Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA Approach
This research employs a novel approach for the systematic selection of third-party logistics (3PLs) providers in Zimbabwe by applying an integrated DEA/AHP methodology. The aim is to establish a framework for selection and analysis of 3PL providers so as to optimise efficiency and profitability of l...
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| Language: | English |
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Ram Arti Publishers
2025-10-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.ijmems.in/cms/storage/app/public/uploads/volumes/59-IJMEMS-24-0446-10-5-1232-1247-2025.pdf |
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| author | Nontando Sibanda Trust Tawanda Elias Munapo |
| author_facet | Nontando Sibanda Trust Tawanda Elias Munapo |
| author_sort | Nontando Sibanda |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This research employs a novel approach for the systematic selection of third-party logistics (3PLs) providers in Zimbabwe by applying an integrated DEA/AHP methodology. The aim is to establish a framework for selection and analysis of 3PL providers so as to optimise efficiency and profitability of logistics companies. DEA is a non-parametric method that measures the efficiency of 3PLs by examining multiple inputs and outputs variables while AHP is a hierarchy structured decision-making tool that employs pairwise comparisons for evaluating third-party logistics providers (3PLs). This method enables the organised assessment and weighting of relevant factors and alternatives to facilitate informed decision-making. The results of the study indicate that 8 out of the 12 3PLs operate at full efficiency, while the remaining 4 have potential for improvement. Performance and logistics emanated as the most influential criteria in 3PL selection. This research addresses the increasing trend of 3PL evaluation and selection for outsourcing, as companies concentrate on core activities while benefitting from the advantages of professional distribution, cost savings and improved customer satisfaction provided by 3PLs. The study concludes that by using DEA/AHP methodology there is significant improvement in the analysis and selection of 3PLs, thereby improving profitability and efficiency by providing valuable insights to logistics companies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-475f4cc6f4de47c388e162f432bf2145 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2455-7749 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-10-01 |
| publisher | Ram Arti Publishers |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-475f4cc6f4de47c388e162f432bf21452025-08-20T02:06:31ZengRam Arti PublishersInternational Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences2455-77492025-10-0110512321247https://doi.org/10.33889/IJMEMS.2025.10.5.059Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA ApproachNontando Sibanda0Trust Tawanda1Elias Munapo2Department of Statistics and Operations Research, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.Department of Statistics and Operations Research, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.Department of Business Statistics and Operations Research, School of Economic Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, 2745, South Africa.This research employs a novel approach for the systematic selection of third-party logistics (3PLs) providers in Zimbabwe by applying an integrated DEA/AHP methodology. The aim is to establish a framework for selection and analysis of 3PL providers so as to optimise efficiency and profitability of logistics companies. DEA is a non-parametric method that measures the efficiency of 3PLs by examining multiple inputs and outputs variables while AHP is a hierarchy structured decision-making tool that employs pairwise comparisons for evaluating third-party logistics providers (3PLs). This method enables the organised assessment and weighting of relevant factors and alternatives to facilitate informed decision-making. The results of the study indicate that 8 out of the 12 3PLs operate at full efficiency, while the remaining 4 have potential for improvement. Performance and logistics emanated as the most influential criteria in 3PL selection. This research addresses the increasing trend of 3PL evaluation and selection for outsourcing, as companies concentrate on core activities while benefitting from the advantages of professional distribution, cost savings and improved customer satisfaction provided by 3PLs. The study concludes that by using DEA/AHP methodology there is significant improvement in the analysis and selection of 3PLs, thereby improving profitability and efficiency by providing valuable insights to logistics companies.https://www.ijmems.in/cms/storage/app/public/uploads/volumes/59-IJMEMS-24-0446-10-5-1232-1247-2025.pdfthird-party logistics (3pl)data envelopment analysis (dea)analytical hierarchy approach (ahp)and outsourcing |
| spellingShingle | Nontando Sibanda Trust Tawanda Elias Munapo Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA Approach International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences third-party logistics (3pl) data envelopment analysis (dea) analytical hierarchy approach (ahp) and outsourcing |
| title | Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA Approach |
| title_full | Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA Approach |
| title_fullStr | Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA Approach |
| title_full_unstemmed | Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA Approach |
| title_short | Efficiency Evaluation and Performance Comparison of Third-Party Logistics Providers: AHP-DEA Approach |
| title_sort | efficiency evaluation and performance comparison of third party logistics providers ahp dea approach |
| topic | third-party logistics (3pl) data envelopment analysis (dea) analytical hierarchy approach (ahp) and outsourcing |
| url | https://www.ijmems.in/cms/storage/app/public/uploads/volumes/59-IJMEMS-24-0446-10-5-1232-1247-2025.pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT nontandosibanda efficiencyevaluationandperformancecomparisonofthirdpartylogisticsprovidersahpdeaapproach AT trusttawanda efficiencyevaluationandperformancecomparisonofthirdpartylogisticsprovidersahpdeaapproach AT eliasmunapo efficiencyevaluationandperformancecomparisonofthirdpartylogisticsprovidersahpdeaapproach |