Long-Term Partnerships in Japanese Firms’ Logistics Outsourcing: From a Sustainable Perspective

This study aimed to reveal the actual state of Japanese firms’ logistics outsourcing, and examine their relationship with LSPs. addressed following issues by conducting a case six leading manufacturing firms. First, it clarified characteristics Japanese-style outsourcing as: total activities, consigning single LSP, development advanced information systems. Moreover, examined performance from sustainable perspective, concluded that management enables firms achieve high in all economic, environmental, social dimensions. Second, this confirms traditional business practice long-term partnerships is still maintained management. Third, also explored how create competitive advantages. Finally, based on these findings, theoretical framework illustrating between advantage presented. Our findings may encourage companies develop partnership service providers, put environmental indicators into KPI system balancing economy, environment, society.