Now showing 1 - 10 of 19
  • Publication
    Technology Management in Multi-Tier Chains: A Case Study of Agency in Logistics Service Outsourcing
    (John Wiley & Sons, 2022-09-14)
    Sternberg, Henrik
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    Hofmann, Erik
    Shippers and logistics service providers (LSPs) implement information communication technology (ICT) in outsourced logistics to increase efficiency and remedy information asymmetry. However, the nature of outsourced logistics operations can create technology management challenges due to the organizational distances between the technology initiator and the technology users. Here, we apply the lens of positivist agency theory (PAT) to study four cases of technology management and agency in multi-tier outsourced logistics services. Our findings suggest that while ICT remedies some information asymmetry, it also creates new information asymmetry—and gives rise to user privacy concerns. Furthermore, the setting of multi-tier subcontracted logistics services appears to be a critical factor in designing governance mechanisms for effective technology management (e.g., performance-based contracts, rotating staff). In addition to our theoretical contributions to technology management in multi-tier outsourcing, we offer an empirical account of agency, proposals for future research, and practical suggestions to help managers tackle agency issues that arise from information asymmetry. KEYWORDS: agency theory, information asymmetry, information and communication technology, logistics service providers, subcontracting, service triads, case study research
    Scopus© Citations 6
  • Publication
    Technology adoption by logistics service providers
    (Emerald, 2019-06-13) ;
    Hofmann, Erik
    Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal the effects of different technology access modes on the successful integration of technological innovations. From the perspective of logistics service providers (LSPs), theoretical and managerial implications for the process of technology adoption are discovered. Design/methodology/approach The paper provides a structured literature review of the state-of-the-art in technology adoption by LSPs. Drawing on the innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and absorptive capacity, the explorative case study research includes systematic analyses of ten technology projects conducted by seven different LSPs. Findings The findings illustrate that the technology access modes (make, buy and ally) prejudge the success of the integration process in terms of technology acceptance, as well as process quality, speed and costs of integration. This relationship is moderated by technology-, firm-, environment- and relation-related factors. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited by its qualitative research approach, only seven different LSPs were addressed. Furthermore, the scope of the investigated technologies is broad but not exhaustive. Practical implications For practitioners, research indicates that the way LSPs access technologies is highly related to a successful integration process. Therefore, the paper provides practical support for improving technology adoption. Originality/value As the link between LSPs’ technology access strategies and a successful integration process has been largely neglected thus far, this paper is the first contribution addressing this research gap. In this context, IDT and absorptive capacity are discussed for application to technology adoption in supply chain management research.
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  • Publication
    Wettbewerbskräfte im Logistikmarkt der Zukunft
    (Trialog Publishers Verlagsgesellschaft, 2018-06-07)
    Hofmann, Erik
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  • Publication
    Diffusion of innovations in service networks - Examining innovative logistics technologies from an agency perspective
    (NOFOMA, 2019-06) ;
    Hofmann, Erik
    Purpose This research provides a systematic analysis about the governance mechanisms for promoting the transfer and diffusion (together referred to as “distribution”) of technological innovations along logistics service supply chains (LSSCs) from a principal-agent perspective. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on agency theory and innovation diffusion theory (IDT), the explorative research approach is based on a single case study. 19 representatives from three levels of the LSSC (third-party logistics provider (3PL), logistics intermediaries and drivers) are included. Besides the case-related investigations, interviewees were bundled into a focus panel for examining general technology experiences within LSSCs. Findings The findings illustrate that technology distribution should be guided whenever the technology implies interaction with the consignee and/or the driver. Suited mechanisms to reduce inappropriate handling due to information asymmetries are ownership, data transparency, and feedback and reputation systems. The first one allows for self-selection solutions, while the latter two can be designed as control or incentive systems. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited by its qualitative research approach; only one LSSC with a specific technological innovation is included. Thus, findings cannot easily be generalized. Practical implications The derived decision tree helps practitioners to locate their technological innovations and evaluate the possibilities for governing distribution processes. As all levels of the LSSC are examined (even drivers), the results are on a very concrete application level. Original/value This paper is the first contribution that investigates technology distribution for the whole vertical LSSC – from 3PL down to drivers. Thereby, a principal-agent cascade is derived that advances the application of agency theory in logistics and supply chain management (SCM) research.
  • Publication
    Do technology access modes impact integration success of logistics service providers? - The process and moderators of technology assimilation
    (NOFOMA, 2018-06) ;
    Hofmann, Erik
    Purpose This paper examines different access modes for new to market technologies and their implications for technology integration from the perspective of logistics service providers (LSPs), revealing managerial and practical implications for the process of technology assimilation. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on innovation diffusion theory and absorptive capacity, explorative case study research is conducted for ten technology projects of seven different LSPs from the German-speaking area. Furthermore, the paper provides a structured literature review on the state-of-the-art in technology assimilation by LSPs. Findings Findings illustrate that technology access modes prejudge the process success of integration in terms of technology acceptance as well as quality, speed and costs of integration. This relationship is moderated by technology-, firm-, market- and supply chain-related factors. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited by its qualitative research approach, addressing only seven different LSPs. Furthermore, the scope of investigated technologies is wide, but not exhaustive. Practical implications (if applicable) For practitioners, research reveals that the way LSPs access technologies is highly related to a successful integration process. Therefore, the paper provides practical support for improving technology assimilation. Original/value As the link between technology access strategies of LSPs and the process success of integration has been largely neglected so far, the paper is the first contribution addressing this research gap. In this context, absorptive capacity is discussed for the application on learning processes in supply chain management research. Keywords: Technology assimilation, New to market technologies, Technology access modes, Logistics service providers, Technology integration, Case study research, Innovation diffusion theory, Absorptive capacity
  • Publication
    Dezentrale Technologien in der Supply Chain
    (Universität St.Gallen, 2020-08) ;
    Hofmann, Erik
  • Publication
    Zukunftsstudie Logistikmarkt Schweiz
    (Universität St.Gallen, 2019-08) ;
    Hofmann, Erik
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