Supply Chain Distribution Research Articles

A collaborative approach based on Shapley value for carriers in the supply chain distribution

This paper addresses the problem of horizontal collaboration between carriers at the tactical planning level of the supply chain distribution. The study focuses on the relationship between a shipper and many carriers used to serve the transport requests of several geographically distributed customers. A profit sharing mechanism based on game theory is proposed in order to implement win-win collaboration between the carriers. The Shapley value is used to fairly share the profit of the grand coalition between the carriers. The collaboration is supported by mixed-integer linear programming model for the transport planning of all possible coalitions consisted by the carriers. The transport plans and the profit of each carrier can be generated by model simulation. The validity of the collaboration is checked by the super-additivity property of the game in each experiment. According to the subcontracting is allowed or not, the experimentations are carried out in two different contexts with realistic data sets. The experimental results show that each carrier's profit improvement is significant for all experiments, and that the collaboration also improves the customer service rate.

Applying a Mathematical Model for the Distribution of Earthquake Relief Items to the Affected Areas of Tehran

Background and objective After a large-scale natural disaster, the lack of supply and unfair distribution of relief items can cause high human casualties and hinder the function of the humanitarian supply chain. Therefore, this study aims to present a framework based on mathematical modeling for the proper distribution of relief items among the affected areas in Tehran. Method In this study, mathematical modeling was used for the distribution of relief items in a humanitarian supply chain at two high and low levels. For this purpose, a multi-purpose and multi-level humanitarian supply chain was first developed. The proposed model had three objective functions that were solved by the weighted sum method. Results According to the results, with the decrease in the supply parameter, the amount of unmet demand increased, and there was a shortage of essential items in all periods. This shortage affected the desirability of distribution among recipients and had a negative effect on the performance of the humanitarian supply chain and fair distribution. On the other hand, with the increase in supply parameter, there was a surplus of items, and considering the time window, there may be no demand for some food items, which can lead to their spoilage. In this case, an additional cost is imposed on the chain. Conclusion The proposed model is suitable in the event of natural disasters locally in urban areas of Tehran (with a certain number of residents). The results of this study can be useful for managers to make appropriate decisions after disasters and control the situation.

Distribution and Export Logistics: Commercial Development of the Millenary Product Chenopodium Quinoa

The objective of this article was the commercial development of the millenary product Chenopodium Quinoa from a perspective of distribution and export logistics. Methodologically, it was a documentary research that used content analysis as a strategy for the review of the texts, which were retrieved through the following databases: a) Scopus, b) Scielo, c) Web of Science - WoS and, d) Google Scholar, and selected based on the criteria: (a) original or review scientific articles, (b) published in Spanish or English language, (c) temporal delimitation to the last eight years (2015-2022), (d) citable documents, resulting in a total of fourteen reviewed articles (n=14). The bibliographic analysis allowed discriminating from an analytical point of view the supply chain from the quinoa production source, markets and logistic corridors to its export point. This literature review demonstrated that the creation of a more efficient supply chain (distribution logistics) would be beneficial for all parties involved, as it would expedite the circulation of the product, improve responsiveness to customer needs and encourage creative problem solving in the service of distribution and export, validating it from a documentary and bibliographic perspective.

Dried nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) derivatives products processing in Tapaktuan District, South Aceh Regency

Nutmeg is one of the spice plants that can be found in the province of Aceh, nutmeg is processed into snacks managed by cooperatives small and medium enterprises. Due to a large number of nutmeg, processing into snacks is one of the regional economic empowerment. In this study, an analysis of the supply chain distribution of candied nutmeg and the level of consumer preference for processed nutmeg fruit into snacks was carried out. Processing of snacks in the form of dry nutmeg. The sample used is 14 units of cooperatives small and medium enterprises that are active in production in South Aceh. Acceptance and value of selling prices from upstream to downstream so that it affects the results of production carried out by producers to consumers. The sample generated from 14 small business units was tested on the level of consumer preference by using 25 panellists who were grouped into teenagers, adults and old consumers. The results of this study indicate that one small and medium-sized business has the highest score (UD Cahaya) in achieving the level of consumer preference. The selling price of these snacks at the production site is Rp. 4.000,- and the selling price reaches Rp. 5.000,- per pack.

A multi-trip vehicle routing problem considering time windows and limited duration under a heterogeneous fleet and parking constraints in cold supply chain logistics

ABSTRACT Cold supply chain distribution systems ensure the freshness of temperature-sensitive products during transportation. In this study, we investigated a fresh food company’s cold supply chain distribution. Making fresh food available and achieving quality and safety, requires proper planning of vehicle routing, we addressed a routing problem that simultaneously considers time windows, multiple trips per vehicle, a heterogeneous fleet, parking constraints, unloading time at customer position, and limited duration, minimizing related operational costs. We formulate this problem as a mixed-integer programming model. Since this problem is NP-hard, we also propose a genetic algorithm with two adaptive-parameter mechanisms to solve it within a reasonable computational time. Extensive experiments were conducted to assess the performance of different approaches in a real-world application. The results demonstrate that the algorithms are robust and efficient. The proposed algorithms can reduce operational costs by more than 20% compared to the current practical planning approach.

Enhancing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Resilience: A Study of Pharmaceutical Companies in Multiple Geographies

Abstract: Background: Pharmaceutical businesses had enormous difficulties in product distribution during COVID-19, and the solution to this perpetual issue is a resilient supply chain. Aim: The study aims to understand the vulnerabilities to which it subjected the pharmaceutical product distribution supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic and further develop an adaptive model through which the pharmaceutical product supply chain can enhance its resilience capabilities. Materials and Methods: The conceptual model is developed for the supply chain of pharmaceutical companies based on the literature survey, and then the conceptual model is explored through factor analysis. Researchers have developed a validated model after a statistical analysis using Cronbach’s alpha. Subjective analysis has concluded that the pharmaceutical supply chain's resilience is driven by factors such as "trade cost," which comprises transport cost, business practices, and raw material sourcing cost; "shock propagation," which comprises country-specific shocks, production shocks, and policy changes; and "technological infrastructure bottleneck," which relates to the availability of cold chain storage warehouses and refrigerated transport vehicle facilities. Results: An empirical model pertaining to supply chain resilience may be further studied with different geographies, like Pune, Hyderabad, and Delhi NCR, for the purpose of generalizing the study. Conclusion: The identified major factors were trade cost, shock propagation, and technological infrastructure bottlenecks. The sensitivity of the issue under investigation required a personal touch to the survey, as the COVID-19 pandemic had left these respondents emotionally vulnerable. As COVID-19 is the recent catastrophe that has hit humanity, it has made the pharmaceutical product distribution channel vulnerable during the pandemic. This difficult time of pandemic has really tested the pharmaceutical products’ supply chain capabilities as well. Keywords: Supply Chain Resilience, Trade cost, Shock propagation, Technological infrastructure bottleneck.

Promoting a resilient food supply chain model facing disruptions associated with black sky hazards

PurposeThis study explores how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry in Puerto Rico can enhance resilience to cope with critical infrastructure (CI) collapse due to natural disasters. This study aims to validate the food supply chain (FSC) resilience model for SMEs in rural areas.Design/methodology/approachThis study used qualitative in-depth interviews to gather data and a coding process for the analysis. The participants were members of the FSC located in the municipality of Adjuntas and nearby towns in Puerto Rico. For this study, the sample participants selected to conduct the interviews were the farmers, producers and retailers.FindingsThe results show the importance of local CI backup, networks and flexibility among FSC members in alternating supply chain logistics and distribution. Other transportation modes include drone pilots, aerial and land, facilities to transport and deliver merchandise and positioning farmers and producers as important players in the FSC.Originality/valueA modified FSC resilience model from previous research is presented to include SMEs located in highly vulnerable remote zones, where access to resources is limited after a disruptive event, and a typology of enterprises with local CI backup according to their level of adoption of resilient practices. This study contributes to enhancing resilience and mitigating the vulnerabilities of SMEs after the CI collapses.

The new model for medicine distribution by combining of supply chain and expert system using rule-based reasoning method

The medicine distribution supply chain is important, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, because delays in medicine distribution can increase the risk for patients. So far, the distribution of medicines has been carried out exclusively and even some medicines are distributed on a limited basis because they require strict supervision from the Medicine Supervisory Agency in each department. However, the distribution of this medicine has a weakness if at one public Health center there is a shortage of certain types of medicines, it cannot ask directly to other public Health center, thus allowing the availability of medicines not to be fulfilled. An integrated process is needed that can accommodate regulations and leadership policies and can be used for logistics management that will be used in medicine distribution. This study will create a new model by combining supply chains with information systems and expert systems using the rule-based reasoning method as an inference engine that can be developed for medicine distribution based on a mobile hybrid system in the Demak District Health Office, Indonesia. So that a new framework model based on a mobile hybrid system can facilitate the distribution of medicines effectively and efficiently.

Exploring the potential of blockchain technology within the fashion and textile supply chain with a focus on traceability, transparency, and product authenticity: A systematic review

Blockchain Technology has shown tremendous potential to be a foundation for the currently shifting paradigm towards more traceable and transparent supply chains. This review highlights the opportunities that exist in adapting Blockchain Technology in the fashion and textile supply chain, while also providing insight into the challenges of adopting this technology. This paper provides a systematic review of the potential of Blockchain Technology within the fashion and textile industry’s supply chain to analyse its role in traceability, transparency, and product authenticity. To achieve this, a substantive number of research papers and non-scholarly resources have been scrutinised. An emphasis was placed on topics regarding Blockchain Technology (BT), the fashion and textile industry and supply chain (manufacturing and distribution), traceability, transparency, and product authenticity. The selected research papers range from empirical analysis, argumentative, case studies, opinion articles, review articles, short reports, and book chapters.

Effective and Efficient Relief Supply Chain Management: A Case Study of Flood Relief-2022 in Sindh

In the backdrop of recent floods in Pakistan, this study focuses to identify the challenges faced in the aid distribution supply chain and envision best practices from Business Supply Chains for use across the relief projects. The argument is that relevant aspects of business supply chain can be applied for operational efficiency of relief supply chain. Using a mixed method approach, seven organizations based in Karachi were selected using purposive sampling method and data was collected using questionnaire having both open and closed ended questions. The quantitative data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and qualitative data was analyzed by thematic analysis. The findings of the study show that all the stakeholders agreed that coordination and collaboration in relief work can increase the effectiveness. The main challenges faced by them were inadequate financial resources, accessing the affected areas, duplication of the relief operation in same areas, as some of the areas got the attention of all relief actors while others got missed at a given time. The research suggests that by adapting CPFR model, Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment in the supply chain approach, combined effort and practices can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of relief work.

Utilizing hybrid metaheuristic approach to design an agricultural closed-loop supply chain network

Nowadays, recent advances and developments in the agricultural sector have raised concerns regarding the environmental impact of agricultural wastes and the safety of agricultural products. Recently, reverse logistics have been used to address these issues. It is also possible to reduce the environmental impact of these by-products and return them to the network by opening compost centers and designing an optimal supply chain distribution network. In this paper, a new mixed linear mathematical model is developed for an agriculture supply chain network to minimize the total fixed and variable costs of the closed-loop supply chain,. To address the proposed model, efficient and well-known old and recent meta-heuristic algorithms are utilized. Besides, to boost intensification and diversification phases, three hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms are developed. Finally, the quality of the meta-heuristic and hybrid algorithms are investigated and compared.

The Impact of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Product Offering and Forecast Bias on Supply Chain Decisions

U.S. demographic change brings new product offerings, production planning, and distribution challenges. While many companies embrace diversity, inclusion, and ethnicity product offering, their practice often renders mixed results, potentially negatively impacting their profitability. We offer an interdisciplinary marketing and supply chain perspective in addressing demand distribution change and its impact on inventory and distribution decisions. In addition, we demonstrate the importance of developing culturally adapted inventory and customer analytics models for manufacturing and supply chain distribution. We examine demand forecast bias in the apparel industry through the product demand distribution analysis at the product size level. We propose supply chain solutions to alleviate the situation by product size re-positioning, distribution channel choice, multistage execution plan, lead time and safety stock, and planning and revenue management approach. We also recognize the potential of addressing the problem by better understanding the consumer behavior change process and allowing a more extended period of marketing campaigns. In the apparel industry, the planning and supply chain decisions assume product demand follows a normal distribution. However, our research found that the demand distribution is highly skewed with significant kurtosis. Therefore, during the planning stage, inventory policy must be adjusted to count for the bias in the demand distribution. Moreover, managers can orchestrate other supply chain and marketing solutions such as centralized operation, leading time and safety stock trade-offs, and more extended marketing campaigns to match supply and demand better. Our work offers some analytical and practical approaches to increase a better supply and demand match.

Financial strain of COVID-19 and its impact on willingness-to-pay for equine care.

The novel COVID-19 virus caused a global pandemic disrupting lives, industries, and economies. The result was an impact on prices due to challenges with production and supply chain distribution. This study investigates the financial strain COVID-19 had on equine owners and leasers, what the market for equine care would bear if costs for care increased, and what factors contribute to their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for increasing cost of equine care. An online survey was distributed for 4 weeks to adult US residents. Respondents reported their involvement in the equine industry, financial response to COVID-19, and responses to a double-bound dichotomous choice question on their WTP for care given a randomized increase (1-20%) in their current cost (n = 506). Data were analyzed using interval regression models where a = 0.05 (Stata15). Respondents were separated into 3 groups: owner keeping their horse at their residence, owner boarding their equids, and leaser. Boarders reported mean monthly payments of 23.33 ± 90.37 USD (n = 15) for free board, 236.47 ± 151.92 USD, (n = 75) for partial board, and 514.75 ± 291.71 USD (n = 181) for full board. Results show all owners, leaser, and boarders have different WTP values which range from 18.5% to 26.2% increase in current care costs which extends beyond the presented range due to many respondents responding "yes" to both WTP questions (71% of owners, 6% of boarders, 65% of leasers). Equine owners, with on farm equids from the southern US were WTP 11% less than from other regions (P = 0.015). The current boarding fees from owners that board their equids lowered their WTP by 0.01% (P = 0.029) for each additional dollar paid, whereas current care costs were not a significant factor for other owners (P = 0.370) or leasers (P = 0.395). Those that had a full lease for their equids, housed on farm or at a facility, were WTP 15% higher (P = 0.036) than those that had a partial or no lease. In comparison, boarding status (full, partial, or no boarding) did not significantly (P = 0.51) impact boarder's WTP. Age of respondent and annual household income heterogeneously affected WTP across all groups. These results indicate the market for equine care can bear the increases in cost associated with financial distress related to COVID-19, and may aid equine owners, caregivers, and associated individuals in making informed decisions regarding essential care. Results from this study should be taken in context of the global pandemic and the restrictions in place, or lack thereof, at the time the survey was administered.

A Data-driven Approach to Improve Artisans' Productivity in Distributed Supply Chains

A Data-driven Approach to Improve Artisans' Productivity in Distributed Supply Chains

Optimal manufacturer's cost sharing ratio, shipping policy and production rate – A two-echelon supply chain

We analyze an integrated inventory supply chain and seek the optimal production lot, optimal production rate, and optimal (integer) number of shipments per production lot. An increasing need for higher operational efficiency, as well as growing competition among multiple products for a limited storage capacity, is driving retailers to require more frequent shipping. This imposes pressure on suppliers to share the shipping cost with retailers. The sharing ratio of the shipment cost has not previously been considered within the context of an integrated supply chain. Therefore, we contribute to the literature by investigating this entirely new parameter, assuming that the shipment cost is shared between a manufacturer and a retailer. We also consider a distributed supply chain in which each party optimizes its own cost. We analyze the problem of finding the optimal sharing ratio of the shipment cost for such a supply chain and show that there exists a specific choice of shipment cost-sharing ratio (set by the manufacturer) that results in total costs similar to those obtained in the integrated inventory model. We develop deterministic models that provides basic insights into the investigated problem. Through mathematical analysis of a nested-designs model, we provide intermediate results (which are of interest in their own right) as well as optimal analytical solutions. We show, through numerical examples, that in the scenario where each party optimizes its own cost, the manufacturer's shipment cost is a central control variable in the sense that it affects the costs of both parties.

Challenges and opportunities to enhance digital financial transformation in crisis management

Innovation and Technology transformed both small company-to-business and internal business relations. Reorganizing design, production, marketing, delivery, and service functions has been made feasible by distributed supply chains, independent innovation, outsourced manufacturing, contract warehousing, and delivery. There are two major global financial crises that have been seen in past decades. The financial crisis affected the actual global economy in 2008. In comparison, others came in recently during the COVID-19 pandemic problem. This study is based on Countries' Strategy to Enhance Digital Financial Transformation in Crisis Management: Challenges and Opportunities. The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the adoption, exchange, and stability of electronic currencies in the economy, particularly considering recent global financial crises, as well as the effects of innovative electronic finance technologies such as blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. And big data on, on the one hand, the efficiency and comprehensiveness of the banking sector in developing market countries, and how it helps to supporting digital financial transformation, on the other.

Dynamics of supply chain distribution systems in the apparel industry

Expansion into new markets creates new opportunities and dynamics which could enhance a company’s growth prospects. It thus calls for scalable supply chain distribution systems in competitive marketplaces. The retail supply chain requires sustainable distribution systems to enhance cost efficiency. This study examined the influence of centralised, decentralised, or hybrid distribution systems on agile service delivery, productive human capacity and the supply chain process and technology. First, the study aimed to establish whether a centralised or decentralised supply chain distribution system supports expansion to the African marketplace. Secondly, this study assessed the challenges of inventory positioning and availability on the existing outbound and inbound product flow systems across the African continent. Thirdly, the study examined the interrelated strategic distribution centre performance level to develop the supply chain distribution value proposition model. A descriptive research design was employed using univariate and multivariate methods and data were gathered from 100 staff in an apparel company. The study found that a sound distribution centre requires efficient supply chain systems and a strong workforce. This calls for training and development of employees to improve the organisation’s productivity and efficiency. The managerial implications include the need to ensure that distribution centres support sustainable product availability.

Cloud Computing for Supply Chain Management and Warehouse Automation: A Case Study of Azure Cloud

In recent times, organizations are examining the art training situation to improve the operation efficiency and the cost of warehouse retail distribution and supply chain management. Microsoft Azure emerges as an expressive technology that leads optimization by giving infrastructure, software, and platform resolutions for the whole warehouse retail distribution and supply chain management. Using Microsoft Azure as a cloud computing tool in retail warehouse distribution and supply manacle management contributes to active and monetary benefits. At the same time, potential limitations and risks should be considered by the retail warehouse distribution and the supply chain administration investors. In this research summary of the cloud figuring tool, both public and hybrid in supply chain administration and retail, warehouse distribution is addressed. A brief introduction to the use of Microsoft Azure technology is provided. This is followed by the application of cloud computing to warehouse retail distribution and supply chain management activities. At the same time, the negative and positive aspects of familiarizing this Microsoft Azure technology in the modern supply chain and retail distribution are debated. Also, the circumstance for the third-party logistics services suppliers has indicated respect for automation and cybersecurity solutions in a cloud environment. Lastly, the upcoming research practices and following technological trends are offered as the conclusion.

Editorial: Unveiling the intersection of governance and behavior: Insights from varied domains

This issue features a diverse selection of research articles covering a wide range of topics, including supply chain distribution, economic evaluation of costs, challenges faced by informal traders, the effects of macroprudential regulation, sustainability reporting, well-being in the funeral parlor industry, application of green accounting, self esteem, and job satisfaction among academic staff, science under occupation, oil exchange rates and organizational performance, the efficiency of zakat institutions, corporate social responsibility (CSR) adoption, talent management challenges, business risks, the impact of trust, and the impact of resilience.

ИМИТАЦИОННАЯ МОДЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ИНФОРМАЦИОННОГО ОБМЕНА ПРИ ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИИ ОБЪЕКТОВ НА ОСНОВЕ CCSDS

The article deals with the issue of researching information exchange when performing the identification of objects and components based on CCSDS for complexly structured and distributed supply chains. The main systems of automatic identification for solving problems of information logistics are considered. A model for presenting identification data is given. The necessity of developing a simulation model for evaluating the effectiveness of information exchange and predicting non-standard situations, in order to assess the adaptability of the system, optimize control mechanisms, is determined.