Firms apply new technology to value creation. In particular, blockchain technology increases transparency and stability of shipping and logistics firms and this is connected with a high level of collaboration with shippers. In this regard, the objective of this study is to verify the interaction effect of information systems of shipping and logistics firms and managers’ support for blockchain technology on cooperation with shippers. To achieve the objective, this study identified variables based on prior research and analyzed the data collected by a survey. The results are as follows. First, information systems as a resource of shipping and logistics firms have a positive effect on cooperation with shippers. To enhance the strategic resource, they increase cooperation with shippers based on learning and logistics process improvement. Therefore, the relationship between the information systems and cooperation with shippers can be explained as a resource-based view. Second, there is the interaction effect of the information systems and managers’ support for blockchain technology on the cooperation and this can be explained as a resource-based view. Information systems are resources of shipping and logistics firms, and managers should encourage and reward staff for using new technology such as blockchains, followed by a high level of cooperation with shippers.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate strength of supply chain integration based on social exchange theory and its resultant impact on supply chain cost and responsiveness. The study surveyed Korean export firms and obtained 182 usable responses. Data were analysed using cluster analysis and analysis of variance. Findings confirm that the strength of supply chain integration provides a mechanism for measuring the width of integration for both suppliers and customers. Further, identifiable gaps in cost performance and responsiveness were found based on strength of supply chain integration. This paper contributes through the development and testing of a conceptual model based on social exchange theory and also offers managerial suggestions in the understanding of customer needs and the importance of sharing information with suppliers in achieving improved cost performance and responsiveness in the supply chain.

The objective of this study is to verify the relationships between orientation, collaboration and performance for supply chain management (SCM) of Korean foreign direct investment (FDI) firms for sustainable growth. To achieve the objective, this study created the research model, and the research hypotheses came from prior research. The questionnaire was sent to Korean FDI firms, and the collected data were analyzed by various analytical methods such as a factor analysis, a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, structural equation modeling (SEM) and a moderated regression analysis. The results are as follows. First, orientation for SCM has a positive effect on collaboration for SCM. Global SCM is regarded as an essential part in the era in which a value chain is globalized, and as a result, it is globally performed in the procurement of raw materials, production of goods and sales of final goods. To perform global SCM, staff of manufacturers should have recognition of SCM from the internal viewpoint of a firm, they should create strategy and structure for SCM from the whole viewpoint of a firm, and they should disseminate it to suppliers and customers. Second, collaboration for SCM has a positive effect on supply chain performance. The key factors are collaboration with international logistics service providers as well as inter-departmental collaboration. The collaboration is based on attaining efficiency and effectiveness, and as a result, firms achieve superior supply chain performance.

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of trust and communication on flexibility and customer relationships between port logistics firms and shippers. In order to achieve this objective, the study collected questionnaires from 238 port logistics firms and conducted analyses. The results are as follows: First, the trust of port logistics firms has a positive effect on both flexibility and customer relationships. When there is a high level of mutual trust between port logistics firms and shippers, the firms can provide flexible services and work towards a common goal by sharing information and resources based on a strong understanding. Second, port logistics firms that engage in frequent communicate with shippers are more likely to provide flexible services. By exchanging information with shippers, port logistics firms can establish service processes that align with the specific needs of the shippers, ultimately leading to the provision of superior services. Third, the flexibility of port logistics firms enhances customer relationships with shippers. By offering flexible services, port logistics firms can build strong relationships with shippers and work together towards common goals. Fourth, trust and communication of port logistics firms further reinforce the relationship between flexibility and customer relationships. When there are trust and effective communication between the firms and shippers, the positive effect of flexibility on customer relationships is amplified.

This study will verify the direct effect of strategic application of information systems (IS) on firm performance of international freight forwarders through ascertaining three research objectives: the analyses of a causal link between IS and firm performance, an interaction effect between internal and external IS on firm performance, and gaps in firm performance among the stages of strategic application of IS. The data was collected from international freight forwarders. To achieve the objectives of this study, various analytical methods were used. The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses are the basis of reliability and validity on the collected data. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM), moderated regression analysis (MRA), cluster analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis are the basis of testing the hypotheses. The results are as follows. First, strategic application of IS has a positive effect on firm performance. This means that international freight forwarders improve performance through strategic application of IS. Second, there is the interaction effect between internal and external IS on financial performance. This means that strategic application of internal and external IS is connected with financial performance. For this reason, there is a gap between IS investment and financial performance in the industry. However, the interaction has no effect on customer satisfaction. The reason is explained as passing over organizational and cultural factors which have an effect on the relationship between firms. Third, there are gaps in firm performance among the stages of strategic application of IS. The result shows that the stage of supply chain IS achieve the highest firm performance. The results mean that strategic application of IS has a direct influence on firm performance.