An Inductive Empirical Investigation into Third Party Logistics Contracts

Abstract

We report an inductive, qualitative investigation into third party logistics contracts whose express purpose was to inform subsequent case study research into the same. A salient feature of the research is the methodology which involved going backand- forth between data gathering (the principal source of data was flexible interviews) and analysis, which was conducted through formally specified coding techniques. The products of our induction include concepts and categories that are relevant in the study of third party logistics contracts, as well as their synthesis into an anatomical description of such contracts. We also draw several inferences from our data that bear upon future empirical research into third party logistics contracts, especially their effectiveness.