Chain Logistics Research Articles

Agricultural exports of Ukraine in the conditions of war.

The article is devoted to the study of the problems and challenges of agricultural exports of Ukraine in the conditions of war. It was determined that before the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the country occupied a leading position in the world production of major agricultural crops (sunflower, rapeseed, barley, corn, wheat, soybeans). A comprehensive assessment of Ukraine's export positions in the world was carried out and the countries most dependent on the import of Ukrainian grain were identified. The dynamics of the domestic export of cereals, legumes (with products of their processing) and flour for the period from 2020/2021 MR to August 2023/2024 MR have been analyzed. The author has researched and systematized the problems of reducing the volume of export deliveries of Ukrainian grain to the world market. It is substantiated that part of the problems and challenges are macroeconomic in nature and complicate the development of the country's economy, distort market pricing mechanisms and reduce the competitiveness of domestic products. Among them is the risk of losing the country's reputation as a reliable supplier; loss of markets and trading partners; destruction of logistics and transport infrastructure; reduction of production volumes; change in demand; limiting access to resources; devaluation of the national currency, etc. A systematic analysis of the problems and challenges complicating agricultural export made it possible to single out the main ones: reduction in agricultural production volumes and loss of resource potential; limited financial resources; disruption of logistics chains. Special attention was paid to the problem of sea transportation, which before the beginning of the war provided about 95 % of agricultural exports. The dynamics of Ukraine's export volumes within the framework of the "grain initiative" during 2022- 2023 are analyzed. The role and significance of its implementation to mitigate the negative impact of Russia's military aggression on domestic agricultural exports is described. The reasons for the importance of sea transportation for Ukrainian exports have been determined: large volumes of supplies and their low cost. Emphasis is placed on the need to export by sea, even without the participation of Russia. The author researched the measures implemented by the Ukrainian government to support agricultural production and export and justified the need to develop a set of measures to stabilize and further develop the industry and restore the export of agricultural products. Among them are the following: reduction of bureaucratic barriers; state support for the development of logistics infrastructure, optimization of taxation and lending; adaptation of agricultural production to EU requirements; increasing the quality and safety of products in accordance with international standards; technological development and digitalization; restoration and transition of the agricultural sector to sustainable production. Key words: agricultural production, export, agricultural export, agricultural export problems, "grain initiative".

Strategies for Reducing Demurrage at the Douala Container Terminals (RTC Terminal) during Importation

COVID-19 diverse methods and procedures of different port actors are some of the reasons for increasing demurrage for containerized goods. Demurrage is the additional charges levied by the maritime carrier on the users of its equipment (container) after the container passes the normal time in the seaport, which is 11 days in Cameroon (Douala). This study aims to investigate the main causes of increasing demurrage at the Douala container terminal and recommend strategies to reduce the increasing demurrage at the port RTC terminal (Container terminal management or Regie du Terminal a Conteneurs). This study uses a target population of 700 actors selected using a stratified random techniques in different fields linked to the international logistics chain and the Douala port in particular. Moreover a total of 490 participants responded to the questionnaire distributed to them. Descriptive statistics such as table and pie chart were used to analyze the data collected during the research. Findings demonstrated that the activities of the different actors involved in the logistics chain, namely the customs administrators, customs brokers, importers, shipping line exporters, PAD (Douala Autonomous Port) and other actors such as Society General de Surveillance (SGS), Cameroon Customs Information System (CAMCIS) and RTC Terminal are the main causes of the increased demurrage at the Douala port. The study recommends, amongst others, eliminating public holidays and weekends by shipping line when counting the demurrage days at the Douala port. Also we recommend that, the demurrage days should only start when the manifest is visible to all the actors, which is not the case. Equally, the government should impose the demurrage charge on the actors, which are the principal cause of demurrage at the port. It should be noted that with the implementation of the above recommendations by the different actors, demurrage will reduce in the Douala port and many African countries.

Analysis of Competitiveness of Small Ports of the Azov-Black Sea Basin in Multimodal Transportation: Technological Aspects, Transportation Problem Optimisation

A new approach is proposed to the study of functioning of the connecting and transforming link of the multimodal transport and logistics chain, implemented by railway cargo transportation. The methodological basis of the research is classical principles of egalitarianism in the theory of welfare, which allow, based on assessment of the transport and technological infrastructure of the network segment and tariff rates, to build mathematical models that are economically justified, customer-oriented and in demand in management of cargo transportation processes. An algorithm for solving a multi-criteria and multi-extremal problem of integer linear programming with a set of cost objective functions has been developed in the medium of the analytical computing system. The computational experiment is used as a guiding heuristic tool in finding the optimal level of organization and economic efficiency of the cargo transportation process.Optimal combinations of distributions of the number of departure routes per loading stations and related plans of transportation to the reloading stations were found with the help of the Pareto criterion. The obtained values of cost indicators provide the participants of the transportation process with the opportunity to choose competitive options in transportation schemes using small port transshipment stations of the Azov-Black Sea basin.

Improving the Quality of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Faculty According to a Competency-Based Approach at Vietnamese Universities

In the context of global economic integration, the logistics and supply chain management industry is becoming a spearhead sector driving the development of Vietnam's economy. However, the current growth of this industry is facing difficulties due to a shortage of high-quality human resources in terms of both quantity and skills. The teaching activities of logistics and supply chain management at Vietnamese universities still have many limitations and do not meet the specific needs of developing students' capacity after graduation. This article is based on a survey of the general situation of teaching logistics and supply chain management at Vietnamese universities. In which, the current situation of the teaching staff is still lacking in experience and expertise in the field of logistics and supply chain management. In addition, teaching methods are still quite traditional and do not meet the requirements for interaction, application, practical skills, and creative thinking for students. Through analyzing the factors affecting the teaching process, the article introduces a solution to improve the quality of the teaching staff of logistics and supply chain management based on a competency-based approach.

Total Quality Management, Safety and Stakeholders Satisfaction: Model for Healthcare Administration

Total Quality Management, Safety and Stakeholders Satisfaction: Model for Healthcare Administration

The Ukrainian milk processing enterprises export orientations development in the martial law conditions and under the migration processes influence

The article outlines the Ukrainian milk prosessing enterprises sustainability ensuring issues under the martial law conditions and migration processes. The main obstacles faced by the dairy industry during 2022 were associated with dairy farming decrease, production capacity loss, production costs increase, high competitive pressure, government dairy business support programs reduction. The article considers the planning logistics chains importance due to the dairy products peculiarities comparing other industrial products. Sustainable milk and dairy production, consumer balances achievement are important to ensure Ukrainian food security during the martial law. It is essential to use engineering management methods in dairy production in order to achieve the appropriate products quality under the transition to international dairy products quality standards terms. The production and export-import trends study made it possible to analyze the Ukrainian milk processing enterprises export potential to the EU, MENA, Asia, CIS countries, using effective logistics chains planning. It was determined that exports change in the geography contributes to the production leveling, which was excessive due to the large number refugees and internal migration. The main milk processing enterprises development prospects in the expanding export opportunities direction, cooperation with European partners and using the government grant programs opportunities have been determined.

State and prospects of fuel supply for agriculture in Ukraine

In the context of martial law in Ukraine, when the oil refining industry has stopped and most of the logistics chains have been destroyed, the issue of ensuring the availability of fuel and energy resources for agricultural production – the guarantor of food supply in Ukraine and the world – is of particular relevance. The purpose of the article was to study the consumption of petroleum products in the agricultural sector of Ukraine under martial law, to investigate the state and state regulation of the market and fuel from petroleum products, and to forecast their price in the future. The following methods were used in the article: dialectical, abstract and logical, statistical, correlation and regression, tabular and graphical, analysis of series of dynamics and structural changes, comparison, strategic planning and forecasting. Based on the results of the research carried out using statistical methods, the article analyses the consumption of petrol and diesel fuel by agricultural enterprises and calculates their cost per hectare of harvested area. It was found that the decrease in fuel consumption in 2022 was due to the fact that ¼ of the sown areas were not sown due to the war. The share of fuel used for the needs of the agricultural sector was also investigated. The correlation and regression analysis revealed a close relationship between the exchange rate and the price of diesel fuel in Ukraine, and a negative relationship between the world oil price and the price of diesel fuel. Due to the established dependence, a model for calculating the price of diesel fuel based on world oil prices and the exchange rate is developed, and the price is calculated. It is substantiated that the main economic method of state regulation of the fuel market is the establishment of an excise tax. It is concluded that the reduction in the consumption of fuel and energy resources in the agricultural sector of Ukraine has led to a decrease in the energy intensity of agricultural products. The results of the research are of practical importance, which will allow identifying destabilizing factors in the oil and oil products market, as well as formulating the State’s policy that will promote the use of energy resources, in particular liquid fuel, in agriculture under martial law

Modern Types of Propulsion for Inland Waterway Transportas a Response to Contemporary Challenges in the Logistics Chain across Polish Seaports

This paper is devoted to the negative impact of transport activities. Every type of transport comes with negative effects on the environment, people’s health, and people’s comfort of living. Strategic papers from the European Union’s (EU’s) acts of law on national, regional, and local political levels have found that water transport is the future. The authors hypothesize that the increase in the use of inland waterway transport over the coming decades will provide an opportunity to increase the capacity of transport; however, without appropriate regulations regarding emission standards, the use of outdated water transport units will not allow us to achieve positive environmental effects. The authors, therefore, indicate good practices related to the use of shipping in conjunction with the use of modern types of propulsion. The literature review method was used to verify current knowledge about the impacts of water transport as well as to find possible alternatives. Moreover, a survey was conducted among experts—decision-makers in logistics companies operating in Polish seaports. The condition of ships, especially those used on inland waterways, needs to be improved, mainly in the aspect of emissions. Furthermore, a strategy should be prepared to include inland shipping as an ordinary part of the logistics chain in Poland, which seems to be a necessary and expected action, though it will bring only partial environmental benefits.

Comprehensive cyber security for port and harbor ecosystems

Global maritime transportation and logistics systems are essential parts of critical infrastructures in every society, and a crucial part of maritime logistics processes are seaports. In the coming years, digitalization and increased levels of autonomy in logistic transport chains are expected to take leaps forward. This development can help create safer, more efficient, more sustainable, and more reliable service chains to meet the requirements for a better quality of life and global prosperity. Port and harbor operations connect the maritime transport to other modes of transportation and enable multimodal transportation. Smart ports play a central role in future transport logistics and supply chains. Digitalization helps improve the efficiency of terminal systems in the processes of these ports. In the best cases, digitalization can also promote the reduction of emissions by optimizing port operations and enhancing cargo and people flows while improving the experience for all stakeholders. The improvement of port processes relies on the development of information and communication technology (ICT) as well as on industrial control systems (ICS) and operation technologies (OT). At the same time, the cyber security of maritime logistics also needs to be addressed. This article presents our findings related to the Sea4Value research goal on cyber security, which is a comprehensive cyber security architecture for port services at the system level. The article emphasizes the importance of a system of systems approach in terms of a comprehensive cyber security management process for port ecosystems. The description and recognition of management steps of every stakeholder are the key elements in this kind of process.

Dinamik araç rotalama problemleriyle ilgili çalışmaların bibliyometrik analizi

Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problems (DVRP) have been highly studied by researchers and decision-makers for the last couple of decades with the effect of developments in GPS and mobile digital tools. Particularly, the digital transformation in logistic and supply chain activities under Industry 4.0 paradigm provides a more suitable environment for DVRP applications. In this study, we conduct a bibliometric analysis related to studies in the DVRP area to understand relationships among publications in terms of countries, institutions, citations, journals, authors, etc., and to show related information and possible trends to the current and prospective researchers and decision-makers. A total of 831 articled retrieved from the Scopus database are examined for the analysis. As a result, the highest number of studies are published by researchers in China while the most impactful studies in terms of citations are carried out by researchers affiliated with US institutions. DVRPs have been frequently studied in Industrial/System Engineering and Management Schools whereas journals in transportation science and operations research/industrial engineering have mostly published DVRP studies. From the application side, ride-sharing, ride-hailing, and crowdsourced delivery appear as new trends for DVRPs in terms of co-occurrence analysis. On the other hand, heuristic and metaheuristic solution approaches frequently co-occur with DVRPs.

Logistics and Supply Chain Superpowers and Skills for Survival in the “New Normal” Globalized World

Abstract Disruptions and rising costs in global supply chains due to COVID-19, climate change, and geopolitical tensions have led to supernormal profits, substantially more recognition of the importance of the sector and management functions associated with it, and a potential “golden age” for a career in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). This article provides a general overview of the opportunities arising from global LSCM trends. Motivated by student views and comments, the authors have surveyed leading academics and senior practitioners globally across the key LSCM functions to obtain a comprehensive view on the future skills required to excel in a career in supply chain management. Their findings suggest a multitude of future-proof skills centred around technical (e.g., data analytics), soft (e.g., creativity) and cross-functional skills, which they then use to discuss implications for job profiles, graduates (i.e., learn to learn) and LSCM professionals. Given the variety and complexity of the identified skills and LSCM functions, in addition to a compounding LSCM talent shortage, the authors propose changes in LSCM offerings at universities and other tertiary education providers, with a focus on unlearning and life-long learning.

Harnessing Information Communication Technology in the Development of Oil and Gas Business in Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Information Communication Technology in effectively managing the logistics and supply chain business of a 4th party logistics oil and gas service firm with a focus on TECON Oil Services Limited. This is predicated on the fact that Logistics is the process of ‘strategically managing the acquisition, movement and storage of materials, parts and unfinished inventory (and the related information flows) through the organization and its marketing channels in such a way that current and future profitability is maximised through the cost effect fulfilment of orders’. A structured questionnaire was duly administered to selected management staff of the company with 60.7% retrieval rate. The collated responses were analysed and the hypotheses were tested using the Eview software. At 5% level of significance, test of all five hypotheses showed p-values less than 0.005 (P < 0.05), indicating positive relationship between the tested ICT parameters and effective business performance. With overall significant regression, the coefficient of determination ranged between 87.9% and 99.7% of variation in the model. In conclusion therefore, the study ascertains a positive relationship between effective ICT and the Logistics and Supply Chain management of the firm’s business operations. It further recommended, among others, the need for the development of policies in the area of ICT to support the performance of various logistics networks for effective overall performance of the sector. Additional or further studies are required on the impact of effective supply chain management in the Oil and Gas Sector of the Nigeria Economy.

Ship emissions reduction via slow steaming without disrupting the logistical supply chain: A case study of the port of Felixstowe

ABSTRACT In this era of global supply chains and just-in-time logistics, the speed with which shipping companies can deliver goods to their customers is an economic competitive advantage. The growth of international trade means more ships and more voyages which will contribute to the increasing global emissions inventory. Nonetheless, developments in ship environmental performance have not matched the increase in shipping activities. Several environmental protection and emissions reduction measures have been identified but are yet to be implemented globally due to technological gaps and their capital-intensiveness. This paper focused on addressing the challenges of applying “slow steaming” as a measure of cutting emissions. It demonstrated that by applying analytical models, the optimal berthing capacity can be defined and that by implementing the model, ships can employ slow steaming to reduce emissions. The paper also proposed a collaboration between port and ship owners/companies where real-time information is exchanged to facilitate access and swift cargo operations at ports so that ships can employ speed reduction techniques during a sail.

New challenges for logistics in the conditions of military operations

The logistics sector was one of the most important and key during the martial law and underwent significant changes. A survey conducted by Kievstar Business Hub in 2022 and 2023 showed the dynamics of the development of the logistics sector during the war. For example, last year, one of the main reasons for business closures was the disruption of the logistics chain. This year, it is no longer a priority as companies gradually adapt to the challenges of wartime. The state of logistics at the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine was difficult. But it becomes clear that the direction is slowly recovering in 2023, because the number of professional offers in the industry is increasing. This, of course, is some what less dynamic compared to the labor market in general. However, it is positive. But there were also some challenges occurred to the logistics and supply chain management of industries and enterpises . A lot of them will be researched during the article.

Trends in Russian Logistics Development: Forecasts and Reality

The goal of the article is to analyze forecasts and actual development of Russian logistics on the basis of concrete example, figures, quotations and references to research. Today Russian logistics is passing the stage of active development, however, there are a lot of challenges and problems that should be overcome. A key trend in Russian logistics development is digitalization and introduction of new technologies. According to the research conducted by the Committee on Logistics Development, in 2020 about 78% of logistical market participants in Russia supported introduction of digital innovation in their work. It can cut costs of transportation, raise process efficiency and improve the quality of customer service. However, Russian logistics has not reached its full potential in this field. Key problems are poor introduction of advanced information technologies and undeveloped digital infrastructure. According to the research published by the journal ‘Logistics and Managing Supply Chains’ in 2021 only 25% of logistic companies in Russia use systems of managing storehouses and transport on the basis of artificial transportation, which allows companies to cut delivery period and provide more efficient use of transport infrastructure. According to Rosgosstrakh research in 2020, the volume of multimodal transportation in Russia grew by 15% in comparison with the previous year. However, the Federal Agency on Air Service reports that the development of infrastructure for multimodal transportation is not sufficient. A lot of Russian regions face the absence of connections between various types of transport, which can cause delays and higher delivery cost. We should also point out that Russian logistics still encounters problems with logistical costs. According to the research of ‘The International Journal of Economics and Management’ in 2020 Russia takes the 92nd place by the index of logistical costs among 160 countries. The key reasons for high costs are inefficient use of resources and weak coordination among participants of the logistic chain. The development of Russian logistics supposes introduction of digital technologies, rise in the share of multimodal transportation and cutting logistic costs. Along with this it is necessary to overcome a number of problems, such as low level of digital infrastructure and weal coordination in the logistic chain. It will require joint efforts on the part of government, business and education institutions.

Exploring The Suitability Between GIATMARA and SBEZ’s Development Towards TVET Training

This study investigates and explore how community involvement and engagement through TVET at Special Boarder Economic Zone (SBEZ), Bukit Kayu Hitam through collaboration with one of the TVET educational providers namely GIATMARA. With the tertiary education and skill-based programmes, young community at SBEZ will have a better opportunity for employability and able to meet the demand from industry. This study employs a qualitative method with the information on the course offered by GIATMARA, thedemand skills and from SBEZ development and the readiness of the community towards TVET skills around that area. The depth and breadth of the data collected through semi-structure interview with Northern Gateway, GIATMARA and SBEZcommunity. Building on the analysis, thematic analyses were then undertaken on the data from interviews. In particular, to ensure the successful of SBEZ, the surrounding community needs to be equipped with TVET skills especially related to logistic nd supply chain industry. Further, there are nine are of services of logistic and supply chain that are expected to be fulfilled for upcoming demand in SBEZ. It is hope that all TVET institutions including GIATMARA have to ensure that their curriculums are in line with the needs of the industry.

Application of Financial Big Data Analysis Method Based on Collaborative Filtering Algorithm in Supply Chain Enterprises

At present, the financial situation of China’s supply chain finance is still relatively unstable, and there are still some problems between supply chain enterprises and banks such as asymmetric information, insufficient model innovation and high operational risks. Based on this, this paper proposes and constructs a risk control model of financial big data analysis based on collaborative filtering algorithm. The purpose of this study is to realize the resource integration of supply chain enterprises and optimize the logistics chain, financial chain and information chain through the analysis of financial big data based on collaborative filtering algorithm, provide quality services for supply chain enterprises and good support for solving the financing problems of small and medium-sized enterprises. In order to verify the feasibility of the model, an experimental analysis is carried out. The experimental results show that this model has good scalability and operability, and the algorithm itself also has good scalability. The results of empirical analysis further verify that the design method in this paper has a good recommendation effect in terms of matching degree and user satisfaction. Compared with other risk control models, it is more practical and feasible. This research has certain practical significance for the financial management of supply chain enterprises.

Развитие логистической транспортной системы России в условиях санкций

Purpose: To conduct a review critical analysis of the current state of the domestic logistics transport system of Russia under sanctions as of August 2023 using statistical data and visualization of their dynamics. Methods: Methods of statistical analysis, logistics, systems theory, visualization, system approach, statistical and analytical data from open sources on the Internet have been used. Results: It is shown that the sanctions policy transforms the approach to the management of transportation processes when logistics chains are broken. The analysis of data on volumes and directions of railway transportation in Russia is carried out, trends, prospects and bottlenecks in the work of logistics transport systems are noted. Practical significance: The impact of anti-Russian Western sanctions on the structure and organization of the railway transportation process is assessed. Conclusions are formulated, among which it is indicated that the sustainable development of domestic logistics transport systems is a guarantee of uninterrupted and seamless provision of commodity exchange processes in the country.

Conceptual models of port governance

The port system is characterized as one of the main links in a country's logistics chain, contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions in which they operate. Port performance is the result of a diversity of activities by the various organizational and institutional actors present in this environment, which is materialized through port governance. Distributed in more than 900 international ports, port governance models have different mechanisms, depending on the environment in which the logistics-port chain is inserted. Brazil, in the process of professionalizing the port sector, has sought to identify models of port governance for implementation in the Brazilian port system. In this context, this article aims to identify the port governance mechanisms proposed by the most contemporary conceptual models in the scientific literature, to support their better understanding and to identify the knowledge gaps to support future research in the area. To this end, theoretical research was carried out, through a systematic literature review, using the electronic, international, and interdisciplinary Scopus database. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and with the support of a search directed to the theme for the inclusion of new specialist publications, 12 conceptual models of Port Governance were considered. Even though the construct is a broad concept, it was possible to identify the conceptualization of the term, mechanisms, and components for its configuration. The models mainly include aspects of state participation; devolution; governance environment, strategy, structure, and dimensions; port reforms and performance and guidance for efficiency and effectiveness. However, the research results highlight that aspects of vertical and horizontal relationships deserve to be better explored; relationship networks; cooperation; co-production, and a systemic view.

The Line-Haul Feeder Vehicle Routing Problem: A Classification and Review

Today, goods transportation is considered to be one of the most important activities of national economics. Logistics and supply chain play an important role in the industry and services, considering the needs of the people, while there is an increase in the population. In addition, the role of logistics in urban areas, especially in restaurants, grocery stores, etc., is clearly visible. Besides, the final price of the goods is the most important factor that is always considered in service and in production. Due to this important factor, transportation has been found to be one of the most significant and influential factors in determining the price of goods. For these reasons, the newest variant of the vehicle routing problem, called the line feeder vehicle routing problem (LFVRP), is considered in this paper, in which various types of vehicles (large and small vehicles) are used for providing services to customers. In this particular type of delivery issue, these vehicles must start from the warehouse, meet customers, and finally return to the depot. In fact, the issue of LFVRP is related to the fast customer service in urban areas because in this case, all that are considered to be of priority are to minimize transportation costs and overall distribution time for fast customer service, especially in urban areas. Due to the many applications of this problem in the real world, a general review of this problem is conducted, and the versions of this problem are described along with the algorithms for its solution in the paper.