| Title: | Impact of BPO outsourcing on competitiveness in logistics: a structural equation modeling approach in the croatian context |
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| Authors: | ID Šarić, Marko (Author)
ID Sternad, Marjan (Author) |
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| Files: |  https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/14/4/371
 RAZ_Saric_Marko_2026.pdf (1009,52 KB)
MD5: 31F5C68EB479EE4A918A475B7A794FCF
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Article |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | FL - Faculty of Logistic
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| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Keywords: | business process outsourcing (BPO), logistics companies, structural equation modeling (SEM), strategic partnerships, emerging markets, competitiveness |
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| Publication date: | 31.03.2026 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 1-23 |
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| Numbering: | 14, 4, [article no.] 371 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DKUM-97872  |
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| UDC: | 519.8:658 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2079-8954 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 275017475 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/systems14040371 |
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| Publication date in DKUM: | 21.04.2026 |
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| Views: | 147 |
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| Downloads: | 8 |
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| Metadata: |    |
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| Categories: | Misc.
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