Insource or Outsource? A Belden Intern’s Outlook on Logistics
From finance and IT to marketing and research, there are many fantastic career opportunities available in the world of ICT (information and communication technology). To make sure this industry continues to thrive, it’s crucial to introduce the next generation to what awaits them when they follow this path.
That’s why Belden leads its internship program. Students get to participate in immersive, project-based experiences that involve partnering with our full-time employees as they identify and work toward goals, deliver results, and present their outcomes to business leaders. Every year, the work of our interns makes a tangible impact on our business while also helping them develop and learn.
We asked one of our recent interns, Chimène Blom, if she could write about her experience working for Belden—and she said “yes,” of course! As she concluded her thesis internship here, she also successfully defended her thesis and obtained her master’s degree in supply chain management, graduating cum laude! From her point of view, here’s a look behind the scenes at what it’s like to be part of our program.
Choosing Paths: In-House Logistics vs. Outsourcing to 3PL
As a recent graduate with a master’s degree in supply chain management from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, I had the unique opportunity to dive into a pressing industry issue during my thesis internship at Belden.
This experience was invaluable, offering me a firsthand look at how theory meets practice in the ever-evolving world of supply chain management. It was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m excited to share more about it with you!
Inspiration: Securing the Future of Logistics Strategy
As companies grow and adapt to evolving business environments, supply chain management (SCM) has become a cornerstone of organizational success. The complexity and urgency of SCM has intensified in recent years, driven by shifting market demands, rising customer expectations, technological advancements, sustainability pressures, and global disruptions.
One area of SCM that has experienced significant change is logistics, which encompasses activities like transportation, strategic warehouse management and order fulfillment. Changes in logistics have forced companies to reassess and redefine their strategies.
Traditionally, logistics was viewed as a cost center, focused on minimizing expenses and maximizing efficiency. This often led to the outsourcing of logistics functions to third-party logistics (3PL) providers; however, recent studies highlight the growing strategic importance of logistics, especially in manufacturing, where it’s now critical to maintain a competitive edge. Manufacturers like Belden are evolving from merely “selling products” to offering comprehensive services. Logistics plays a central role in this transition.
The thesis I developed during my internship at Belden, titled “Choosing Paths: In-House Logistics vs. Outsourcing to 3PL: A Decision-Making Framework for Manufacturing Companies,” offers insights to help Belden and other manufacturers make more informed decisions in this area, with a particular focus on the future.
Process: From Research to Recommendations
The framework I created for developing a robust outsource-or-insource decision-making model began with a deep dive into existing research and a thorough analysis of the current logistics processes at Belden. Understanding what was already in place was crucial to identifying gaps and areas for improvement. Once I had a clear picture of Belden’s logistics landscape, I moved on to gathering insights from the people at the heart of these operations.
To enrich my research, I conducted in-house interviews with key stakeholders at Belden, as well as discussions with several 3PL providers. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who shared their knowledge, experiences, and challenges with me—their input brought the project to life.
A highlight of this process was presenting my report to Belden’s stakeholders, where I had the opportunity to discuss my conclusions and suggest strategies for the future. (I’d especially like to express my gratitude to EMEA Supply Chain Director Paul de Ridder, whose expertise, enthusiasm, and weekly guidance were invaluable to me throughout this journey.)
Results: Key Criteria for Competitive In-House Logistics
As mentioned above, my research led to the identification of seven crucial criteria, supported by 21 subthemes, that manufacturing companies like Belden should focus on when deciding between in-house logistics and outsourcing.
An important finding was the interconnectedness of these factors—success in one area often influences outcomes in another. For Belden, maintaining a strong focus on these criteria in its in-house operations is essential to staying competitive in a rapidly changing market. By adhering to this strategic framework, Belden can continue to leverage logistics as a vital component of its overall business strategy.
Impact: Driving Strategic Excellence at Belden and Beyond
My work provided Belden with a strategic framework designed to evaluate whether logistics operations should be performed in-house or outsourced, identifying the key criteria that are most relevant in today’s competitive environment.
By focusing on these criteria, Belden can make informed decisions that ensure their logistics strategy is effective and aligned with long-term business goals. This project contributes to the bigger picture by ensuring that Belden’s logistics strategies are not just efficient but also positioned to drive sustained success in a dynamic industry.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the talented professionals at Belden, whose insights, knowledge, and support greatly contributed to the success of this project. This experience has been invaluable, and I highly recommend it to any student looking to make a real impact in their field.