Current and Future Trends of Information Technology and Sustainability in Logistics Outsourcing

Abstract

Sustainability awareness across various economic sectors requires firms to use logistics outsourcing to reduce logistics-related emissions with compliant logistics service providers (LSPs). LSPs apply advanced information technologies to help achieve high efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability goals. While logistics outsourcing has received considerable attention from researchers, limited research has identified the elements of logistics outsourcing and established research trends regarding technology and sustainability aspects of logistics outsourcing. This study aims to establish trends in technology and sustainability in logistics outsourcing and identify the important elements of logistics outsourcing. A bibliometric analysis technique using the Biblioshiny package in R. A SCOPUS search resulted in 2019 documents. Research on technology and sustainability in logistics outsourcing is growing, especially in developed countries, with little or no research from developing countries. Sustainable supply chains and third-party logistics themes dominated the past research. Current research is on reverse logistics, circular economy, and green logistics; the latter is likely to dominate the future, focusing on risk management, pollution control, and innovation through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. Essential elements of logistics outsourcing are identified as maintaining a good relationship based on trust and cooperation, LSP multi-selection criteria that include sustainability and technology capabilities, proper contract management, and an appropriate in-house versus outsourcing balance for competitiveness. LSP managers are advised to develop sustainability and technology capabilities, including reverse logistics. The paper contributes to logistics management theory by identifying the elements of logistics outsourcing and presenting a bibliometric result to guide future research on sustainability and technology capabilities in logistics outsourcing.

Sourcing Third Party Logistics Service Providers based on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance: A Case Study

“…According to Mageto et al (2022) [4], regarding the investigation of concepts in logistics outsourcing, despite the importance of sustainability in logistics management, there are previous studies that examined logistics outsourcing from the perspective of selection criteria, contracts, reverse logistics, sustainable development, environmental assessment and risk management; thus, none of the studies examined a combination of the analysis of a multicriteria analysis tool and sustainability in logistics outsourcing.…”

“…For Mageto (2022) [4], logistics service companies' sustainability-based are knowledgeable in the practice of environmental laws and with proper investments in IT, driving companies to acquire these capabilities through outsourcing logistics, where successful implementation requires an objective selection of LSPs with a focus on sustainability.…”

“…Despite the importance of sustainability capabilities in logistics outsourcing, Mageto (2022) [4] mentions that there is limited research when mapping past, current, and research trends that can guide professionals and theory in the discipline of logistics management. Furthermore, the relevant elements of logistics outsourcing from the point of view of technology and sustainability are not explicitly known.…”

“…According to Mageto (2022) [4], logistics services, as responsible for the emission of greenhouse gases harmful to the environment, require that the providers of these services proceed with sustainability initiatives. Due to the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations with a view to sustainable global development, as well as achieving a more sustainable legacy for future generations, 17 goals were established.…”

Evaluation of the perception of Green IT practices in a public educational institution

“…Assim como várias atividades humanas que geram problemas ambientais, a Tecnologia da Informação também agride o meio ambiente devido ao grande uso de energia elétrica e de recursos naturais para a fabricação, por exemplo, de componentes eletrônicos (Mageto, 2022).…”