A Knowledge Transfer Model to Implement Lean Practices for Apparel Industry based Multi-stakeholder 3PLs

Abstract

Warehousing plays an important role in the logistics sector in order to facilitate economic and business benefits for both parties including customer and the service provider. 3PL (third-party logistics) service providers are specialized in providing end-to-end logistics solutions including warehousing, transportation and distribution to their multi-stakeholders in various sectors (Apparel, FMCG). Lean knowledge transferring process from 3PLs to their apparel based multi-stakeholders is a kind of challenging process for both parties due to several factors. The way of transferring and receiving knowledge is directly affected by the success of any business. In this research, a framework is developed on the perspective of 3PLs by examining the factors that affect effective knowledge transferring on lean practices for their clients. Based on these, the model which consists of relevant factors named extent of lean practices, capabilities of the source and the recipient and the relationship between them are providing a clear roadmap to the service provider and their stakeholders. The proposed model will help the 3PL service provider to identify critical success factors for sharing the knowledge of lean practices effectively. Also, it facilitates the successful collaboration with the multi-stakeholders and finally it helps to improve the overall warehouse operational performance.