Logistics Organization Research Articles

Analysis of Transportation Carbon Emissions Under Different Reverse Logistics Organizations in Megacities

Analysis of Transportation Carbon Emissions Under Different Reverse Logistics Organizations in Megacities

An Integrated Optimization Model for Medicine Order Distribution and Delivery Problem of Online Pharmacy Based on the Optimal Supply Chain Strategy

The issue of health and medicine has always been very important. The volume of demand in the field of medicine is very high and is considered as one of the sensitive and vital products, so the accuracy in using the medicine and the accuracy of time of its use and access are among the strict requirements in the field of drug circulation. As we know, in order to achieve the best therapeutic effect and cure the disease, several drugs for a specific disease are usually used simultaneously. Therefore, an order which contains different types of medicines must be delivered on time, together and at the same time. By focusing on the supply chain, companies are experiencing significant reductions in healthcare costs. The purpose of this article is to provide a model and solution for online pharmacies through which chain costs can be optimized. In this regard, it is assumed that after the orders are received through the protocol in each period, a third-party logistics organization will collect the medicines required for each order from the physical pharmacies that have these medicines in their stock and transfer them to pharmacies that have the ability to send the medicines to the customer and a shipping fleet so that, considering logistical costs, orders are delivered to customers on time.

The relationship between logistics and trade marketing in FMCG companies

Logistics and marketing are usually concerned with satisfying the needs and wants of customers, respectively through their supply and demand functions in the marketplace. In order for organizations to successfully provide more value to customers, it is necessary to combine logistics and marketing functions. Globally, the importance of transport in every nation's economy is increasing every year, as its level of development has a major impact on the competitiveness of a nation's economy. The relevance of the study is that the relationship between logistics and marketing is crucial to serve FMCG market customers. A successful relationship between logistics and marketing, represents a source of competitive advantage to provide better customer service while keeping the cost of goods low. This paper presents the theoretical basis for the logistics organization of Kazakhstan's FMCG market. The current situation of domestic FMCG trade is presented and the contribution to the country's GDP is described. The main aspects and functions of logistics and marketing for finding joint areas and conflicts are also given. The principles of market supply chain management are described, the integration of logistics and marketing is analyzed using the concepts of trade marketing in distribution systems of modern companies as an example, and the logistics approach to trade and marketing activities is described. An important outcome of the analysis is the definition of marketing logistics as a source of competitive advantage, together with a description of digital marketing logistics technologies and the risks of their application.

Power dynamics in organisations and the role of information systems

Power dynamics in organisations and the role of information systems

A maturity model for assessing sustainable project management knowledge areas: A case study within a logistics firm

Currently, the use of maturity models is widespread for evaluating the success of project management (PM) processes. Project management maturity models (PMMM) are valuable methodologies to improve the project management processes. In this context, this present paper seeks an answer to these questions: Which maturity levels are aimed for an organization to make the sustainable PM sound? Which propositions are made based on the obtained maturity levels? This paper aims to propose a PMMM by analysing PM knowledge areas. In response to this objective, nine dimensions and twenty seven maturity items are handled using of PM Solutions’ PMMM. In order to evaluate the maturity levels, Weighted Maturity Score Calculation Model (WMSC) approach based on survey questionnaires of two experts is used first for the PM knowledge areas. Weighted average score of all maturity items is obtained using Likert-scale and criteria weights are first calculated using Hesitant Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (HF-AHP). Practicality of these approaches is illustrated through a real data in a logistics organization. As a result, computational results indicate that risk management dimension with the level 1,4 has the lowest rating of all nine dimensions. The high maturity level 3,5 is observed in the quality management, as the maturity items in this dimension such as Quality Plan Preparation and Quality Plan Employment can have a favourable impact on the PM maturity. The findings reveal the effectiveness of the proposed method, which ensures practical and theoretical insights for organizations to determine their current and expected sustainable project maturity levels.

CUSTOMS LOGISTICS: CONCEPTS, FUNCTIONS, FEATURES

The article investigates the approaches to the definition of the term customs logistics. It is established that there is no generally accepted point of view on the content of the concept, its subject field among scientists and practitioners. Customs logistics is considered as a scientific direction, and as a practical activity, and as a functional area of logistics, and as part of the logistics chain, and as a set of logistics processes of participants in foreign economic activity. Given the complex structure and multiplicity of approaches to the interpretation of the term, and applying a systematic approach to disclose the content of customs logistics, it is proposed to understand customs logistics as a scientific and practical activity aimed at regulating customs goods and information and financial flows and protecting national interests, finding a balance of interests and ensuring the security and development of entities. The object-subject field of customs logistics is primarily export-import trade flows. They are accompanied by information flows: outgoing (from customs to the central authority), incoming (on the contrary), accompanying (documents for the goods). In this case, the implementation of foreign trade operations implies that the financial flow is divided into two parts: the first includes payments paid to the supplier for the goods (its feature is that it is governed by the laws of most states and international agreements); the second part includes customs duties, through which the state regulates the volume, range and direction of movement of export-import trade flows. Customs logistics integrates such important functions of customs activity, tariff-regulating, information-analytical, control-passing and financial-economic. The purpose of logistics of customs activity is first of all in the effective logistical organization of all types of the flows observed in customs business and their acceleration. This refers to commodity, information and financial flows, which together form an integrated commodity-information-financial flow, which has the duty to control such structures of the customs service as customs posts and customs, in particular when crossing this integrated flow of the customs border . The integrated nature of customs and logistics flows corresponds to the complex structure of customs logistics, which includes component, regional and functional structure.

HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

The tourism industry has been one of the industries most affected by the pandemic. The borders were closed one by one, travel was limited or even banned, and people were asked to stay in their homes. For tourism, 2020 has been a continuous decline. In 2020, tourism was among the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the travel restrictions as well as other precautionary measures taken in response. In 2020, the number of nights spent at European Union (EU) tourist accommodation establishments totalled 1.4 billion, down by 52% compared with 2019. Market research confirms that 2020 has become the year of domestic tourism. 1 March 2021 marks a year since the beginning of the most difficult period in the tourism industry. People’s desire to travel has not disappeared, but their behaviour regarding the scheduling of the next vacation has changed. In 2021, tourists tend to choose more isolated destinations, with more green space and away from mass tourism. And while storm clouds appear to be dissipating in 2021 with the start of the vaccination campaign, there are still many questions about what this year’s trip will look like. As the pandemic shows no signs of stopping soon and the vaccination campaign is progressing slowly due to the limited number of vaccines and logistical organization problems, tourism cannot stop and wait for better times. And, moreover, the future of this industry seems at this moment an equation with unknown Ns. The challenges will be especially for those who receive tourists, because they must give them the confidence to start traveling again as in the past. The aim of European tourism policy is to maintain Europe’s position as a top tourist destination, while maximizing the industry’s contribution to growth and employment and promoting cooperation between EU countries. Business Magazine identified five key questions for tourism entrepreneurs to determine how and where tourists will spend their holidays in 2021.

The Effect of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Assurance in Logistics Organization on The Retention of Employee(s) In Labuan Federal Territory: The Role of Pay Satisfaction as a Mediator

Safety culture has been described as a critical factor that setting up the importance of safety within an organization. The prevention of work-related accidents is an important measure taken by any company to assure the well-being of their employees and maintaining good working environment. Therefore, health, safety, and (work) environment (HSE) security is a relevant issue to be discussed in terms of employee retention. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of HSE security towards employee retention, with pay satisfaction will be the mediator. This study was adopting a survey research design and a sample of 200 employees of Asian Supply Base Sdn. Bhd. participated as respondents. The collection of data was analysed using Smart-PLS. The results showed that HSE security is positively affecting employee retention, and pay satisfaction have mediating effect on the relationship between HSE security and employee retention.

Creating Reliable and Resilient Logistics Organizations for Unpredictable Conditions and Unexpected Future

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to develop a general concept for creating resilient logistics organizations under the deep uncertainty that arises from unpredictable conditions and unexpected future, and to integrate it with a framework for ensuring the reliable operation of these organizations under conditions of predictable change. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research methodology was based on a transdisciplinary approach because logistics organizations have the nature of complex systems with different types of systems such as physical, cybernetic and social ones. The research approach used is based on a critical analysis of the literature and case studies from the authors' own experience. The research is supported by Ackoff's 'idealized design' approach and assumptions from The IRGC Risk Governance Framework. Findings: It was found that complex logistics organizations can be successfully modelled as Engineered System of Systems and managed according to the principles applicable to such systems. Furthermore, it was shown that it is possible to combine two different concepts, namely High Reliability Organization and Resilient Enterprise, into one coherent whole in the form of a Reliable and Resilient Logistics Organization. Practical Implications: For practical use of the developed concept, a framework was designed in the form of an algorithm describing the process of creating Reliable and Resilient Logistics Organization in the form of successive stages of action and decisions. Originality/value: The concept of the Reliable and Resilient Logistics Organization is wholly original and is the result of many years of our research into the behavior of complex socio-technical systems under uncertainty. The added value of the work is the model developed, which in the form of a framework can be used in practice in logistics organizations to ensure their continuous and effective operation under various conditions, both predictable and unpredictable changes in the environment.

Prospects for Using Digital Technologies in Production Logistics

Aim. The presented study aims to examine the specific features as well as organizational and technical aspects of production logistics, taking into account its potential for using digital technologies.Tasks. The authors consider the essence, purpose, and goals of production logistics; analyze major logistics systems used in production logistics; assess the prospects for using digital technologies in this sphere.Methods. This study uses the methodology of strategic and logistics management, the systems approach, life cycle theory, general scientific methods of generalization, comparative, retrospective, and structural-functional analysis.Results. The production and logistics systems of a company are considered as equivalent elements in the context of managing material flows in internal and external supply chains and achieving the company’s operational and development goals. In this regard, production logistics is shown as part of both logistics and production, which affects its organization and architecture. Under modern conditions, an approach based on certain data is widely used in production logistics. It requires active introduction of digital technologies in production logistics, the purpose of which is not to achieve technical or organizational perfection of business processes, but to select technologies from the perspective of creating additional value.Conclusions. In the course of the study, three categories of activities associated with production logistics are identified. For each of these categories, the prospects and recommended classification of digital technologies are defined. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the quality and efficiency of data use. According to the authors, all information systems and digital technologies used in production logistics should be highly reliable. Thus, introduction of any new technologies in production logistics requires careful consideration. Regardless of the type of technology, a systems approach to the organization and development of production logistics is a prerequisite for the efficient operation of the company as a whole.

Logistics and Freight Transportation Management: An NLP based Approach for Shipment Tracking

Tracking and tracing systems have become basic services for most logistics companies and are particularly essential for the shipping and logistics industry. Dynamic logistics management today need constant supervision and management of continuously-changing supply chains that motivate the necessity of goods-centric logistics monitoring and tracking, which guarantees a chance to improve transparency and control of a company’s multiple logistical activities. However, operational inefficiencies due to the conventional monitoring system for the supply chain management can also result in sales loss, higher cost, poor customer service–and eventually lower profits. Based on research literature, this paper aims to provide a novel approach for tracking and tracing shipment in a logistics organisation by implementing deep natural language processing concepts. The study aims to allow the stakeholders to think in new ways in their organisation and helping them to have a powerful influence on tracking and tracing to make the best decision possible at the right time. The proposed method is compared based on the accuracy of identifying the query, and results are significantly acceptable. This study is of related interest to researchers, academicians, and practitioners.

Developing human resource for the digitization of logistics operations: readiness index framework

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify factors that are important for logistics organizations from the perspective of manpower readiness for digitization of logistics operations. The study also prioritizes the identified factors and also evaluates the readiness index of manpower for the digitalization of logistics processes.Design/methodology/approachThe factors for manpower readiness are identified through literature review and analysis of a case study. Three major categories of factors are identified. These are organizational, behavioural and technological factors. Under these three major categories of factors, 18 sub-factors are identified. Thereafter, with experts' inputs, the factors are prioritized using Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Further, a case illustration of an Indian logistics company has been taken to understand the current processes, technical capabilities, manpower skills and organization culture. After the case analysis and expert inputs, the manpower readiness index has been evaluated by using graph theory matrix approach (GTMA).FindingsThe prioritization of manpower readiness factors has been done using Fuzzy AHP. Organizational factors are found to be the most important factors which require quick attention. Sub-factors that are most important for building competencies in the logistics sector are providing the right training on functional skill development (0.129), top management support and commitment for digitalization (0.117), and organizational culture for process digitalization (0.114), etc. Finally, framework for evaluation of manpower readiness index for logistics operations in the digital age has been illustrated for a case company.Practical implicationsIndian logistics companies can benchmark their readiness index with respect to the best in the industry. Based on the readiness index, logistics companies can analyse their position, gaps from best and worst and can also identify potential areas for improvement.Originality/valueThe novelty of the study lies in the development of a framework for manpower readiness for digitalization in the logistics sector. In literature, this field is very less researched and provides the scope for developing strategies for improving manpower competencies for Industry 4.0. Logistics companies can improve their performance by making their manpower ready based on results obtained for readiness index.

Implementing and Interpreting Refugee Resettlement Through a Veil of Secrecy: A Case of LGBT Resettlement From Africa

In the last decade the number of countries aiming to resettle refugees increased and complementary pathways aiming to relocate humanitarian migrants expanded. Stakeholders in charge of the selection process of candidates and logistical organization of these programs multiplied as a consequence. Because refugee resettlement and complementary pathways are not entrenched in international law, selection processes and logistical organization are at the discretion of stakeholders in charge, sometimes hardly identifiable themselves, and can vary greatly from one scheme to another. For displaced candidates to resettlement and complementary pathways, this opacity can have dramatic consequences in regions of origin. This article will present the case of a group of African lesbian and gay asylum seekers who first sought asylum in a neighboring country, hoping for resettlement to the global North. Because their first country of asylum criminalizes homosexuality, the responsible regional office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) must circumvent the said country’s sovereignty on asylum matters and recognize LGBT asylum seekers as refugees under UN mandate before submitting their cases to resettlement countries. UNHCR agents thus conduct refugee status determination (RSD) and resettlement procedures behind a veil of secrecy, at the risk of antagonizing their local partners and confusing aspiring refugees. Meanwhile, INGOs from the global North cooperate with local LGBT associations to relocate LGBT Africans out of the same African countries. This paper will show African asylum asylum seekers’ efforts to qualify for all these programs simultaneously, unaware of the mutually exclusive aspects of some; to become visible to institutions and “sponsors” they deem more powerful, at the expense of solidarity within their group.

IDENTIFICATION OF CRITERIA FOR THIRD PARTY LOGISTICS SUPPLIERS (3PL) IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (SCM) IN INDIAN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

The Indian manufacturing industry is growing rapidly, and supply chain management (SCM) plays the most important role in the industry. In SCM, customer satisfaction in terms of quantity, quality and on time delivery is the most important critical factor. To satisfy this requirement, the best third-party logistics (3PL) service provider is required. Therefore, the selection of the best third-party logistics provider is one of the basic requirements in SCM. Logistics services are the backbone of an economy, providing the efficient, cost effective flow of goods and services on which other commercial sectors depend. The logistics companies work as the outsourced or third-party service providers and support the organization's logistics functions. In this study, we identified some important criteria for 3PL implementation in SCM in Indian manufacturing industries. With the help of this study, supply chain managers from small to medium sized manufacturing industries can simplify the selection process for 3PL vendors. This study will help in the selection of the best vendor from such a competitive group and provide justification for the selection.

Terrain visualization information integration in agent-based military industrial logistics simulation

Agent-based simulation has become a useful tool in describing military industrial logistics organization behavior to implement military industrial information integration. Considering the specific demands of virtual engagement terrain design, this study present a framework for terrain visualization information integration in agent-based military industrial logistics simulation, which consists of perception access layer, data layer, service layer, and application layer. Focusing on its data source and the data analysis, processing, use, and validation, we propose a novel design approach on an engagement terrain database system for agent-based military industrial logistics simulation, and provide resolutions to actual problems, such as real-time efficient accession of the agent-based simulation system to high-resolution terrain data, management and maintenance of large-scale terrain data, and integrated visual simulation of terrain data. Such an initiative is achieved by presenting specific methods on the data and model designs for terrain relation, terrain analysis application, and terrain texture in terrain visualization application. A case study of the agent-based military industrial logistics simulation verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach.

ИННОВАЦИОННАЯ КУЛЬТУРА ОНКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ СЛУЖБЫ

The policy of the state, based on innovation and investment, stated in the policy documents of the President and the Government of Russia, should be reflected in the policy of specific organizations. It is necessary to evaluate the innovative culture of the organization before choosing innovative changes. No studies have been conducted on the comprehensive assessment of the state of the innovative culture of medical organizations of the oncology profile. The innovative culture of a medical organization is the level of implementation of the most advanced technological and structural solutions. In the innovative culture of the medical organization, three main components can be identified: personnel, logistical, technological. The aim of the study is to study the state of the innovative culture of the oncology service. The research base is the Ivanov Regional Oncology Dispensary of the Ivanov Region Health Department. The study programme involved the use of sociological, expert, mathematical, statistical and analytical methods. Surveillance units: medical worker (doctor, average medical worker) and logistical resources. The study was conducted in 2020. There has been a decrease in the innovative culture of the medical organization of oncology profile on all its components, including: personnel, logistics, technological. The decline in the innovative culture of medical professionals is due to a low culture of self-development, not the ability to adapt to change. The innovative culture of medical equipment is associated with a decrease in the accumulation rate of fixed assets, as well as its not full use for high-tech assistance. Technological culture has been reduced by disrupting the culture of communication in the process of assistance, ensuring uniqueness and convenience in its provision. Improving the organization's logistics base, as well as increasing the innovative commitment of medical personnel, especially mid-sized health workers, should be a priority in planning activities to enhance the innovative culture of the oncology organization.

Wood chip supply from forest to port of loading – A simulation study

Maritime transport facilitates trade with bioenergy feedstocks in the Baltic region. The study aims to provide guidance on efficient organisation of logistics at the port of loading for maritime transport of wood chips. The economic effects of using an intermediate terminal as opposed to direct delivery to port were studied, as well as the relationships between production capacity and storage capacity. Discrete-Event Simulation was used to analyse scenarios where a variable part of the volume is handled through the terminal. The total supply cost, including chipping, transportation, storage and handling at inland terminal and port, as well as loading of the ship, varied between €6.73 and 7.85 per MWh in the different scenarios. The volume passing through the terminal had a significant influence on total cost, showing a supply chain cost increase of €0.78 per m3 (approximately €4.67 per dry tonne) for material delivered through the terminal. The difference in storage cost between port and inland terminal determines whether the terminal volumes affect costs, which was shown by a sensitivity analysis. Even so, the terminal offers a possibility to manage uncertainty, both in production rates and in shipping date, and influences the supply network. The main advantage of using a simulation technique for planning production and logistic flows is the visualisation of risks and margins.

DANCE AND ITS POTENTIALS: IMPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF THE CALABAR CARNIVAL OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Carnivals situate a state or nation in the global cultural map, for their especial merit of fostering for the host community, economic advancement and a healthier international profile in the diplomatic comity. The present study engages the relevance of the Calabar Carnival beyond the realms of entertainment and tourism, but as a politico-cultural agent in the global environment where diplomacy conditions the reputation, acceptability, and sometimes fortunes of nations. In a multicultural nation like Nigeria, where autonomous ethnic identity is an intense superstructure of indigenous beliefs, dressing, cuisine, and native performance; cultural diplomacy can play a significant role in regulating intercultural relations. Culture therefore, can play a nationalistic function as a unifier of divergent interests and orientations, especially within the thematic and logistical organisation of festivals and carnivals, and the touristic benefits they have for diplomatic intentions. The Calabar Carnival represents that nationalistic intent to explore and promote the objective of cultural diplomacy, both on the national and international frontier. The objective of the present study consequently, is two-fold. Firstly, to analyse the sociocultural implications of the Calabar carnival on the national polity, such that it validates the carnival's potentials in economic and touristic development. Secondly, to discuss the logistical and ideational challenges of hosting the Carnival, as well as possible ways of ameliorating them. The study takes its foundation in the theory of diplomacy, which submits that the more we meet people through trade and other platforms the more we outsource and propagate our native culture, values and ideas. The study employs the participant-observation, interview method, and content analysis of relevant literature, to pursue its objectives.KEYWORDS: Dance, Potentials, Implications, Challenges, Calabar, Carnival, Nigeria

Systematic literature review on business process re-engineering approaches in logistics

PurposeBPR is “the central reconsideration and thorough restructuring of business procedures to enhance the critical and contemporary aspects of performance like the expense, quality, service, and speed”. Also, as it's a key factor for guaranteeing businesses' achievement, however, the profound discussion about the BPR is very rare as far as we know. We need more studies regarding the subject due to the absence of BPR works in the logistics industry. Hence, this study investigates the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of BPR for logistics companies, leading the managers and writers active in BPR, and making them aware of the present, past and future trends in this discipline.Design/methodology/approachAs BPR is a necessary foundation for ensuring enterprise systems' success, this study will systematically investigate the BPR in logistics. The proposed BPR in logistics research classification framework is based on a comprehensive literature review, which concentrates on peer-reviewed journal papers published until 2019. A total of 22 academic sources have been retrieved and analyzed in terms of research purpose and nature, the employed method, theoretical approach and analysis level.FindingsThe findings of this paper showed that BPR companies outperform the non-BPR ones regarding information computing, technology uses, organizational architecture, coordination and all key logistics procedures. The results can motivate non-BPR logistics organizations to reassess the feasibility of these plans.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper provides an overview of BPR to young academics. Also, it identifies some distinct research gaps that could be worth studying. However, this paper may be restricted by choice of dimensions and the selection of relevant articles. In turn, researchers need to become more innovative in terms of their research techniques when examining BPR implementation.Practical implicationsThis paper guides researchers and practitioners to insight into published research work and their findings. The findings are valuable to logistics firms in an emerging market, as logistics resources may affect logistics service costs and quality. Also, it discusses indications for future research in BPR. It emphasizes the need to bridge the lacuna between BPR theory and evidence-based practice. Furthermore, it provides a better understanding of BPR implementation, which can be applied toward overcoming operational difficulties during the implementation process.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need for a comprehensive classification framework of BPR in logistics studies. We can consider it as the first-evaluated methodically gathered workaround BPR in logistics. It essentially provides both academics and practitioners with a conceptual map of existing BPR in logistics research and points out future research opportunities.

Agile work practices and employee proactivity: A multilevel study

Several large organizations underwent agile transformation processes over the past few years, despite limited theory and empirical research on agile working. The present study draws from the taskwork–teamwork distinction and the proactivity literature to develop a new multilevel model of agile working. We tested this model in a sample of 114 teams ( N = 476 individuals) undergoing an agile transformation at a large German transport and logistics organization. Teams at the end of the agile transformation scored significantly higher on agile work practices, proactivity norms, and team performance than teams at the beginning of the transformation. Results of multigroup structural equation modeling indicated that agile taskwork related indirectly to team performance through a positive relationship with proactivity norms. The positive relationship of agile teamwork with team performance was not mediated by proactivity norms, unlike hypothesized. Finally, we found that agile taskwork increased the likelihood that individual employees benefited from engaging in proactive behavior (specifically, employee intrapreneurship) in terms of in-role performance (i.e., cross-level interaction). This was presumably because of the favorable proactivity norms of teams practicing agile taskwork (i.e., mediated moderation). We discuss the implications of our findings for the literature on proactive behavior in teams.