Key success factors for logistics provider enterprises: an empirical investigation in Iran

Purpose This study aims to determine the key success factors of logistics provider enterprises in Iran, a country which has a significant potential for logistics activities among the Middle East countries, and connects the Asian, European and African logistics networks. Design/methodology/approach This study is an applied one in terms of goal and descriptive according to the data collection method. Survey analysis is conducted with 130 Iranian logistics provider firms. The 119 responses to the questionnaire are evaluated statistically, and thereafter, analytic hierarchy process and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) methods are used to prioritize the obtained key success factors. Findings A comprehensive list of logistics provider firms' key success factors are provided according to literature and opinion of experts. Among the aforementioned list, the authors found that management and leadership, internationalization and the competence of employees are the most important key success factors of logistics provider firms in Iran. Originality/value This is the first research that studies the key success factors of logistics provider firms in Iran. As Iran is an important intermediate country in the Middle East logistics corridor, it is worthy for practitioners and investors to know about success factors of logistics provider companies in Iran. In fact, focusing on the key success factors determined in this research assures the competitiveness of logistics provider firms in Iran. Moreover, the results can be also useful for some other countries in the Middle East such as Turkey and Emirates and can be used to enhance the logistical performance of the Middle East logistics network.