20.500.12556/DKUM-97872 Impact of BPO outsourcing on competitiveness in logistics: a structural equation modeling approach in the croatian context Purpose & Research Gap: While Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is widely studied, there is a lack of empirical research analyzing its specific impact on competitiveness within the logistics sector of emerging markets. This study addresses the gap regarding how BPO transitions from a cost-saving tool to a strategic expertise-driven model. Methodology: Data were collected from 132 logistics companies in Croatia. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) wasapplied to test the hypotheses and mediation effects, as it allows for a robust analysis of complex causal relationships between latent constructs. Key Findings: SEM results reveal that BPO engagement alone does not guarantee competitiveness. The primary finding indicates that the expertise of BPO providers and strategic partnerships exert a significantly stronger positive effect on operational efficiency and market differentiation than simple cost reduction. Contribution: The paper contributes to the literature by redefining BPO as a strategic driver of innovation rather than a mere cost-cutting measure, providing logistics managers with evidence-based insights for knowledge-oriented outsourcing. business process outsourcing (BPO) logistics companies structural equation modeling (SEM) strategic partnerships emerging markets competitiveness zunanje izvajanje poslovnih procesov (BPO) logistična podjetja modeliranje strukturnih enačb (SEM) strateška partnerstva nastajajoči trgi konkurenčnost true false true Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik Članek v reviji 2026-04-21 15:21:28 2026-04-21 15:21:29 2026-04-22 03:11:32 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2026 0 0 str. 1-23 4, [article no.] 371 14 2026 0000-00-00 NiDoloceno NiDoloceno NiDoloceno 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 2026-03-31 519.8:658 275017475 10.3390/systems14040371 2079-8954 https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/14/4/371 1 c0b52c9a-3d84-11f1-90ac-00155d0001a1 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=205507 RAZ_Saric_Marko_2026.pdf RAZ_Saric_Marko_2026.pdf 1 31F5C68EB479EE4A918A475B7A794FCF 32979a65859d765f11a8df04e709b17ce9866a341f7f66c2913e01ab0041fa1d e94c6f6e-3d84-11f1-90ac-00155d0001a1 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=205508 Fakulteta za logistiko 0 0 0