Supply chain management practices as a competitive tool for third party logistics providers performance

Abstract
The major purpose of this research paper is to examine supply chain management practices as a strategic tool for third-party logistics firms’ performance: by presenting practical and theoretical advantages by reviewing the corresponding literature, and also by proposing more forward-looking studies. A literature review was developed to help today's supply chain managers and analysts to thoroughly scrutinize what was already recognized as well as what requires further research. The research broadens, from a centered company perspective, the understanding of supply chain management practices as a tactical resource for success of third party logistics firms, as well as limitations for future studies. This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the literature to develop a proposed general framework for a strategic tool research initiative to perform TPLs' supply chain management practices. The research paper provides perspectives into deficiencies in current practices of supply chain management, along with the progress of third party logistics sector literature. The research paper proposes specific research into the logistics process, as it relates to planned and current performance. The research paper makes a series of important literary contributions. First, it provides the first comprehensive analysis of the fundamental concepts used throughout the current supply chain management activities research in relation to the performance of third party logistics companies. Indeed, when carrying out a similar exercise, the approach used to conduct the systematic literature review may be used as a guide for future investigators. Current research is aimed at providing a researcher who meets the needs of modern business leaders.