancy.…”

“…1,2,5,8,9,22 Research focused on HLC is still in its infancy. 1,7 Cruijssen 19 first proposed a model of horizontal transport cooperation between logistics enterprises. Since then, Vanovermeire et al 6 Ankersmit, 14 the EU, 29 and Pan et al 31 have strengthened the definition of transportation.…”

“…[9][10][11][12][13] Logistics business cooperation between competitors is called Horizontal Logistics Collaboration (HLC), which has gradually attracted the attention of the academic community. 2,3,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Generally speaking, enterprises typically avoid cooperation with competitors, 1,2,18 because the competitiveness of their peers will increase the threat of speculation, resulting in a high failure rate of HLC. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22] However, in recent years, enterprises in Europe and the United States have shown a significant divergence from this norm.…”