Developing a Generic Process for Logistics Outsourcing
Maristo, Lauri (2017)
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
2017
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201705219199
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201705219199
Tiivistelmä
This thesis focuses on developing a generic logistics outsourcing process for the case company. Due to a recent company acquisition, the case company is required to realign its logistics operations to allow for synergies, as well as for adjustment to the company strategy. As part of the realignment, use of in- and outsourcing in the logistics operations have to be defined. This requires case company to increase its preparedness and internal capabilities of outsourcing related decision-making.
This study is conducted by first reviewing relevant literature related to outsourcing and out-sourcing practices. From the literature, a conceptual framework is constructed, which serves as a basis for the development of the outsourcing process for the case company. The study also reviews current outsourcing practices in the case company. Based on literature, and the results of the current state analysis, a proposal for the outsourcing process is drawn. Finally, the developed proposal is improved with the key stakeholders from the case company to construct the final outsourcing process.
The outcome of this thesis is a generic level outsourcing process. It consists of five consecutive stages covering an outsourcing lifecycle. Each stage has its specific objectives and activities. Process incorporates relevant decision factors related to in- and outsourcing decisions. Factors such as company strategy, economic performance, and internal as well as external capabilities are taken into consideration. It addresses the questions of whether to outsource or not, and how to conduct outsourcing activities so that the set objectives are reached and possible risks mitigated.
Outsourcing process developed in this thesis allows the case company to take a more structured and logical approach to its current and future outsourcing activities. By providing guidelines and incorporating relevant decision factors, the process increases case company’s ability to use outsourcing effectively as part of the logistics operations.
This study is conducted by first reviewing relevant literature related to outsourcing and out-sourcing practices. From the literature, a conceptual framework is constructed, which serves as a basis for the development of the outsourcing process for the case company. The study also reviews current outsourcing practices in the case company. Based on literature, and the results of the current state analysis, a proposal for the outsourcing process is drawn. Finally, the developed proposal is improved with the key stakeholders from the case company to construct the final outsourcing process.
The outcome of this thesis is a generic level outsourcing process. It consists of five consecutive stages covering an outsourcing lifecycle. Each stage has its specific objectives and activities. Process incorporates relevant decision factors related to in- and outsourcing decisions. Factors such as company strategy, economic performance, and internal as well as external capabilities are taken into consideration. It addresses the questions of whether to outsource or not, and how to conduct outsourcing activities so that the set objectives are reached and possible risks mitigated.
Outsourcing process developed in this thesis allows the case company to take a more structured and logical approach to its current and future outsourcing activities. By providing guidelines and incorporating relevant decision factors, the process increases case company’s ability to use outsourcing effectively as part of the logistics operations.