Global Logistics Industry Research Articles

Impact of student backgrounds on the outcomes of maritime postgraduate professional education

Maritime taught postgraduate education plays a vital role in cultivating expertise within the ever-evolving global logistics industry. Notably, the diverse backgrounds of students are of great importance in this context, given the scarcity of undergraduate maritime programs and the industry's demand for professionals from various disciplines. However, this diversity also poses a challenge to educators in terms of effectively training and evaluating these students. This study focuses on a maritime taught postgraduate professional program and investigates how student background characteristics affect their learning outcomes and academic performance. By utilizing both stated preference data (SP) and revealed preference data (RP) collected from a postgraduate maritime professional program in Hong Kong, the study aims to mitigate hypothetical bias and gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing student perceptions and experiences in maritime industry. The study measures five dimensions of student learning outcomes, including professionalism, strategic thinking, lifelong learning capability, career development, and academic performance. The findings suggest that student background characteristics have minimal impact on maritime learning outcomes, with only gender and undergraduate programs showing some influence. The study highlights the inclusive nature of maritime professional education, emphasizing that training quality, rather than personal background, is the key determinant of success.

Управление логистическими процессами в трансграничной электронной коммерции

In the context of the globalization of the economy and the development of cross-border e-commerce, the importance of cross-border logistics is increasing, allowing for an effective process of product distribution. The issues of organizing transport and logistics processes during the delivery of goods within the framework of the functioning of cross-border e-commerce are discussed. The main aspects of the development of e-commerce logistics and its impact on the trading business have been studied. An analysis of the cross-border e-commerce market in Russia is carried out. It is noted that currently the global logistics industry is in an unstable environment. The main directions and trends in the development of logistics services in modern conditions are considered and the specifics of adapting the process of goods distribution within the framework of cross-border e-commerce to changes in the external environment are investigated. The distinctive features of e-commerce logistics have been studied in the context of its impact on the trading business, which allows for increased efficiency of logistics processes such as procurement, transportation, order processing, inventory and warehouse management, packaging and labeling. It has been proven that with the development of information technology and telecommunication networks, as well as increasing demand in the field of online trading, the need for effective logistics support is significantly increasing, and delivery speed is becoming increasingly important to provide quality service to consumers. The advantages of e-commerce are substantiated from the perspective of subjects of trade and logistics activities, which include the global nature of customer coverage and the convenience of inter-subject interaction, reduction of operating costs of trade and logistics activities, expanded opportunities for marketing and advertising support, increased level of automation of e-commerce logistics management processes.

Raising data availability and quality for improved disruption and carbon footprint management through a novel approach to primary data sharing: Virtual Watch Tower / VWT

Abstract The global supply chain and logistics industry is a self-organizing ecosystem consisting of numerous actors that work together to move goods from end to end. The different stakeholders involved are usually interdependent organizations, like freight forwarders, carriers, terminals, and homeland security agencies and information exchange between them is required to coordinate the activities along the individual transport chains. However, the exchange of information has often been analog, flawed, late, and incomplete. New circumstances, like unprecedented supply chain disruptions, new regulatory requirements around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and generally growing shipper expectations create an urgent need for improved data sharing between actors. New technologies, like digital platforms, networks, and architectures as well as social media, mobile, analytics, cloud, and internet of things (SMACT) have brought some improvements, but not the required holistic digital perspective required or expected. Averages and approximations are usually insufficient to close data gaps, e.g., only primary data allows for accurate GHG emission calculations. Primary data sharing is widely seen as the missing piece of the puzzle. Primary data is data from the source providing an accurate state and picture of a situation. Primary data sharing at scale requires a new form of digital collaboration. We propose a rethink of digital collaboration as a means for broader primary private data sharing for complete end-to-end datasets and data quality, particularly focusing on the sharing of data associated with both transport plans and progress made in the respective movements of goods for more better disruption and carbon footprint management through more accurate calculations of estimated times of arrival (ETA) and GHG emissions. We introduce an example for digital collaboration in end-to-end supply chains that is focusing specifically on primary data sharing. The new thinking around digital collaboration manifests itself in the Virtual Watch Tower / VWT initiative (www.virtualwatchtower.org). In 2022, RISE and Singapore Maritime Institute signed a collaboration agreement focused on innovation in shipping. The VWT initiative is the first collaborative project under the umbrella of this partnership. The VWT is led by RISE, A*STAR, and VTT. VWT is a community-driven, digitally empowered initiative, a cargo owner-driven, and terminal-centric approach for improved supply chain management. It is the users themselves who co-create and co-evolve the solution that they need. The initiative aims to create a community that shapes the digital tool (VWTnet) they need to reach the required higher levels of visibility. This, through primary data sharing across the supply chain ecosystem and between actors (VWT Users) participating in individual end-to-end transports (VWT Shipments). The VWT serves as an object of research to hone the new thinking and understand the implications of its implementation.

Cold Chain Logistics and Joint Distribution: A Review of Fresh Logistics Modes

With the continuous development of the global logistics industry, cold chain transportation and joint distribution, as critical strategies in supply chain management, are gradually becoming key means to ensure the safe transportation of perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive commodities. The present study is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of cold chain logistics and joint distribution, with a particular focus on a review of fresh food logistics modes, aiming to comprehensively understand their operational modes, advantages, challenges, and future development trends. The present study elucidates the basic concepts of fresh food logistics and underscores its significance in supply chain management. Through comparative analysis of different operational modes, it reveals their advantages in enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and mitigating environmental impacts. The present study focuses on the operational mode of joint distribution, discussing its application in cold chain logistics and its differences from traditional logistics modes. Through case studies and empirical analysis, it evaluates the impact of joint distribution on logistics efficiency and costs, as well as its potential to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Lastly, the present study provides an outlook on the future development trends of cold chain logistics and joint distribution, discussing the influences of technological innovation, policy support, and industry collaboration and offering recommendations and prospects to drive the sustained development of the industry. Through a comprehensive summary of fresh food logistics, cold chain logistics operational modes, and joint distribution operational modes, this paper aims to provide in-depth theoretical support and practical guidance for related research and practices.

Stochastic Game Network-inspired intelligent framework for quality assessment in logistic industry

The widespread utilization of IoT-Fog-Cloud computing has revolutionized customer-oriented service delivery aspects in the global logistics industry. With industrial globalization, the logistics industry is often challenged to address quality issues. Moreover, with improper product management and transportation, the logistics industry has to face considerable financial loss. Conspicuously, a novel Stochastic Game Network (SGN) is proposed in the current study to ensure enhanced service product quality in the logistics industry. Specifically, the smart logistic industry-based decision-making framework is presented by incorporating several parameters of product quality. In the proposed method, each IoT device acts as a game player with a preset action set and strategy. Moreover, each IoT sensor at 4 levels of the logistic industry including Production Management Sensor (IMS), Inventory Management Sensor (IMS), Transportation Management Sensor (TMS), and Delivery Management Sensor (DMS) is incorporated as a game player node. Quality parameters are analyzed using the proposed Bayesian Belief Model (BBM) technique for effective classification. Moreover, Game-theoretic decision-making is used to automate enhanced product quality management and control units in IoT-based logistic industries for effective analysis and customer-oriented service delivery. For validation purposes, experimental results are compared with state-of-the-art decision-making techniques. Based on the results, the proposed model has registered enhanced statistical measures in terms of Precision (92.98%), Specificity (93.78%), Sensitivity (96.78%), Reliability (96.54%), and Stability (78%). To assess the theoretical efficacy of the proposed strategy, mathematical analysis is performed to quantify customer satisfaction. Conclusively, the proposed model presents an effective mechanism for quality assurance by incorporating stochastic behavior in the logistics industry.

Logistics Hub and Route Optimization in the Physical Internet Paradigm

Background: The global logistics industry is facing looming challenges related to labor shortages and low-efficiency problems due to the lack of logistics facilities and resources, resulting in increased logistics delays. The Physical Internet is seen as a way to take logistics into the next generation of transformation. This research proposes a Physical Internet-enabled system that allows multiple companies to efficiently share warehouses and trucks to achieve operational efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Methods: We propose a novel demography-weighted combinatorial optimization model utilizing a genetic algorithm and the Lin–Kernighan heuristic. The model is tested with real data simulations to evaluate its performance. Results: The results show that compared to the existing model presented in a previous study, our proposed model improves location optimality and distributive routing efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions by 54%. Conclusions: By providing a well-founded novel model, this research makes an important contribution to the implementation of the Physical Internet by computing optimal logistics hubs and routes as well as providing a solution to cut CO2 emissions by half.

CargoLinker: Streamlined Container Booking App

The global shipping and logistics industry play a vital role in facilitating international trade, yet small-scale exporters often face challenges in booking cargo container space efficiently. CargoLinker is a web and mobile application designed to bridge this gap, connecting exporters with available cargo container space in a streamlined manner. It is developed using an open source framework named Flutter , CargoLinker aims to enhance the efficiency and affordability of cargo shipping for small-scale exporters. The main aim of this application is to minimize the cost for small traders and maximize the profit for the company. This paper presents an overview of CargoLinker, its features, benefits, development process, challenges, and future directions

Navigating Sustainability in Malaysian Logistics: An Exploration of Operational Factors and Sustainable Logistics Performance

As the global logistics industry undergoes a paradigm shift towards sustainability, this research investigates the intricate relationships between key operational dimensions and sustainable logistics performance within the context of the Malaysian logistics sector, with a focus on Selangor. The study adopts a cross-sectional research design and employs a stratified random sampling method to select 150 members from a list of 4,000 logistics service association members. A structured questionnaire, encompassing green customer relationships, sustainable transportation, eco-friendly warehouse operations, digital transformation initiatives, and sustainable logistics performance, is utilized to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The study aims to analyze the data using multiple regression analysis to discern the statistical relationships between independent and dependent variables. This research not only contributes to the body of knowledge in sustainable logistics but also provides actionable insights for logistics professionals and policymakers in Selangor, guiding the industry towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. The findings from this study is that Green Customer Relationship, Green Transportation and Green Operations positively impact the Sustainable Logistics Performance.

THE ROLE OF AZERBAİJAN İN THE FİELD OF GLOBAL WORLD LOGISTICS

In this article, the objective is to research and analyze the actual and strategic role of Azerbaijan in the field of Global Logistics and how Azerbaijan contributes strategically to the global logistics industry. This article explores the ways Azerbaijan should do in terms of its strategic role in the world logistics field and tries to disclose country's role in conditions that exist in the world logistics network. Logistics has an important role the development of all sector in any country. When we evaluate the role of Azerbaijan in the field of Global Logistics, one of the main nuances is to determine the weak and strong points of country in logistics section. For the improvment of logistics potencial, the state programs in this area should be implemented continuously. By assessing the country's capabilities in the field of global logistics, it is important to attract international attention to increase the country's transit trade potential. A general theoratical approach to the study of modern logsitics relations permit to form a imagination about the basic events and processes occuring in this field. In any region, the improvement of logistics infrastructure creates broadly opportunities for the developmemt of transit potencial and having become a significant motive force of economic growth, logistics and trade permit to increase the capacity of foreign direct investments in the basic fields in quickly globalizing world. Azerbaijan plays the role of a bridge between Europe and Asia. To turn into an important hub, to become better in this sector, Azerbaijan has to improve essentially the logistics and trade infrastructure for the long term period.

Critical Analysis of Container Accidents in International Logistics

Purpose: Container accidents are a significant issue in international logistics, causing property damage, financial loss, environmental hazards, and even loss of life. These accidents can occur in various settings, such as ports, container yards, roads, rails, or seas. Efforts are being made to enhance container safety, but they remain a persistent challenge that requires ongoing attention to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods across the globe. By understanding the specific aspects of container accidents that are human-controllable and addressing these issues, a more sustainable and efficient global logistics industry can be achieved. Methodology: An exploratory research design is used in the research study. A comprehensive review of existing literature, including research papers, academic journals, books, reports, and reputable online sources was done. Literature that focuses on container accidents, maritime safety, human factors, and accident investigation reports was extensively studied to gain an understanding of the current state of knowledge on the topic. Data from relevant secondary sources that provide information on container accidents that are human-controllable were identified and collected. Results & Outcome: Container accidents that are happening owing to natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, sea perils, etc are uncontrollable. There are other forms of container accidents viz cargo damage, container equipment damage, container vessel damage, loss of life owing to container fall, etc occurring due to container sliding while handling, tipping of container vessels while loading, skewing of container vessels in the transit voyage, etc. that are controllable by human interference. Unevenly loaded containers seem to be the prime reason for many container accidents that are apparently controllable by humans by following the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) guidelines of the International Maritime Organization. In an LCL (Less than Container Load) scenario, adhering to such guidelines may be challenging. There are many research articles discussing the load balancing of containers in an LCL scenario using various optimization techniques, and it appears that the literature is still evolving. Originality: A exploratory study to understand the human controllable factors in container accidents, further study the regulatory guidelines, and analyse the research papers published. Type of the Paper: Exploratory research.

Logistics of Smart Port in Ukraine: Problems and Prospects in the Conditions of Sustainable Development

Every day, the global logistics industry faces new challenges – both due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and due to economic instability in global markets. The pandemic and the disruption of traditional supply chains are forcing companies to change their production geography. Accelerated digitization of people's and companies' livelihoods is contributing to the transformation of classical logistics, and in the end, those players who create an environment of additional services for delivery support, thereby forming resilience to risks, are winning. In this regard, there is a need to develop theoretical and applied aspects of the transition of port logistics to sustainable development through the introduction of smart port technologies that contribute to the achievement of a number of sustainable development goals, such as: 1: no poverty, 2: zero hunger, 3: good health and well-being, 8: decent work and economic growth, 9: industry innovation and infrastructure, 11: sustainable cities and communities, 12: responsible consumption and production, 13: climate action, 14: life below water, 17: partnerships for sustainable development. The theoretical basis of the research was scientific works of scholars from different countries and periods in the field of logistics, sustainable development, individual provisions of international framework documents, including the UN Conference on Environment and Development's Agenda for the 21st Century, the Declaration on Environmental Protection, and the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development. Official data from the ports of Gdansk, Rotterdam, and Hamburg, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI), the World Bank, and the Administration of Seaports of Ukraine (USPA) were used as initial information for analysis and concluding. As a result of summarizing the theoretical and methodological foundations of logistics, the article proposes the Conceptual Model of the Subject Area 'Smart Port', the quintessence of which lies in the symbiosis of the paradigms of scientific and technical development and sustainable development. This made it possible to expand the existing scientific basis of the transport logistics and transport systems sphere. The prerequisites for the emergence of the smart port are analyzed. The leading container ports of different generations are grouped. Special focus is on Ukraine, one of the largest grain exporters in the World. The prospects for the transition of Ukrainian ports to the fourth category (generation) of development are outlined. To successfully implement the strategy for the development of Ukrainian seaports for the period up to 2038, an optimization management model for logistics processes was developed based on the concept of a gaming approach.

Sustainability Topics Integration in Supply Chain and Logistics Higher Education: Where Is the Middle East?

The global logistics industry has grown significantly in the last decade and has become essential to global business activities. In addition, the logistics industry is vital in transportation, urbanization in the Middle East, and transshipment through the Middle East. Due to their increasing importance and size, there is an increasing demand for adequately qualified people capable of managing the logistics systems and supply chains holistically and sustainably to avoid problems caused by unsustainable practices in mobility, transport, and supply chains. However, it is unclear whether the logistic and supply chain education of future leaders, managers, and engineers will follow SDG goals, the rise of new trends, and green technologies or lag behind. This paper pioneered a systematic approach and analyzed Middle Eastern countries regarding their sustainability integration into higher education programs related to supply chain management and logistics studies. It revealed enormous differences among countries and a lack of sustainability topics in most studied countries. Some countries are also significantly more oriented toward partial logistics challenges such as transport efficiency instead of sustainable supply chains, which are becoming critical challenges for the near future and must be accompanied by formal and life-long learning on sustainability-related topics. The circular economy and corporate social responsibility are especially neglected. It was also revealed that sustainability integration in higher education does not correlate with sustainability scores and the ranking of countries within the sustainability index.

Enhanced Multiset Consensus Protocol Based on PBFT for Logistics Information Traceability

In the recent years, the global logistics industry has greatly driven the development of the world economy. At the same time, a large amount of data information is generated. Due to the frequent occurrence of logistics information leakage and forgery, it is necessary to find solutions that can accurately trace logistics information and ensure the security and authenticity of logistics information. The birth of blockchain technology has transformed the logistics industry from quantitative change to qualitative change. The technical characteristics of blockchain technology, such as distributed storage ideas, decentralization, immutability, and complex encryption consensus algorithm, endow it with a wide range of application prospects in the logistics industry. This paper proposes an enhanced multiset consensus algorithm based on PBFT (practical Byzantine fault tolerance) for logistics information traceability and storage on the logistics blockchain. The application of the proposed multi-set consensus algorithm in the topology structure composed of multiple sets can improve the consensus efficiency of logistics information in the blockchain. We improve consensus capability and transaction speed, avoid redundant consensus message packets occupying a large bandwidth, and efficiently process logistics information generated at any time. We ensure the traceability of logistics information and achieve efficient and accurate traceability, and the efficiency and security of the proposed algorithm are analyzed. This paper aims to solve the problems of traceability, trustworthiness, and efficient processing of blockchain applications in logistics information to operate the logistics network efficiently. This paper compares the proposed algorithm with the PBFT-related expansion algorithm regarding bandwidth occupation, delay, and throughput. The results show that the MPBFT consensus algorithm significantly improves the efficiency of the logistics blockchain network.

How Internet of Things can influence the sustainability performance of logistics industries – A Chinese case study

The introduction of new information technologies has started reshaping global industrial sectors and supply chains. Due to the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) real-time management strategies have been adopted by the global logistics industry, turning the branch into an intelligent service supplier. This paper assesses the influence of IoT on the Chinese logistics sector and related environmental performance between 2011 and 2018. This paper establishes an evaluation framework for the logistics performance under social, economic and environmental dimensions by using time entropy weighting. Using a grey correlation approach, we identify a strong positive correlation between the logistics performance and the IoT market scale. We further find a significant and increasing correlation trend for an expansion of the IoT market and the reduction of carbon and PM 2.5 intensity. The environmental regulation though positively correlated with logistics sustainability, shows less potential to directly improve economic and social performance. It also indirectly promotes sustainability performance of the logistics industry through support for technological innovation. High investment in IoT is estimated to limit the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises to increase their labor compensation and expand the scale of employment. Finally, we project China’s IoT market developments for 2021–2025 using a grey forecasting model considering the influence of investment confidence and COVID-19. The results indicate that China’s share of the global IoT market will likely rise from 18% to 30% by 2025.

OVERCOMING GLOBAL LOGISTICS CHALLENGES: LEVERAGING HYBRID WORK MODELS, DIGITAL INNOVATION, AND OPERATIONAL CONTINUITY

This article explores the economic and managerial challenges impacting the global logistics industry in 2023, focusing on issues such as global supply chain disruptions, escalating operational costs, and labor shortages. Rising fuel prices, infrastructure maintenance demands, and the challenge of attracting skilled labor are adding significant pressure on logistics firms worldwide [1]. This research examines strategies adopted by companies, including transportation management systems (TMS), workforce training initiatives, hybrid work models, and sustainable practices, to navigate these complexities. Additionally, the study analyzes the use of low-code platforms in developing tailored solutions for logistics management. Findings highlight the critical importance of continued investment in technology and workforce development to maintain competitive advantage. Recommendations for future research include investigating the long-term effects of automation and AI on logistics and enhancing supply chain resilience.

Facilitating adoption of virtual communities through emotional connection in the global logistics industry

Facilitating adoption of virtual communities through emotional connection in the global logistics industry

Big data and big disaster: a mechanism of supply chain risk management in global logistics industry

PurposeAlthough big data may enhance the visibility, transparency, and responsiveness of supply chains, whether it is effective for improving supply chain performance in a turbulent environment, especially in mitigating the impact of COVID-19, is unclear. The research question the authors addressed is: How do logistics firms improve the supply chain performance in COVID-19 through big data and supply chain integration (SCI)?Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a mixed-method approach with four rounds of data collection. A three-round survey of 323 logistics firms in 26 countries in Europe, America, and Asia was first conducted. The authors then conducted in-depth interviews with 55 logistics firms.FindingsIn the first quantitative study, the authors find mediational mechanisms through which big data analytics technology capability (BDATC) and SCI influence supply chain performance. In particular, BDATC and SCI are two second-order capabilities that help firms develop three first-order capabilities (i.e. proactive capabilities, reactive capabilities, and resource reconfiguration) and eventually lead to innovation capability and disaster immunity that allow firms to survive in COVID-19 and improve supply chain performance. The results of the follow-up qualitative analysis not only confirm the inferences from the quantitative analysis but also provide complementary insights into organizational culture and the institutional environment.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to supply chain risk management by developing a three-level hierarchy of capabilities framework and finding a mechanism with the links between big data and big disaster. The authors also provide managerial implications for logistics firms to address the new management challenges posed by COVID-19.

Regional Logistics Demand Prediction: A Long Short-Term Memory Network Method

With the growth of e-commerce and the recurrence of the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, the global logistics industry has been deeply affected. People are forced to shop online, which leads to a surge in logistics needs. Conversely, the novel coronavirus can also be transmitted through goods, so there are some security risks. Thus, in the post-epidemic era, the analysis of regional logistics needs can serve as a foundation for logistics planning and policy formation in the region, and it is critical to find a logistics needs forecasting index system and a effective method to effectively exploit the logistics demand information in recent years. In this paper, we use the freight volume to assess the logistics needs, and the Long short-term memory (LSTM) network to predict the regional logistics needs based on time series and impact factors. For the first time, the Changsha logistics needs prediction index system is built in terms of e-commerce and the post-epidemic era and compared with some well-known methods such as Grey Model (1,1), linear regression model, and Back Propagation neural network. The findings show that the LSTM network has the smallest prediction errors, and the logistics needs are not affected by the epidemic. Therefore, the authors suggest that the government and businesses pay more attention to regional logistics needs forecasting, choosing scientific prediction methods.

Optimization of Logistics System with Fuzzy FMEA-AHP Methodology

The COVID-19 pandemic broke out and the global logistics industry suffered severe losses; therefore, the Fuzzy FMEA-AHP (Fuzzy Failure Mode and Effects Analysis-Analytic Hierarchy Process) method is proposed to analyze the failure reasons of the logistics system in the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we have made an optimization on the basis of the FMEA method: the fuzzy is integrated into the FMEA algorithm, referred to as F-RPWN (fuzzy risk priority-weighted number). Meanwhile, the AHP is used to determine the weights of risk indicators. In this article, we consider new logistics failures, such as the failure modes and failure reasons of the logistics system under the COVID-19 pandemic. There are 12 failures that have been determined, and relevant preventive and corrective measures have been recommended to cut off the path of failure propagation and reduce the impact of failures. In addition, the proposed method can help logistics firms, their supply chain partners, and customers with risk management issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Selecting Partners in Strategic Alliances: An Application of the SBM DEA Model in the Vietnamese Logistics Industry

Background: Strategic alliance is a popular strategic option for business entities to strengthen the competitive advantages of all partners in a partnership. The global logistics industry has witnessed the formulation of several successful strategic alliances. However, the Vietnamese logistics industry seems to grow slowly and lacks long-term inter-firm partnerships. In such a context, it is critical to have a more effective approach to selecting partners in strategic alliances to increase long-term relationships and firm performance. Method: Thus, this study proposes using the SBM-I-C DEA model to examine and suggest partners for Vietnamese logistics firms to form strategic alliances. Results: Our findings show that integrating technology in managing strategic alliances will foster companies in the alliance to formulate a better strategy with up-to-date information on policies. Conclusion: Using the SBM-I-C DEA model, companies can minimize operating costs and optimize delivery time. Thus, companies can better satisfy customers. From the research findings, some implications are proposed for Vietnamese logistics companies.