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LAA lauches research into "Co-opetition"

The Logistics Association of Australia Ltd (LAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the University of Queensland, School of Business (UQBS) and Maersk Logistics as its Collaborative and Sponsoring Partner Consortium (Co-Opetition Consortium) to undertake the LAA’s 2008 Logistics Research Program.

The LAA and members of the Co-Opetition Consortium recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement, signalling the start of the first stage of a study into Co-Opetition in Supply Chains.

Key issues to be investigated by the Co-Opetition Consortium are:

• How are effective partnerships established?

• What are the resistance factors and how are they overcome?

• How is third party logistics (3PL) different from co-opetition?

Using a theoretical literature review and case study of a successful partnership, this research will explore the drivers and inhibitors of co-opetition in supply chains; through both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The research will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of LAA Ltd to carry out best practice case studies, to consult with stakeholders, analyse and interpret the data collected.

The University of Queensland, School of Business will provide experienced research personnel and appropriate methodological approaches.

The study is generously supported by industry partner Maersk Logistics. Project Manager heading the Co-Opetition Consortium is Maree Storer, PhD Candidate, UQBS.

Other members are Steffen Steensbaek, Oceania Logistics Supply Chain Development, Maersk Logistics; Dr David Parker, Senior Lecturer Operations Management, UQBS and Michael Thirgood, Australian Customers Manager, Maersk Logistics.

An initial report titled “A Competence Perspective in Supply Chain Relationship Management (SCM) is due for release at the end of February 2008.

This will review current thinking on relationships management as it relates to supply chain relationship management, such as, co-operation and collaboration in partnerships and alliances and, 3rd and 4th party logistics and co-opetition.

Related literature from other disciplines, such as operations management, strategic management and behavioural management will also be reviewed.

From these findings it is expected that a framework representing a competency perspective in supply chain relationship management will be developed towards STAGE TWO of the study.

This stage of empirical research, with industry partners and related supply chains will commence in late March.

An initial summary on preliminary findings is scheduled for the end of May 2008 with the final report due on the 30th June 2008.

While is not anticipated that this particular study will be comprehensive, it will build a sound foundation for further research into this area at a later date.

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