Chain Logistics Research Articles

Understanding the human factors challenge of handover between levels of automation for uncrewed air systems: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT Using uncrewed air systems (UASs) as part of the logistics chain is anticipated to reduce overall operating costs and speed up delivery. One particular challenge faced by UAS operators is in handover between high levels of autonomous control and piloted control. This review presents the findings from the published literature based on the human factors of handover between levels of automation within different domains. A total of 188 full publications were reviewed of which 52 publications were included. The literature outlines several challenges in transition of handover in publications focussing on UASs, crewed flight, healthcare, maritime, robotics and air traffic control. Interventions included interface design, training strategies, the design of the automation itself to support the operator and organisational design opportunities. There is currently only a small literature base, understanding the application of human factors interventions and their benefits to this unique application needs to be better understood to support effective operational safety.

THE FREIGHT FORWARDING OPERATIONS WITH BULK CARGO IMPROVEMENT

Abstract. The article considers the technology of bulk cargo transportation option by accelerated trains, based on two separate routes that allow delivering goods to the countries of the European Union by land in the West of our country and through the ports of the Black Sea coast. Approaches that allow not only to choose the best option for the bulk cargo transporting by accelerated trains technology, but also improving the vehicles use under the conditions of limited resources are considered. The rationality of measures to improve the quality of freight transportation organization is not only the economic effect from freight charges, but also the time of delivery. The analysis of the generalized economic-mathematical model of container trains, that includes the main criteria and parameters taking into account the technical equipment of the chain and the technology of transit flows, when service channels of different capacity in can exist each part of the logistic transport chain, with different costs and effects on the development of road traffic. The model of a freight container train proposed in this section improves the technology for the goods in containers transportation by the railways. During the delivery and export of goods by vehicles model development, it is necessary to take into account the fact that under present conditions, the volume of small-scale transport is almost zero. This is because they are expensive (high transport fee), have low product safety and long delivery time. Almost all of them are now transported by road, so it is not recommended to consider them as a promising direction in the further development of services for the import and export of goods. After calculating the savings from car turnover by containers acceleration, it was found that shipping containers in a block container train is much more efficient than in a block group, as cargo delivery times are faster, ranging from 8.05 to 9.08 days. We get savings from acceleration of car turnover by containers for a year within 430 - 450 thousand UAH. Economic consequences of introduction of container trains in Ukraine for 5 years of operation is 1 965 128 UAH for the route (S1) and 1 979 142 UAH for the route (S2). The proposed approaches prospect of development may be clarified by predicting the volumes of transport and the costs of components associated with the transport of goods in containers, by using stochastic modeling methods and artificial intelligence.

Projecting and Transforming the Net Structure of Delivery Chains in Conditions of Latest Geo-Political Changes

Logistics in Russia has been actively developing lately. One of key trends in this process implies building a net structure by logistic companies as a foundation for efficient and competitive delivery chains. The article studied development of a net structure of delivery chains and specific features of new reality of net functioning, where their transformation shall take place. It was found out that strategic goals, which are targeted at by logistic company plans are based on rational net configuration. Availability of rationally projected logistic chains both inside the country and abroad became unquestionable competitive advantage that allowed companies to move goods to the final consumer. Globalization of economy in certain countries and the development of international trade in the last decade provided logistic companies with wide opportunities for profitable territorial location of delivery chain links. However, the desired success of logistic companies in attaining goals of functioning faced today’s transport and logistics reality caused by pressure of numerous factors connected with sanctions against Russia, which led to the necessity to transform net configuration. In view of this the authors discussed in more detail the mechanism of some factors, which can result in distortion of product flows and arising of new ones, including in international delivery chains.

Logistics and supply chain management in the belt and road initiative: research opportunities and future challenges

ABSTRACT Since the establishment of the BRI in 2013, it has attracted much attention in logistics and supply chain research. Since previous studies were mostly limited to narrow topics such as the economic impact of the BRI, this study has formulated a comprehensive research framework from multiple perspectives. From the Web of Science Core Collection database, 146 articles were selected for a structured literature review, and we perform a descriptive and in-depth content analysis. To promote comprehensive research, we develop a research framework with five categories: transportation planning, sustainable development, global value chain development, infrastructure construction, and subject governance. Then, according to the logic of ‘why–what–how’, we distinguish the advantages, obstacles, and promotional measures in the development of global logistics and supply chains based on the BRI over the past decade, and then present challenges and propose future research agenda.

IMPROVING THE INTERACTION OF THE TYPES OF TRUCK TRANSPORTATION AT THE "NIBULON" TERMINAL IN KREMENCHUTS WHEN TRANSPORTING GRAIN LOADS

Purpose. Russia's full-scale military aggression against Ukraine significantly disrupted logistics chains, including those that ensured the export of grain. The classic transportation system at “Niboulon” terminals is focused on transshipment of grain from road to river transport with subsequent transportation to foreign countries by “river-sea” vessels. To ensure the full operation of grain terminals after disruption of water transport in the water area of the Dnipro River, it is advisable to conduct a study on the shipment of grain products to alternative modes of transport (road, rail). Accordingly, the purpose of the research is to improve the interaction of types of freight transport at the Kremenchug terminal “Nibullon” in today's conditions when the work of water transport is blocked. The classic operation scheme of the "Nibulon" grain terminal was analyzed. Scientific methods and a method of improving the interaction of different types of transport in the terminal during grain transshipment are substantiated, the determination of the optimal mass of products transferred from the terminal to the main transport is proposed. Methods. An analysis of literary sources was carried out, which made it possible to establish the peculiarities of grain transportation. Methods of set theory, theory of algorithms, theory of transport processes and systems, theory of systems are used. It was established that the optimal mass of products transferred from the terminal to the main transport depends on the average daily number of cars, the gross weight of the car, the traction characteristics of the shunting locomotive and the distance between the terminal and the sorting station of the main transport. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty obtained as a result of the research to which the article is devoted is the method of determining the average daily number of vehicles (cars, wagons, ships) arriving at the Kremenchug terminal "Nibulon", which depends on the average annual cargo turnover for each mode of transport, the weight of the cargo in the vehicle and the number of working days per year of each type. Practical significance. The mathematical expectation of the optimal mass of grain products transferred from the terminal to the main railway transport is established. In further research, the obtained results will be used as initial data for modeling the operation of grain terminals located along the Dnipro riverbed, and in the future - in the direction of the Black Sea ports of Ukraine.

MARKET OF PRODUCTS OF THE FEED INDUSTRY IN TODAY'S CONDITIONS

The article is devoted to the study of the state and prospects for the development of the feed industry market in Ukraine. The main reasons for the unstable activity of subjects of compound feed production, such as the high sensitivity of the market to changes in the grain industry, the limitation of the available raw material base, the lack of high-tech production in the necessary volumes, the constant increase in costs for the production of compound feed products, the insufficient development of the market infrastructure, the lack of sufficient solvent demand. The war in Ukraine affected the demand for compound feed products, production, sales, and logistics. The article provides statistical data of the Ukrainian market in 2022–2023 on the volume of compound feed production and the prices of compound feed components, namely grain and oil crops. Considering the export problems in Ukraine, raw materials are competitive in price policy. This situation is favorable for the Ukrainian production of compound feed, which, in turn, allows to increase the production of animal husbandry products . State influence in the direction of vertical integration makes it possible to control the beginning of the production chain, primarily grain producers to ensure the sale of agricultural products, protection from price fluctuations in raw materials markets, and flexible response to consumer requests. State stimulation of research and innovation , such as providing financial support and incentives for research in the field of compound fodder production, will contribute to the development of new technologies , improvement of feed quality, and increased competitiveness . To date, compound feed producers have overcome infrastructure challenges associated with the loss of logistics chains, damaged businesses, and demonstrated positive development trends and sustainable economic performance.

Оценка и совершенствование мер государственной поддержки субъектов малого и среднего предпринимательства региона в условиях санкционного давления

For the moment, the Russian Federation is suffering from the sanctions imposed on the country. They changed the business environment for Russian enterprises. That’s why it is important to conduct a study to help determine the priority areas for improving government support for small and medium-sized businesses in the Volgograd region. The authors set the goal of analyzing government support measures for small and medium-sized businesses in the Volgograd region provided by the regional government under sanctions pressure, as well as developing suggestions for their improvement. When writing the article, the following scientific research methods were used: statistical, graphical, tabular, and analytical ones. An analysis of government support measures for small and medium-sized businesses in the Volgograd region under sanctions pressure is presented in the article. The typical problems are connected with the lack of working capital and investments necessary for sustainable development. The problems also consist of a reduction in demand for goods and services due to a fall in real incomes, rising prices, and shortages of materials, components, and raw materials. The steps are identified as the main measures of government support; their realization will contribute to the appearance of conditions for the sustainable development of small and medium-sized businesses suffering from sanctions. These steps are as follows: the first is a preliminary discussion of measures that are meant to support SMEs with their participation. This condition should be approved by law. Then comes the development of the logistics chains of business entities and the creation of comprehensive conditions for the development of SMEs. The business condition of SMEs must be controlled constantly for the identification of government support measures that would give the highest efficiency. The government support for small and medium-sized businesses should comply with the basic principles of organizational and legal regulation for this type of firm.

Towards a sustainable supply chain: contribution to hospital waste management in an Algerian hospital

The object of research is medical waste management. Healthcare activities protect health, cure patients and save lives. However, they generate waste that is harmful to public health and the environment. As a result, the management of this healthcare waste is becoming increasingly important in the field of public health and the environment. One of the most problematic places is, poor management of these issues that can put healthcare workers, medical waste workers, patients and their families, and the entire population at risk. On the other hand, poor treatment or inadequate disposal of this waste can also cause risks. From now on, the rational elimination of this pollution is one of the essential conditions for respecting hygiene rules, not only inside establishments, but also in the general environment. In this unfavorable context, we are trying through this contribution to achieve adequate management using reverse logistics practices with the main objective of resolving healthcare waste management problems while taking into account the reality of things in situ. For this purpose, an approach guided by data, carried out directly in the field, by direct contact with the different categories of health personnel interviewed, through findings, observations, audits, questionnaire and knowledge of the causes was used. This approach is based on the audit of compliance with the supply chain in the management of hospital waste in the different departments of the Constantine University Hospital (Algeria). As a result of the research it is shown that the situation is very poor given that the logistics chain is completely faulty or no step is respected. Thus, the least respected stage is storage, where no service exceeds 25 %, this is due to the fact that no clinic has an intermediate waste storage area. And the most respected is treatment stage that does not exceed 75 %. This allowed to detect the inadequacies recorded at the level of the study establishment, and even improvements are suggested for sustainable management of healthcare waste at the level of Algerian health establishments.

System model of risks and trees of alternative solutions for improving the logistics chain at a manufacturing enterprise

The subject of this article is the decision-making processes for improving the elements of the supply chain of a manufacturing enterprise under conditions of uncertainty and risks. The purpose of the research is to reduce the time and cost of in supply and distribution of products of manufacturing enterprises by considering possible risks through making rational management decisions. The article addresses the following tasks: examination of the characteristics of supply chain elements; investigation of the main problems of supply and distribution management and identification of ways to solve them; development of a systemic model of logistic risks for a manufacturing enterprise; and formation of decision trees for alternative decisions in strategic supply chain management at manufacturing enterprises. The methods applied include a systems approach, structural decomposition methods, a risk-oriented approach. The following results were obtained: features and problems of supply chain elements such as supply, production, storage, and distribution were examined and identified; main supply chain management tasks were investigated and solutions identified; problems in warehouse management were pinpointed; internal and external supply risks were identified; a systemic model of logistic risks for a manufacturing enterprise was formed, which main components are logistic problems, partial risks, their consequences, and possible management decisions to mitigate risks; decision trees were built for problems of raw material supply instability and transportation bottlenecks and delays; an alternative decision diagram was constructed for an illustrative example. Conclusions: To overcome the problem of raw material supply instability, it is recommended to develop diversification of supply sources, stock reservation, and the use of alternative transport routes. Building alternative decision trees in strategic management is an effective tool for making rational decisions by manufacturing enterprises in complex conditions of uncertainty and risks. They help to analyze alternatives and their consequences to choose a path to optimize the supply chain.

Mathematical Model for Planning and Optimisation of Petroleum Supply Chain Under Uncertainty

This work focuses on the planning and petroleumindustry logistic and supply chains from raw materials toproduction distribution by developing a two-stage stochasticlinear programming with recourse techniques. The paperinvestigates and creates a set of mathematical models whichconsiders different parameters such as production of crudeoil, transportation plan, production levels, operatingconditions, production distribution plans, prices of rawmaterials and products under significant source ofuncertainty which represent the market demand of refineryproducts. Expected Value of Perfect Information (EVPI) iscomputed a maximum amount a decision maker that shouldpay for additional information gives a perfect signal as tothe state of nature.

Аналіз сучасного стану логістичної ефективності України

Agro-industrial complex (APK) belongs to the system-forming, strategically important industries. It ensures the country’s food security, makes a significant contribution to ensuring employment of the population, preserving socio-economic stability, and increasing export potential. In recent years, the development of the domestic agricultural industry has had positive dynamics. However, the industry faced many problems related to hostilities: destruction of infrastructure, congestion of alternative routes, difficulties with exports, etc. Military operations significantly affect all aspects of the logistics chain, including transport, storage, processing and export of products. It is noted that the domestic agro-industrial complex not only meets the domestic needs of the country, but also exports agricultural products abroad. Logistics plays a key role in export operations, and it is through effective management of logistics processes that companies can achieve better results in foreign economic activity. The hostilities greatly complicate export logistics by blocking seaports and disrupting rail routes, posing a threat to the country’s economic stability and food security in many countries. Although the volume of transportation remained significantly lower than the pre-war level, the positive dynamics of the indicators is maintained. The commodity structure of the export of agricultural products and indicators of the freight transportation index were analyzed. The value of the logistics efficiency index was considered and it was noted that there is a significant deterioration of the specified indicator for the country, which is why there is a need to analyze logistics processes, identify problems in the logistics industry and take measures to improve indicators. The main problems of logistics, which create serious challenges for business and the country’s economy, are highlighted. It was noted that the logistics of agricultural products in wartime conditions faces numerous challenges that require rapid adaptation and the search for new solutions. Restoration of logistics infrastructure is one of the key directions for ensuring Ukraine’s competitiveness on the global market. Keywords: logistics, agricultural products, export, costs, efficiency.

IMPACT OF THE WAR ON UKRAINE'S INVESTMENT CLIMATE: RISK ASSESSMENT AND PROSPECTS FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the investment climate in Ukraine. Based on current statistical data and expert assessments, the main risks for foreign investors caused by military actions on the country's territory are identified. Among them are: large-scale destruction of critical infrastructure, disruption of established logistics chains, a rapid decline in the purchasing power of the population, as well as a high level of uncertainty regarding the further course and duration of the armed conflict. At the same time, the author considers the potential prospects for restoring the investment attractiveness of Ukraine in the conditions of post-war reconstruction. Special emphasis is placed on forecasting the likely dynamics and sectoral structure of foreign investment in the Ukrainian economy starting from 2025, based on the assumption of the completion of the active phase of hostilities. Based on the identified competitive advantages of Ukraine, a set of measures is proposed to improve the national investment environment in the medium and long term. They include ensuring macroeconomic stability, carrying out structural reforms of the regulatory and judicial systems, strengthening the institutional protection of investors' rights, as well as attracting large-scale financial and technical assistance from international partners. At the same time, the author emphasizes the critical importance of forming a holistic strategic vision for the development of Ukraine as a competitive and investment-attractive state in the long-term horizon, which requires the implementation of a targeted policy to stimulate innovation, build modern infrastructure and integrate into global value chains. The article also analyzes the experience of other countries that have suffered significant economic losses due to military conflicts, and highlights the most effective strategies for restoring investment attractiveness in post-war reconstruction. In particular, successful examples of attracting foreign investment in the countries of the Balkan region and Southeast Asia, which managed to quickly overcome the consequences of armed confrontations and ensure sustainable economic growth, are considered. Based on this experience, the author proposes to adapt best practices to Ukrainian realities, taking into account the specifics of the national institutional environment and geopolitical context. Special attention is paid to the role of international financial institutions, in particular the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, in supporting investment processes in Ukraine in the context of post-war recovery. The importance of aligning their financial and technical assistance programs with national development priorities and ensuring effective coordination of efforts of all stakeholders is emphasized. In summary, the author concludes that restoring the investment attractiveness of Ukraine in the conditions of post-war reconstruction will require a comprehensive approach that combines urgent measures to overcome the devastating consequences of the war with strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the national economy. Only under such conditions will Ukraine be able to fully realize its investment potential and become an attractive destination for international capital in the post-war world.

Interaction of marketing and logistics activities of enterprises in the context of the challenges of the modern business environment of Ukraine

In the article, the directions of implementation of marketing and logistics activities in relation to increasing the control of the enterprise over the subjects and conditions of its external microenvironment were determined. Marketing was presented as a system of information interaction of the enterprise with the external environment, and logistics was presented as a system of establishing business relations with the external environment by constructing logistics chains. For both types of activity, the impact on the external microenvironment comes down to stimulating the desired behavior of subjects with whom the enterprise interacts with the help of informational, organizational and economic levers. The content of logistical support of the enterprise’s marketing activities based on the "7Ps" concept was detailed. It is shown that the support involves, among other things, the use of logistics services resources to perform specific marketing tasks. The content of marketing and logistics measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of business in an unfavorable business environment in both cases is reduced to the formation of alternative options for resource provision of the corresponding type of activity, optimization of costs and diversification of goods/markets. The study was conducted of the dynamics of changes in the share of relevant types of economic activity in the total volume of products sold, the profitability of operational activities, assessment of changes in the business situation in the field of services, the volume of sold innovative products, costs for innovations. The results show the sufficient potential of the relevant components of the market infrastructure in terms of supporting domestic business entities, and indirectly indicate the sufficient potential of marketing and logistics activities of Ukrainian enterprises in terms of ensuring economic activity in the conditions of an unfavorable business environment.

Examining the Response to COVID-19 in Logistics and Supply Chain Processes: Insights from a State-of-the-Art Literature Review and Case Study Analysis

Examining the Response to COVID-19 in Logistics and Supply Chain Processes: Insights from a State-of-the-Art Literature Review and Case Study Analysis

Strategies for Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain in Organizational Contexts: Pre- and Post-Disaster Management Perspectives

Every organization typically comprises various internal components, including regional branches, operations centers/field offices, major transportation hubs, and operational units, among others, housing a population susceptible to disaster impacts. Moreover, organizations often possess resources such as staff, various vehicles, and medical facilities, which can mitigate human casualties and address needs across affected areas. However, despite the importance of managing disasters within organizational networks, there remains a research gap in the development of mathematical models for such scenarios, specifically incorporating operations centers/field offices and external stakeholders as relief centers. Addressing this gap, this study examines an optimization model for both before and after disaster planning in a humanitarian supply chain and logistical framework within an organization. The affected areas are defined as regional branches, operational units, major transportation hubs, operations centers/field offices, external stakeholders, and medical facilities. A mixed-integer nonlinear model is formulated to minimize overall costs, considering factors such as penalty costs for untreated injuries and demand, delays in rescue and relief item distribution operations, and waiting costs for the injured in emergency medical vehicles and air ambulances. The model is implemented using GAMS software 47.1.0 for various test problems across different scales, with the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm proposed for larger-scale scenarios. Numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed model and to validate the metaheuristic approach. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to assess the model’s performance under different conditions, and key managerial insights and implications are discussed.

Determination of rational parameters of the logistics chain in the process of customer service in international transportation

Determination of rational parameters of the logistics chain in the process of customer service in international transportation

Features of railway transport operation in modern conditions

The application of the system of operational indicators, which developed during the years of the planned economy, in modern conditions requires an assessment for the changed working conditions of railway transport. However, it should be noted that any changes in the management of rail transport will have an impact on all logistics chains with the inclusion of rail transport. The emergence of wagon fleet operators and the transfer of almost all wagons of the network to them obviously reflected an increase in empty mileage, loss of versatility of the wagon fleet, an increase in the surplus of wagons on the infrastructure and, as a result, the risk of an increase in the number of ‟abandoned” trains. The analysis of the problems of the surplus of the wagon fleet and the increase in the number of ‟abandoned” trains makes it possible to structure the causes and differentiate the areas of management decisions for their leveling by JSC ‟Russian Railways”, operators of the wagon fleet and large cargo owners. The application of restrictions by JSC ‟Russian Railways” to the withdrawal of wagons on public tracks with obvious advantages in the context of the increasing strategic importance of railway transport may lead to the opposite effect of increasing the turnover of the wagon and the growth of the wagon fleet. The possibility of independent management of the wagon fleet for the largest operators with an analysis of the system of operational indicators with its subsequent improvement would allow solving a number of problems of rolling stock operation.

ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF THE POULTRY INDUSTRY AND HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES

Today, both producers and consumers of fodders are aware that achieving high productivity of animals and poultry, as well as optimal quality of final products, is impossible without the use of complete and nutritionally balanced feed. Requirements for the quality of compound feeds continuously grow and change, as new, more productive animal breeds and poultry crosses appear. It is proved that the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war in Ukraine, climate variability and the global economic crisis are seriously undermining efforts to fight hunger and improve food security and nutrition. In the countries of Europe and Central Asia, the number of people who face problems in accessing adequate nutrition, including quality and safe products, has increased by 25.5 million people. According to FAO estimates, by 2050 we will have to increase the production of food and animal protein, including by 60%, to provide food for the world's 9.3 billion people. It has been established that poultry products are the most common and available source of animal protein to meet the needs of the world's population. The dynamics of changes in the feed production volume in 2018-2023 according to the data of the annual Agri-Food Outlook are presented. The top 10 leading countries in the feed production in 2022 are listed. They consume 64% of the world's compound feed, and half of the world's compound feed consumption is concentrated in four countries (China, USA, Brazil and India). A comparative analysis of the structure of compound feed production by types of agricultural animals and poultry for 2021-2023 shows that there is a growth trend for almost all types. The production of compound feed for pigs has been negatively affected by ASF all over the world. The greatest growth is observed in the field of compound feed for pets. It has been proven that a third of consumers prefer poultry products due to their availability and quality. In Ukraine, the industry is developing rapidly even in the conditions of a full-scale war, personnel shortages, power outages, inflation and disruption of logistics chains. The volume of global poultry production from 2012 to 2023 is shown. It is constantly increasing, caused by the increase in demand for affordable and relatively cheap animal protein. As a result of the analysis of the dynamics of poultry meat production by country in 2022-2023, it was established that the USA remains the leader in the production of poultry meat in the world for many years. Brazil and China remain in second and third place. Brazil has the largest growth during the reporting period. High competition in the field of breeding of laying hens and broilers stimulates the development of niche industries, such as guinea fowl breeding. Guinea fowls are raised for meat, eggs and fluff. This can be a very profitable business, especially for small poultry farms, due to the speed of payback of small investments and the unpretentiousness of the bird

Development of logistics chains: Engineering and technical perspectives

Development of logistics chains: Engineering and technical perspectives

A revenue management approach for tourism logistics optimization

AbstractTourism is a very complex industry and represents one of the most profitable activity in the world. A tourist product requires the execution of several multifaceted activities. Indeed, transportation, accommodation, entertainment, food, and beverages represent only some of the products/services required by a tourist. It is evident that a single enterprise cannot provide all the components of a tourist product, but several interrelated actors should collaborate. This leads to a very complex supply tourist chain that needs to be optimized. The relevant theories and methods of logistics can be used to efficiently manage all the flows that are generated in a tourist chain. The definition of appropriate policies, at the different nodes of the chain, can improve the performance of all the actors involved in tourism logistics. In this paper, we concentrate our attention on tour operators that are relevant in the touristic logistic chain since they are involved in several activities. We introduce different revenue management policies to support tour operators in the decision of accepting the most profitable tourist requests. A request consists of flights and hotel booking, characterized by a starting time of the trip and the length of stay at the destination. We allow for various combinations of flight legs and multiple categories of hotels to accommodate a variety of customer preferences and needs. A computational study is carried out by considering different scenarios, and the performance of the considered revenue management policies is analyzed in detail.