Logistics and supply chain outsourcing is an area of constant growth, and global sourcing is now a competitive requirement. It is a recognized strategy to align the supply chain with company direction and to manage services and costs more effectively. A new book is covering both the strategic and operational aspects with observations and pratical advice, set in a completely international scope.

International Logistics and Supply Chain Outsourcing is a comprehensive guide to the use of outsourcing logistics and supply chain operations. It includes a review of the market, an assessment of the major providers, a description of the main services available and a consideration of the key drivers for outsourcing. In addition, a detailed framework for the selection of a suitable service provider is examined, together with a comprehensive evaluation of change management and subsequent contract management requirements.

Designed to be used as a quick reference guide as well as a definitive text that supplies comprehensive explanations, International Logistics Supply Chain Outsourcing provides a single source for the description and application of all aspects of logistics and supply chain outsourcing.

The book is covering topics like:

• an intensive review of regional and global logistics markets
• a comprehensive summary of the top 25 global providers
• key drivers for outsourcing
• detailed description of outsourcing operations and services
• how to selct a service provider
• how to manage the outsource relationship
• fourth party logistics (4PL) and beyond

There are several books on outsourcing of production and manufacturing activities, but this book is focussing on the outsourcing distribution and logistics and therefore an asset. Usually the term ‘International’ in the title is not a guarantee for a international focus. This book is really international in focus and in information, f.e. the author is describing in detail the regional logistics markets and providers in EMEA, Americas and APAC. The same applies for the description of the Global Logistic Service Suppliers. The book is very up-to-date (financial data is from 2006), but my personal observation was that the book will be more readable when the data about regional logistics and the overview of services providers will be presented in an appendix of the book. Nevertheless the book is extensive both in content and data and therefore can be seen as the handbook every supply chain professional involved with outsourcing to 3PL/4PL should have on his desk.

The target group for the book are professionals involved in logistics and supply chain management, students studying logistics and supply chain operations. The book measures 304 pages and the recommended price will be $80,00.

Alan Rushton is Director of Graduate Programmes at the Centre for Logistics and Transportation, Cranfield School of Management, and a director of Dialog Consultants Ltd, a consultancy specializing in distribution, logistics and supply-chain management. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Logistics and Transport. Steve Walker is Supply Chain Solutions Director for the DHL Supply Chain business. He regularly lectures at Cranfield School of Management in the UK.

Source and ordering info: Kogan Page Publishers UK or Kogan Page Publishers USA

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