Search Results (318)

Background: The soybean market is representative of the world. Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of this crop and has low production costs but high logistical costs, which are influenced mainly by transport costs. Added to these characteristics, the disputed grain supply, the possibility of crop failure, and the randomness of some parameters that influence the soybean supply chain make decisions even more challenging. Methods: To mathematically model this problem, we carried out an analysis of the scientific production related to grain supply chain and the models used to address the problem, as well as a document analysis and a case study. Results: This paper proposes a new two-stage stochastic linear programming model with fixed recourse for tactical planning in the soybean supply chain from the perspective of the shipper under take or pay contracts over a one-year time horizon. The first-stage variables are the grain purchasing decisions and the volumes of rail and road transportation hired in advance. The model addresses 243 scenarios derived from four uncertainty sources: the purchase and sale prices of raw agricultural products on the spot market, the probability of crop failure, and the external demand. Conclusions: The model is successfully applied to a soybean trade firm in Brazil with expected gain of US$4,299,720 when using the stochastic model instead of the deterministic model. The stochastic model protected the firm from take or pay fines and crop failures, contracting a smaller volume of rail transport than what the company does. Full article

This study delves into the critical role of logistical cost optimization in the residual woody biomass supply chain, aiming to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of this resource’s exploitation. The research underscores that proficient cost management of logistical operations is pivotal for the economic feasibility of residual biomass utilization. The paper scrutinizes key aspects, such as collection, transportation, storage, and processing of biomass, emphasizing their individual contributions to the overall cost. It also pays particular attention to the impacts of seasonality and biomass quality variations, which directly influence the cost and effectiveness of the supply chain. To facilitate a deeper understanding of these factors, the study introduces mathematical models that enable the exploration of diverse scenarios and optimization strategies. The use of linear programming, genetic algorithms, and tabu search techniques are discussed in the context of these models. The findings of this research hold significant implications for the management of the residual biomass supply chain and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Full article

Background: Sustainable procurement is about considering social and environmental factors alongside financial factors in making procurement decisions and purchasing goods and services that take into account the social, economic, and environmental impact that such purchasing has on people and communities. This study was carried out to address the effects of procurement sustainability on reverse logistics. It considered four objectives: to establish the relationship between environmental procurement sustainability and reverse logistics, to examine the relationship between economic procurement sustainability and reverse logistics, to examine the relationship between social sustainability procurement and reverse logistics, and to examine the moderating role of government policy. Methods: This study applied structural equation modeling to check the research hypotheses. A purposive sampling technique was used. A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 21. The study found that environmental, economic, and social procurement sustainability has a significant and positive effect on reverse logistics. Government policy moderates the relationships between environmental, economic, and social procurement sustainability and reverse logistics. Conclusions: This study recommends that organizations team up with environmental protection agencies to produce environmentally friendly products. Social interventions that can help protect society from damage should be acknowledged. Good economic policies that ensure that organizations increase their wealth should also be acknowledged. Full article

Background: Agro-food supply chains possess specific characteristics due to the diverse nature of products involved and contribute to all three pillars of sustainability, making the optimal design of a sustainable agro-food supply chain a complex problem. Therefore, efficient models incorporating the unique characteristics of such chains are essential for making optimal supply chain decisions and achieving economically and environmentally sustainable agro-food supply chains that contribute to global food security. Methods: This article presents a multi-objective mixed-integer linear programing model that integrates agricultural-related strategic decisions into the tactical design of an agro-food supply chain. The model considers transportation, inventory, processing, demand fulfilment, and waste disposal decisions. It also accounts for seasonality and perishability, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The model aims to maximize the total generated profits across the supply chain while simultaneously minimizing CO₂ emissions as a measure of environmental impact. Results: By implementing the model on a sugar beet supply chain in the Netherlands, strategic crop rotation farm schedules for the crop rotation cycle and the optimum supply network decisions are obtained. Furthermore, different objectives are analyzed and the Pareto-efficient frontier is investigated to analyze the underlying trade-offs. Additionally, the model serves as a decision support tool for managers facilitating informed investment decisions in technologies that prolong product shelf life while maintaining profitability. Conclusions: The proposed multi-objective model offers a valuable framework for designing economically and environmentally sustainable agro-food supply chains. By aligning with sustainability goals and providing decision support, this research contributes to enhancing global food security and promoting sustainable resource utilization. Full article

Background: With regard to the definition of an optimal transport plan for some material flow in the logistics system in literature and practice, the classical transport task model is developed. The minimization of total transport costs is usually considered for optimality. Some modifications to the classical transport task have also been developed. Methods: The article uses the methods of linear optimization. Based on these methods, two modified transport task models have been constructed, which consider the possibility of planning in advance the quantities available from the suppliers of the transported cargo. These models are applicable in SCM for pharmaceuticals with a national logistics hub. Furthermore, a solver in MS Excel is used to determine the optimal solution of optimization models. Results: Two new (modified, extended) models of the transport task have been constructed, in which a preliminary planning of the available quantities of the transported cargo at the suppliers is made. These quantities shall be planned in such a way as to ensure a minimum total transport cost. Conclusions: By applying the proposed new transport task models, lower total transport costs for carrying out imported pharmaceuticals can be ensured compared to an application of the classical transport task model. Full article

Background: To help ensure roadway safety, the federal government mandates trucking companies to conduct pre-employment urine drug tests before allowing drivers to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Unfortunately, urine testing has a short detection window and is easily thwarted, leading some carriers to employ hair testing. Methods: t-tests were utilized to compare hair and urine pre-employment drug test results provided by seven large U.S. trucking companies. Results: results indicate that hair’s positivity rate is statistically greater than urine for each examined drug and across all drugs combined. Conclusions: This paper is the only supply chain work of which we are aware that assesses the statistical differences between hair and urine testing positivity rates. Results support hair testing’s increased ability to prevent lifestyle drug users from operating commercial motor vehicles and should be considered by public policy makers considering whether hair testing results should be allowed into the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Full article

Background: The Industry 5.0 emerges as a new paradigm for the industry by considering sustainability, human-centered approaches, organizational resilience, and interaction between humans and machines as its core values. This new trend for the future of the industry is referred to as neoindustrialization. Due to being a topic in development, there is still no precise consensus on its definition, which prompted the current study to comprehensively investigate and analyze the existing literature on Industry 5.0. Methods: The method employed was a scoping review, examining publications from various databases and academic journals, including those specific to the Brazilian context. Results: The results indicate a transition towards an industry that meets societal demands and respects planetary boundaries, aspects that were overlooked by Industry 4.0. Conclusions: In this new scenario, the industry reassumes its leadership by combining technology with new strategies and organizational models. Furthermore, it undergoes organizational changes to align its structure, operations, human resources, and new practices, aiming to meet the demands of society and all stakeholders involved. To achieve this, it is necessary to create an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting the development of qualified human capital, investments in research and development, and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors. A successful neoindustrialization policy will generate high-quality jobs and foster economic growth. Industry 5.0 is the paradigm that will prevail in the 21st century. It is not a matter of speculation; it is an inseparable and inevitable reality. Otherwise, the industry will be relegated to a secondary role in the process of digital and social transformation. Full article

Background: With global changes in markets and government regulations, most organizations, which previously opted for offshore production, began to return to their country of origin—a process called reshoring. The new strategies for locating units and business models, which involve decisions to outsource production and organizational capacity, now face a new context of Industry 4.0, a market for technologies with the potential to transform entire supply chains in addition to directly influencing organizational aspects with innovative solutions and resource efficiency. Methods: This systematic literature review (SLR) found 43 articles relating to reshoring and Industry 4.0; there was an increase in publications in the last few years. We divided the studies according to 9 aspects: market uncertainties and labor supply; support for managerial decision making; competitive priorities analysis (costs and efficiency); business strategies; information knowledge and collaboration management; political, social and economic changes; risk security and privacy management; supply chain management; and investment market and private equity funds. Results: This article presents a content analysis of articles in the field of administration, focusing on location strategies, technology adoption, and organizational changes. The study identifies key aspects such as research quality, publication trends, regional focus, and strategy topics. The findings emphasize the importance of research objectives and problem-solving for managerial decision-making and highlight the need for further exploration in the literature. Conclusions: Reshoring, Industry 4.0, and location strategies are relevant topics for global management. The supply chain plays a role in decision-making for location and technology adoption, suggesting the need for more research in supply chain management. Full article

Background: A substantial portion of the world’s population owns and utilizes computers and mobile devices, contributing to the rapid expansion of digital advertising. Marketers swiftly recognized the communicative benefits of social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Considering the importance of social media platforms and digital modes of marketing, it is considered especially significant for small firms to integrate these platforms into their business strategies in order to improve performance. Methods: Based on this aim, this study collected data from 363 owners/managers of SMEs in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling is used to check the hypothesized model of the study. Results: The results show that compatibility, owner/manager support, employee IT skills, financial cost, government policies, and social influence significantly affect adoption of digital marketing by SMEs in Pakistan. Conclusions: Furthermore, digital marketing also positively affects SME performance. This paper discusses the study’s findings as well as managerial and academic implications, including its limitations and future research avenues. Full article

Background: With the continuing growth of warehouses globally, there is an increasing need for sustainable logistics solutions in warehousing, but research linking warehouse management systems (WMS) and sustainability is lacking. Methods: A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis were conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases from 2006 to 2022 to investigate academic knowledge of WMS contributing to warehouses’ social and environmental sustainability. Results: Findings revealed only 12 topic-relevant articles from 2013 to 2022, primarily published recently. More recent articles have received more citations than earlier published works. The articles were from multiple research fields, such as business economics, engineering, computer science, and social sciences, with only one article on environmentally sustainable technologies. The top keywords were “warehouse management system”, “internet of things”, “industry 4.0” and “supply chain”. Only six articles had environmental sustainability terms in the keywords. Findings show more discussions about social rather than environmental sustainability. Most studies suggest integrating WMS with other systems to support sustainability efforts in warehousing. Conclusions: The study addressed a gap in academic literature regarding WMS and sustainability. Research findings added knowledge of practical activities to achieve warehouse operations and performance sustainability and proactively reduce warehouse operations’ environmental and social impacts. Full article

Background: The Middle Corridor, a transport route from Asia to Europe that also facilitates major energy projects through the Caspian Sea and its surrounding countries, has gained even more attention after the intensification of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. Methods: On the basis of major scientific papers on the topic, foreign policy addresses from The Diplomat and studies by the United Nations and Asian Development Bank Institute, a framework with five aspects was created. In addition, two interviews with sector stakeholders were conducted to apply the framework and determine the relevance of the route to Finnish and Estonian economies. Results: A multifaceted overview of the current economic, political, and infrastructural state of the Trans-Caspian trade route is given. The practical value of the article lies in creating a framework for evaluating the route for related economies and testing this out for the Finnish and Estonian economies. Conclusions: Despite the challenges, there are enormous opportunities in this logistics route, especially with the restrictions facing Russia due to western bloc sanctions. Finland and Estonia, however, are suffering under the effects of war in Ukraine and the related sanctions, which has hindered the capacity to further enhance development projects. Full article

Background: Airports are essential drivers of spatial development; hence the placement of logistics facilities relative to airports is a topical subject. Despite the wealth of the literature on the subject, relatively little is known about the airfreight catchment of airports. To contribute to the existing knowledge, the paper used the study area of the City of Cape Town municipality, South Africa, to address three research objectives, namely analysis of factors that influence the placement of logistics firms in the municipality, analysis of the linkages of the logistics firms with Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), and analysis of the association between airfreight-related firms and the general attributes of logistics firms in the municipality. Methods: The study hinged on a quantitative design, which included a survey and spatial analysis. A total of 110 logistics firms were sampled through a stratified random sampling technique, and 66 firms participated in the telephonic interviews conducted in October and November 2021. Survey data were analyzed using Stata, and spatial analysis was undertaken using ArcGIS 10.8 and QGIS 3.16. Results: It was discovered that a quarter of the respondent logistics firms utilized CTIA for airfreight purposes. At a municipal scale, the potential airfreight catchment of CTIA extended to about a 20 km radius of the airport. Conclusions: In formulating the spatial plans, the planning authorities are encouraged to take cognizance of the possible extent of the catchment, wherein airfreight-related firms do not necessarily locate near the airport. Full article

Background: In a typical multiechelon supply chain, the supplier makes semifinished items, from which the manufacturer produces finished products to eventually get sold at retailers. However, the majority of existing supply chain models consider the remanufacturing of defective products by solely one organization, despite the fact that both the supplier and manufacturer can produce defective products. This study considers the remanufacturing of defective products with fresh materials and additional expenses by both the supplier and manufacturer. Contrary to well-established articles that hold major partners to be accountable for reducing carbon emissions under a carbon cap-and-trade policy, the proposed model presumes an initial green technological investment by each chain partner. Methods: This study represents a varying market with fuzzy cost components that are then defuzzified with $\lambda$-integral method. This study determines the critical values of three discrete and four other continuous decision variables that globally maximize the profitability of the proposed model. Results: Slower production with a longer cycle boosts profitability in a developing market. To increase profit, a case study on the oil and natural gas business suggested to reduce the production of defective items and cutting emission through green investments. Conclusions: Managers can sustainably boost profit via careful production, modern machinery, and slightly longer cycles. Full article

Background: The interest in the topic of performance assessment in reverse supply chains (RSC) is increasing, although the body of research is still in its early stages. As this is a developing field, it is crucial to expand discussions on topics that have not yet been thoroughly examined, such as the intrinsic bias of indicators and metrics that may be associated with specific operational, economic, environmental perspectives, etc. Such perspectives should be considered in the decision-making process within the context of reverse logistics (RL) and waste management (WM). The aim of this research was to identify different perspectives employed in the development of proposed models in the literature. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze thirty papers from Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases without time restrictions. Results: The review identified various ways in which authors grouped perspectives, including qualitative and quantitative, sustainability, and operational perspectives, among others. Conclusions: This study revealed several gaps in the field, including limited studies on RSC performance assessment and a lack of studies linking performance assessment to decision-making components. Full article

Background: The purpose of this study is to provide an assessment of international airports and airlines, ‘IAAs’, and to organize and classify the literature on air transport to stage the importance of this topic and encourage future research in the projection of the aviation and tourism sectors. Methods: It is a bibliographic study, and this work focuses on IAA documents published in major international journals, conferences, and books from 2000 to 9 June 2021; this topic is scattered across various journals and has secondary data in many disciplines. Results: The findings suggest a new paradigm applied to the IAA topic and are classified in four first-order research streams: airports; airlines; connectivity; and competition. This study identifies new challenges and opportunities for researchers, airport and airline operators, and stakeholders to make better future decisions. Conclusions: There is no agreement on an explicit definition of the IAA concept that captures the true nature of this topic. For this reason, this article is innovative in the new IAA concept and in how it will possibly change the theoretical frameworks in future scientific research in the aviation and tourism sectors. This study has been needed to better understand the effectiveness, projection, and different business strategies to be adopted by researchers and organizations in the aviation and tourism future. Full article