Share:


Research in logistics service quality: a systematic literature review

    Milorad Kilibarda Affiliation
    ; Milan Andrejić Affiliation
    ; Vlado Popović Affiliation

Abstract

Logistics Service Quality (LSQ) is recognized as an important tool in modern markets. In recent years, a number of researches in this field are growing rapidly. Numerous papers have been published in various industries and observation focuses. Different methods have been applied with a large number of dimensions. However, there are no papers in literature that provide a systematic review of researches in the observed area. This paper aims to investigate, systematize and analyse relevant papers dealing with the LSQ. The purpose of this paper is to form a systematic review of the different approaches, dimensions and focuses of measurement, analysis and improvement of the logistics services quality. The authors conducted systematic literature review to research papers published in academic journals. Different key words have been used for paper research in several databases. According to research question and defined criteria papers selection has been performed. The relevant group of papers is further investigated in more details. A total of 98 papers in 56 journals are identified. Three LSQ research focuses are identified. The review of the most frequently used dimensions of LSQ in different industries is made. The most appropriate and the most commonly used approaches for LSQ measuring are analysed. Most of the papers refer to empirical research and indicate the low level of LSQ. The review represents good basis of future researches, and also some kind of guidelines for practical application of LSQ in the field of transport and logistics.


First published online 06 November 2019

Keyword : logistics service quality, customer satisfaction, quality analysis, logistics provider, SERVQUAL, literature review

How to Cite
Kilibarda, M., Andrejić, M., & Popović, V. (2020). Research in logistics service quality: a systematic literature review. Transport, 35(2), 224-235. https://doi.org/10.3846/transport.2019.11388
Published in Issue
May 20, 2020
Abstract Views
9010
PDF Downloads
5825
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Agatz, N. A. H.; Fleischmann, M.; Van Nunen, J. A. E. E. 2008. E-fulfillment and multi-channel distribution – a review, European Journal of Operational Research 187(2): 339–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2007.04.024

Anderson, R. D.; Jerman, R. E.; Crum, M. R. 1998. Quality management influences on logistics performance, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review 34(2): 137–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1366-5545(98)00008-8

Baki, B.; Basfirinci, C. S.; Murat, I.; Cilingir, Z. 2009. An application of integrating SERVQUAL and Kano’s model into QFD for logistics services, Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics 21(1): 106–126. https://doi.org/10.1108/13555850910926272

Bienstock, C. C.; Mentzer, J. T.; Bird, M. M. 1997. Measuring physical distribution service quality, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science 25(1): 31–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02894507

Bienstock, C. C.; Royne, M. B.; Sherrell, D.; Stafford, T. F. 2008. An expanded model of logistics service quality: Incorporating logistics information technology, International Journal of Production Economics 113(1): 205–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2007.03.023

Bouzaabia, R.; Bouzaabia, O.; Capatina, A. 2013. Retail logistics service quality: a cross‐cultural survey on customer perceptions, International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management 41(8): 627–647. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJRDM-02-2012-0012

Chen, K.-K.; Chang, C.-T.; Lai, C.-S. 2009. Service quality gaps of business customers in the shipping industry, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review 45(1): 222–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2008.02.005

Cronin, J. J.; Taylor, S. A. 1994. SERVPERF versus SERVQUAL: reconciling performance-based and perceptions-minus-expectations measurement of service quality, Journal of Marketing 58(1): 125–131. https://doi.org/10.2307/1252256

Dapiran, P.; Lieb, R.; Millen, R.; Sohal, A. 1996. Third party logistics services usage by large Australian firms, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management 26(10): 36–45. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600039610150442

Davis, B. R.; Mentzer, J. T. 2006. Logistics service driven loyalty: an exploratory study, Journal of Business Logistics 27(2): 53–73. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2158-1592.2006.tb00217.x

Denyer, D.; Tranfield, D. 2009. Producing a systematic review, in D. Buchanan, A. Bryman (Eds.). The SAGE Handbook of Organizational Research Methods, 671–689.

Ding, M.-J.; Jie, F.; Parton, K. A.; Matanda, M. J. 2014. Relationships between quality of information sharing and supply chain food quality in the Australian beef processing industry, The International Journal of Logistics Management 25(1): 85–108. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-07-2012-0057

Du, N.; Han, Q. 2018. Pricing and service quality guarantee decisions in logistics service supply chain with fairness concern, Asia-Pacific Journal of Operational Research 35(5): 1850036. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0217595918500367

Durvasula, S.; Lysonski, S.; Mehta, S. C. 1999. Testing the SERVQUAL scale in the business‐to‐business sector: the case of ocean freight shipping service, Journal of Services Marketing 13(2): 132–150. https://doi.org/10.1108/08876049910266040

Esmaeili, A.; Kahnali, R. A.; Rostamzadeh, R.; Zavadskas, E. K.; Ghoddami, B. 2015. An application of fuzzy logic to assess service quality attributes in logistics industry, Transport 30(2): 172–181. https://doi.org/10.3846/16484142.2015.1046402

Feng, Y.-X.; Zheng, B.; Tan, J.-R. 2007. Exploratory study of logistics service quality scale based on online shopping malls, Journal of Zhejiang University – Science A 8(6): 926–931. https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.2007.A0926

Flores, L. A. F. S.; Primo, M. A. M. 2008. Failure recovery management in performance of logistics services in a B2B context: a case study using the 3PL Perspective, Journal of Operations and Supply Chain Management 1(1): 29–40. https://doi.org/10.12660/joscmv1n1p29-40

Florez-Lopez, R.; Ramon-Jeronimo, J. M. 2012. Managing logistics customer service under uncertainty: An integrative fuzzy Kano framework, Information Sciences 202: 41–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2012.03.004

Franceschini, F.; Rafele, C. 2000. Quality evaluation in logistic services, International Journal of Agile Management Systems 2(1): 49–54. https://doi.org/10.1108/14654650010312589

Fung, P.; Wong, A. 1998. Case study: managing for total quality of logistics services in the supply chain, Logistics Information Management 11(5): 324–329. https://doi.org/10.1108/09576059810234254

Gil Saura, I.; Ruiz Molina, M. E. 2011. Logistics service quality and buyer–customer relationships: the moderating role of technology in B2B and B2C contexts, The Service Industries Journal 31(7): 1109–11023. https://doi.org/10.1080/02642060903100380

Gil Saura, I.; Ruiz Molina, M. E.; Servera Francés, D. 2008a. Logistic service quality and technology: a comparison between supplier–retailer and retailer–consumer relationships, The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research 18(5): 495–510. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593960802573385

Gil Saura, I.; Servera Francés, D.; Berenguer Contrí, G.; Fuentes Blasco, M. 2008b. Logistics service quality: a new way to loyalty, Industrial Management & Data Systems 108(5): 650–668. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635570810876778

Gotzamani, K.; Longinidis, P.; Vouzas, F. 2010. The logistics services outsourcing dilemma: quality management and financial performance perspectives, Supply Chain Management 15(6): 438–453. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598541011080428

Harding, F. E. 1998. Logistics service provider quality: private measurement, evaluation, and improvement, Journal of Business Logistics 19(1): 103–120.

Hartmann, E.; De Grahl, A. 2011. The flexibility of logistics service providers and its impact on customer loyalty: an empirical study, Journal of Supply Chain Management 47(3): 63–85. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-493X.2011.03228.x

Huiskonen, J.; Pirttilä, T. 1998. Sharpening logistics customer service strategy planning by applying Kano’s quality element classification, International Journal of Production Economics 56–57: 253–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-5273(97)00065-0

Jang, H. M.; Marlow, P. B.; Mitroussi, K. 2013. The effect of logistics service quality on customer loyalty through relationship quality in the container shipping context, Transportation Journal 52(4): 493–521. https://doi.org/10.5325/transportationj.52.4.0493

Johnston, A. 2015. Two dimensions of service: a single carrier analysis, The International Journal of Logistics Management 26(2): 238–253. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-04-2013-0044

Juga, J.; Juntunen, J.; Grant, D. B. 2010. Service quality and its relation to satisfaction and loyalty in logistics outsourcing relationships, Managing Service Quality: an International Journal 20(6): 496–510. https://doi.org/10.1108/09604521011092857

Kadłubek, M.; Grabara, J. 2015. Customers’ expectations and experiences within chosen aspects of logistic customer service quality, International Journal for Quality Research 9(2): 265–278.

Kannan, V. R.; Tan, K. C. 2007. The impact of operational quality: a supply chain view, Supply Chain Management 12(1): 14–19. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540710724356

Kilibarda, M.; Nikoličić, S.; Andrejić, M. 2016. Measurement of logistics service quality in freight forwarding companies, The International Journal of Logistics Management 27(3): 770–794. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-04-2014-0063

Kilibarda, M.; Zečević, S.; Vidović, M. 2012. Measuring the quality of logistic service as an element of the logistics provider offering, Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 23(11–12): 1345–1361. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2012.704279

Kisperska-Moroñ, D. 2005. Logistics customer service levels in Poland: Changes between 1993 and 2001, International Journal of Production Economics 93–94: 121–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2004.06.047

Lai, K.-H. 2004. Service capability and performance of logistics service providers, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review 40(5): 385–399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2004.01.002

Lai, K.-H.; Cheng, T. C. E. 2003. Supply chain performance in transport logistics: An assessment by service providers, International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications: a Leading Journal of Supply Chain Management 6(3): 151–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/367556031000123115

Lai, K.-H.; Lau, G.; Cheng, T. C. E. 2004. Quality management in the logistics industry: an examination and a ten- step approach for quality implementation, Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 15(2): 147–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/1478336032000148992

Lan, S.; Zhang, H.; Zhong, R. Y.; Huang, G. Q. 2016. A customer satisfaction evaluation model for logistics services using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, Industrial Management & Data Systems 116(5): 1024–1042. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-09-2015-0389

Lemmink, J.; Wetzels, M.; Koelemeijer, K. 1996. Manufacturerdistributor relationships and channel service quality, The International Journal of Logistics Management 7(2): 33–42. https://doi.org/10.1108/09574099610805502

Leuschner, R.; Charvet, F.; Rogers, D. S. 2013. A meta‐analysis of logistics customer service, Journal of Supply Chain Management 49(1): 47–63. https://doi.org/10.1111/jscm.12000

Li, L.; Su, Q.; Chen, X. 2011. Ensuring supply chain quality performance through applying the SCOR model, International Journal of Production Research 49(1): 33–57. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2010.508934

Liang, G.-S.; Chou, T.-Y.; Kan, S.-F. 2006. Applying fuzzy quality function deployment to identify service management requirements for an ocean freight forwarder, Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 17(5): 539–554. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783360600587994

Liao, C.-N.; Kao, H.-P. 2014. An evaluation approach to logistics service using fuzzy theory, quality function development and goal programming, Computers & Industrial Engineering 68: 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2013.12.001

Lieb, R. C.; Randall, H. L. 1996. A comparison of the use of third-party logistics services by large American manufacturers, 1991, 1994, and 1995, Journal of Business Logistics 17(1): 305–320.

Lin, W.-C.; Liang, G.-S. 2011. Applying fuzzy zot to explore the customer service quality to the ocean freight forwarder industry in emerging Taiwan market, Research Journal of Business Management 5(2): 77–88. https://doi.org/10.3923/rjbm.2011.77.88

Liu, C.-T.; Guo, Y. M.; Hsieh, T.-Y. 2010. Measuring user perceived service quality of online auction sites, The Service Industries Journal 30(7): 1177–1197. https://doi.org/10.1080/02642060802617575

Liu, W. H.; Xie, D. 2013. Quality decision of the logistics service supply chain with service quality guarantee, International Journal of Production Research 51(5): 1618–1634. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2012.720390

Liu, W.; Wang, Y. 2015. Quality control game model in logistics service supply chain based on different combinations of risk attitude, International Journal of Production Economics 161: 181–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2014.12.026

Lu, C.-S. 2003. The impact of carrier service attributes on shipper–carrier partnering relationships: a shipper’s perspective, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review 39(5): 399–415. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1366-5545(03)00015-2

Martínez Caro, L.; Martínez García, J. A. 2007. Measuring perceived service quality in urgent transport service, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services 14(1): 60–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2006.04.001

Meng, Q.; Jiang, X.; Bian, L. A. 2015. A decision-making method for improving logistics services quality by integrating fuzzy Kano model with importance-performance analysis, Journal of Service Science and Management 8(3): 322–331. https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2015.83034

Meng, Q.; Zhou, N.; Tian, J.; Chen, Y.; Zhou, F. 2011. Analysis of logistics service attributes based on quantitative Kano model: a case study of express delivering industries in China, Journal of Service Science and Management 4(1): 42–51. https://doi.org/10.4236/jssm.2011.41007

Mentzer, J. T.; Flint, D. J.; Hult, G. T. M. 2001. Logistics service quality as a segment-customized process, Journal of Marketing 65(4): 82–104. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmkg.65.4.82.18390

Mentzer, J. T.; Flint, D. J.; Kent, J. L. 1999. Developing a logistics service quality scale, Journal of Business Logistics 20(1): 9–32.

Mentzer, J. T.; Gomes, R.; Krapfel, R. E. 1989. Physical distribution service: A fundamental marketing concept?, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science 17(1): 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02726354

Mentzer, J. T.; Rutner, S. M.; Matsuno, K. 1997. Application of the means‐end value hierarchy model to understanding logistics service value, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management 27(9/10): 630–643. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600039710188693

Micu, A.; Aivaz, K.; Capatina, A. 2013. Implications of logistic service quality on the satisfaction level and retention rate of an e-commerce retailer’s customers, Economic Computation and Economic Cybernetics Studies and Research 47(2): 147–156.

Millen, R.; Maggard, M. 1997. The change in quality practices in logistics: 1995 versus 1991, Total Quality Management 8(4): 173–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/0954412979604

Millen, R.; Sohal, A.; Moss, S. 1999. Quality management in the logistics function: an empirical study, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 16(2): 166–180. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656719910239929

Murfield, M.; Boone, C. A.; Rutner, P.; Thomas, R. 2017. Investigating logistics service quality in omni-channel retailing, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management 47(4): 263–296. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-06-2016-0161

Neo, H.-Y.; Xie, M.; Tsui, K.-L. 2004. Service quality analysis: case study of a 3PL company, International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management 1(1): 64–80. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJLSM.2004.005539

Oflaç, B. S.; Sullivan, U. Y.; Baltacioğlu, T. 2012. An attribution approach to consumer evaluations in logistics customer service failure situations, Journal of Supply Chain Management 48(4): 51–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-493X.2012.03280.x

Panayides, P. M.; So, M. 2005. The impact of integrated logistics relationships on third-party logistics service quality and performance, Maritime Economics & Logistics 7(1): 36–55. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100123

Parasuraman, A.; Zeithaml, V. A.; Berry, L. L. 1988. SERVQUAL: A Multiple-Item Scale for Measuring Consumer Perceptions of Service Quality, Journal of Retailing 64(1): 12–40.

Pilbeam, C.; Alvarez, G.; Wilson, H. 2012. The governance of supply networks: a systematic literature review, Supply Chain Management 17(4): 358–376. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598541211246512

Politis, Y.; Giovanis, A.; Binioris, S. 2014. Logistics service quality and its effects on customer satisfaction in the manufacturing companies’ supply chains, Journal of Modelling in Management 9(2): 215–237. https://doi.org/10.1108/JM2-05-2012-0016

Rafele, C. 2004. Logistic service measurement: a reference framework, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management 15(3): 280–290. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410380410523506

Rafiq, M.; Jaafar, H. S. 2007. Measuring customers’ perceptions of logistics service quality of 3PL service providers, Journal of Business Logistics 28(2): 159–175. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2158-1592.2007.tb00062.x

Rahman, S. 2006. Quality management in logistics: an examination of industry practices, Supply Chain Management 11(3): 233–240. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540610662130

Rahman, S. 2008. Quality management in logistics services: a comparison of practices between manufacturing companies and logistics firms in Australia, Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 19(5): 535–550. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783360802018202

Rao, S.; Goldsby, T. J.; Griffis, S. E.; Iyengar, D. 2011. Electronic logistics service quality (e‐LSQ): its impact on the customer’s purchase satisfaction and retention, Journal of Business Logistics 32(2): 167–179. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2158-1592.2011.01014.x

Richey, R. G.; Daugherty, P. J.; Roath, A. S. 2007. Firm technological readiness and complementarity: capabilities impacting logistics service competency and performance, Journal of Business Logistics 28(1): 195–228. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2158-1592.2007.tb00237.x

Rinehart, L. M.; Cooper, M. B.; Wagenheim, G. D. 1989. Furthering the integration of marketing and logistics through customer service in the channel, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science 17(1): 63–71. https://doi.org/10.1177/009207038901700108

Sadiq Sohail, M.; Sohal, A.; Millen, R. 2004. The state of quality in logistics: evidence from an emerging Southeast Asian nation, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 21(4): 397–411. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710410530091

Seth, N.; Deshmukh, S.; Vrat, P. 2006. A framework for measurement of quality of service in supply chains, Supply Chain Management 11(11): 82–94. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540610642501

Sharma, S.; Kumar, V. 2015. Optimal selection of third-party logistics service providers using quality function deployment and Taguchi loss function, Benchmarking: an International Journal 22(7): 1281–1300. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-02-2014-0016

So, S.-H.; Kim, J. J.; Cheong, K.; Cho, G. 2006. Evaluating the service quality of thirdparty logistics service providers using the analytic hierarchy process, Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management 3(3): 261–270. https://doi.org/10.4301/s1807-17752006000300001

Sohal, A. S.; Millen, R.; Maggard M.; Moss, S. 1999. Quality in logistics: a comparison of practices between Australian and North American/European firms, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management 29(4): 267–280. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600039910273984

Sohail, M. S.; Sohal, A. S. 2003. The use of third party logistics services: a Malaysian perspective, Technovation 23(5): 401–408. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-4972(02)00003-2

Sohn, J.-I.; Woo, S.-H.; Kim, T.-W. 2017. Assessment of logistics service quality using the Kano model in a logistics-triadic relationship, The International Journal of Logistics Management 28(2): 680–698. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-09-2015-0172

Sramkova, E.; Kolar, P.; Hunak, J. 2018. Container shipping: the evaluation of quality factors in freight forwarding services, Transportation Journal 57(3): 258–279. https://doi.org/10.5325/transportationj.57.3.0258

Stank, T. P.; Goldsby, T. J.; Vickery, S. K. 1999. Effect of service supplier performance on satisfaction and loyalty of store managers in the fast food industry, Journal of Operations Management 17(4): 429–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-6963(98)00052-7

Stank, T. P.; Goldsby, T. J.; Vickery, S. K.; Savitskie, K. 2003. Logistics service performance: estimating its influence on market share, Journal of Business Logistics 24(1): 27–55. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2158-1592.2003.tb00031.x

Taşkin, E.; Durmaz, Y. 2010. The role of service quality of the logistic activities in creating customer value and a research on the institutional customers of Yurtici cargo, European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences 23: 170–178.

Thai, V. V. 2013. Logistics service quality: conceptual model and empirical evidence, International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications: a Leading Journal of Supply Chain Management 16(2): 114–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2013.804907

Thai, V. V. 2008. Service quality in maritime transport: conceptual model and empirical evidence, Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics 20(4): 493–518. https://doi.org/10.1108/13555850810909777

Thai, V. V.; Tay, W. J.; Tan, R.; Lai, A. 2014. Defining service quality in tramp shipping: conceptual model and empirical evidence, The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics 30(1): 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2014.04.001

Tian, Y.; Ellinger, A. E.; Chen, H. 2010. Third‐party logistics provider customer orientation and customer firm logistics improvement in China, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management 40(5): 356–376. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600031011052822

Tranfield, D.; Denyer, D.; Smart, P. 2003. Towards a methodology for developing evidence‐informed management knowledge by means of systematic review, British Journal of Management 14(3): 207–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375

Vural, C. A.; Tuna, O. 2016. The prioritisation of service dimensions in logistics centres: a fuzzy quality function deployment methodology, International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications: a Leading Journal of Supply Chain Management 19(3): 159–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2015.1008438

Wilding, R.; Juriado, R. 2004. Customer perceptions on logistics outsourcing in the European consumer goods industry, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management 34(8): 628–644. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030410557767

Xu, J.; Cao, Z. P. 2008. Logistics service quality analysis based on Gray correlation method, International Journal of Business and Management 3(1): 58–61. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v3n1p58

Yu, K.; Cadeaux, J.; Song, H. 2017. Flexibility and quality in logistics and relationships, Industrial Marketing Management 62: 211–225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2016.09.004

Yu, M. 2017. Model for evaluating the e-commerce logistics service quality with hesitant fuzzy uncertain linguistic information, Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems 32(6): 4023–4029. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-152069

Zailani, S.; Jafarzadeh, S.; Iranmanesh, M.; Nikbin, D.; Selim, N. I. I. 2018. Halal logistics service quality: conceptual model and empirical evidence, British Food Journal 120(11): 2599–2614. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-07-2017-0412

Zhang, C. 2011. Logistics service quality evaluation, Communications in Information Science and Management Engineering 1(1): 16–21.

Zinn, W.; Parasuraman, A. 1997. Scope and intensity of logistics-based strategic alliances: a conceptual classification and managerial implications, Industrial Marketing Management 26(2): 137–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0019-8501(96)00110-1