Supply Chain Model Research Articles

Whole system impacts of decarbonising transport with hydrogen: A Swedish case study

This study aims to carry out a techno-economic analysis of different hydrogen supply chain designs coupled with the Swedish electricity system to study the inter-dependencies between them. Both the hydrogen supply chain designs and the electricity system were parameterized with data for 2030. The supply chain designs comprehend centralised production, decentralised production, a combination of both, and with/without seasonal variation in hydrogen demand. The supply chain design is modelled to minimize the overall cost while meeting the hydrogen demands. The outputs of the supply chain model include the hydrogen refuelling stations' locations, the electrolyser's locations and their respective sizes as well as the operational schedule. The electricity system model shows that the average electricity prices in Sweden for zones SE1, SE2, SE3 and SE4 will be 4.28, 1.88, 8.21, and 8.19 €/MWh respectively. The electricity is mainly generated from wind and hydropower (around 42% each), followed by nuclear (14%), solar (2%) and then bio-energy (0.3%). In addition, the hydrogen supply chain design that leads to a lower overall cost is the decentralised design, with a cost of 1.48 and 1.68 €/kgH2 in scenarios without and with seasonal variation respectively. The seasonal variation in hydrogen demand increases the cost of hydrogen, regardless of the supply chain design.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Logistics in Food Manufacturing Industries overcome Barriers and Challenges

This paper explores innovative solutions for sustainable logistics in the food manufacturing industry, focusing on how these strategies address key challenges. It examines how advancements in technology, logistics strategies, and eco-friendly practices contribute to sustainability while maintaining efficiency and profitability. The study analyzes data from companies that have adopted modern logistics solutions, such as AI-driven optimization, renewable energy, and circular supply chain models, supplemented by expert interviews to gain practical insights. The findings reveal that these solutions help reduce carbon emissions, minimize food waste, and optimize resource use. Companies that have implemented these strategies have successfully overcome common barriers such as high costs, infrastructure complexity, and regulatory challenges. While the research focuses on large-scale manufacturers, smaller companies remain under explored, suggesting the need for future studies on scalability and policy frameworks to support wider adoption. This paper offers a unique contribution by combining current innovations in sustainable logistics with practical industry challenges, providing actionable insights for food manufacturers and laying the foundation for further research into overcoming financial and technological barriers.

Fuzzy-stochastic distributional robust approach for microalgae-based bio-plastic supply chain with new sustainability aspects

The current study offers a sustainable supply chain model that can be used to identify opportunities and constraints for the future of the microalgae-based bio-diesel and bio-plastic industry. The network’s carbon emissions are restricted by an uncertain constraint that allows for flexibility in controlling emissions as needed. The social constraints of the model provides a transparent depiction of labour needs in dynamic business landscape and foster women’s empowerment through a preference coefficient. The proposed model introduces a new upside risk measures under fuzzy-stochastic setting to quantify the upward financial risk. To characterize and manage the model uncertainty, a fuzzy-stochastic distributional robust model is presented. Credibility distribution is utilized to handle fuzzy uncertainty, while box and polyhedral uncertainty sets are included to handle stochastic uncertainty. After that, tractable deterministic formulations of the uncertain model for two ambiguity sets are presented to solve the model. Finally, a number of insights are obtained by means of five test problems that are implemented in Python and resolved by one exact and five meta-heuristic algorithms. Experiments indicate that, when faced with uncertainty, two robust models have produced more stable solutions (16.23% and 19.67% higher stability, respectively) than nominal stochastic model. Further, a 4.68% decline in total cost and 3.27% increment in bio-diesel production can be achieved by increasing bio-diesel conversion rate to 10%. In addition, a 9.09% downturn in total cost and 10.44% rise in bio-plastic production can be obtained by 10% increment in bio-plastic conversion rate. Moreover, 45.38% more woman labours can be recruited by increasing the preference coefficient from −0.2 to +0.2.

Design of a high-dimensional information decision model for smart supply chains using IoT data traceability in the post-public health crisis era

Design of a high-dimensional information decision model for smart supply chains using IoT data traceability in the post-public health crisis era

An Operations Optimisation Model for Fresh Food Produce Supply Chain Considering Time-Varying Freshness and Consumer Utility

An Operations Optimisation Model for Fresh Food Produce Supply Chain Considering Time-Varying Freshness and Consumer Utility

Trilateral game and vertical collaboration models in a two-stage green supply chain with substitutable green products

This paper explores the trilateral game and vertical collaboration model based on Stackelberg’s (manufacturer-leadership game) and Bertrand’s game-theoretical methodology for a two-stage green supply chain where the duopolistic manufacturers and the retailer are ecologically conscious. Both manufacturers produce and sell two substitutable green products through a common retailer. The selling prices and green levels (GLs) determine the demand for both green products. A game theoretical approach is implemented in the trilateral game model, and the result shows that the manufacturer with a bigger sales volume achieves superior performance in terms of earnings. In the vertical collaboration model, a manufacturer and retailer collaborate to optimize pricing issues, GLs, and profits. Two-player games among three participants are performed for this collaboration. The results of the vertical collaboration model show that the overall profit in vertical collaboration is greater than the sum of the individual profits corresponding to two participants in the trilateral game model. Whereas, the manufacturer outside the collaboration experiences a decline in profits. Further, a selection criterion of manufacturers is also developed to maximize the overall profit of the retailer. Finally, a numerical example and a sensitivity analysis are performed to demonstrate the model’s implementation and stability.

An integrated blood supply chain network design during a pandemic

The emergency supply of blood in the wake of pandemic has proved challenging. We develop in this paper a bi-objective blood supply chain (BSC) model that uses two-stage stochastic optimisation to optimise the expected cost of the supply chain and the average blood delivery time when a pandemic occurs. The model considers not only vertically and horizontally integrated mechanisms of the BSC network, but also several specific assumptions about the pandemic, such as the risk of disruption in donor groups, and the restriction of ‘no cross blood donation’. To alleviate blood shortages in the context of a pandemic, we further extended our model, which allows for blood type substitution according to ABO/Rh(d)-compatibility. To efficiently solve the model and generate the Pareto front, we develop a hybrid solution algorithm to solve the proposed model, including the ε-constraint method to transform the bi-objective model into a single-objective model, the subgradient method for finding a lower bound, and two heuristic methods for finding an upper bound. Moreover, we perform extensive numerical studies to assess the performance of the proposed approach. We also discuss the impacts of the key parameters, integration mechanisms, and planning blood type substitution on the BSC. Finally, we also apply the proposed model to a real case study of the BSC in Chongqing, China.

Research on Collaborative Strategy of Dual-Channel Supply Chain System for Product and Service Selection Driven by Experiential Demand

With the intensification of dual-channel competition, manufacturers are increasingly inclined to invest in offline showroom services to improve consumers' shopping experience, making it an emerging trend. Based on this background, this paper makes an in-depth study of how manufacturers choose the business strategy of physical showrooms in the dual-channel e-commerce environment, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different service models, and analyzes the impact of these choices on consumer behavior and market competition. Through this research, this paper aims to provide valuable strategic suggestions for manufacturers to optimize their dual-channel service models. Four Stackelberg game models are constructed: 1) no service model (N), 2) manufacturers invest in service online products (MSM), 3) retailers invest in services online products (RSM), and 4) retailers invest in services online products (RSR). Then the optimal decision under the above four strategies is compared and analyzed, and the optimal choice of the manufacturer and the optimal service model of the whole supply chain are obtained.

A Sustainable Supply Chain Model with Variable Production Rate and Remanufacturing for Imperfect Production Inventory System under Learning in Fuzzy Environment

In the present paper, a sustainable supply chain model is investigated with a variable production rate and remanufacturing for the production of defective items under the effect of learning fuzzy theory, where the lower and upper variations in fuzzy demand rate are affected by learning parameters and backorders are also allowed. Our proposed model reveals a springy manufacturing inventory organization that makes various types of items, and imperfect items can be created through the method of manufacturing things in a fuzzy environment. When the screening process is completed, defective items are remanufactured immediately, and a limited financial plan and space limitations are assumed concerning the product assembly. We minimized the total fuzzy inventory cost with different distributions (beta, triangular, double triangular, uniform, and χ2 (chi−square)) concerning the production rate, lot size, and backorder under learning in a fuzzy environment where the costs of screening, manufacturing, carrying, carbon emissions, backorders, and remanufacturing are included. The Kuhn–Tucker optimization technique is applied to solve non-linear equations that are based on some distributions. Numerical examples, sensitivity analysis, managerial insights and observations, limitations, future work, and applications are provided for the validation of our proposed model, and the industrial scope of this proposed work is included.

Expanding the horizons of metal additive manufacturing: A comprehensive multi-objective optimization model incorporating sustainability for SMEs

Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) has seen significant growth in recent years, with sub-processes like Metal Material Extrusion (MEX) reaching industrial readiness. MEX, known for its cost-effectiveness and ease of integration, targets a distinct market segment compared to established high-end MAM processes. However, despite technological improvements, its overall integration into the industry as a viable manufacturing technology remains incomplete. This paper investigates the competitiveness of MEX, specifically its integration into the supply chain and the implications on cost and carbon emissions. Utilizing real-world data, the research develops a multi-objective optimization (MOO) model for a four-echelon supply chain including suppliers, airports, production facilities, and customers. The optimization model is combined with a previously developed cost model for MEX to optimize facility location in Norway using the NSGA-II algorithm. Employing a case study approach, the paper examines the production of an industrial part using stainless steel 17-4PH, detailing concrete process costs and system-level costs across four different production scenarios: 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 parts. The findings indicate MEX’s potential for cost-effective production at low and diversified volumes, supporting the trend towards customization and manufacturing flexibility. However, the study also identifies significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness at higher production volumes. These challenges underline the necessity for further advancements in MEX technology and process optimization to enhance its applicability and efficiency in larger-scale production settings.

Sustainable Operation and Management of a Dynamic Supply Chain under the Framework of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

The values of a community with a shared future for mankind include the views of common interests, sustainable development, and global governance. This article will fully consider introducing the value concept of a community with a shared future into the operation and management of dynamic supply chains. Based on the optimal information fusion mechanism of artificial intelligence, this article aims to examine the operation and management of dynamic supply chains within the framework of a community with a shared future for mankind. The core idea is to consider the common interests among enterprises, establish a global collaborative operation concept for upstream, midstream, and downstream enterprises, and achieve the goal of sustainable development. Firstly, a type of composite dynamic supply chain model is considered, in which the total inventory of each node in the supply chain is further subdivided into raw material inventory and finished product inventory. At the same time, we have considered factors such as the signing of procurement contracts between core enterprises and upstream enterprises, as well as the signing of supply contracts between core enterprises and downstream enterprises. Secondly, the static and dynamic monitoring information of the enterprise has been established. We use steady-state Kalman filtering theory to obtain dynamic reference signals for upstream enterprises, core enterprises, and downstream enterprises. Based on the optimal information fusion processing mechanism of artificial intelligence, the coefficient weighting method is used to obtain the optimal fusion signals of upstream enterprises, core enterprises, and downstream enterprises. Once again, through high-quality switching strategies, enterprises can achieve in-order switching, improve production efficiency, reduce downtime, enhance their competitiveness and responsiveness, and transform the dynamic supply chain, including order switching, into a discrete-time linear switching system for processing. Fourthly, sufficient conditions, robustness analysis results, and inventory control criteria for the solvability of dynamic supply chain H∞ with order switching are provided. Finally, data analysis is conducted using historical order information from three fruit companies to verify the validity and feasibility of the conclusions in this article and to improve the performance of the dynamic supply chain system. The research findings of this article enrich the exploration of the operation and management of dynamic supply chains and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Investigating the Impact of 4IR Technologies on Supply Chain Performance: A Literature Review

Supply chain performance measurement is an integral part of supply chain management that reveals the efficiency, health and success of the supply chain and offers areas for improvement in this regard. Nowadays, new ways maintain to be sought to realise the highest possible potential of supply chains. The Fourth Industrial Revolution enabled limitless benefits to supply chains and created a transformation that alters the entire supply chain and business models. This study aims to reveal the contributions of this industrial revolution’s technologies to supply chain performance and to ensure superior performance is achieved thanks to these technologies. In this study, the fourth industrial revolution was examined in light of the stages of industrial revolutions and the concept of supply chain performance was explained by considering the historical development of performance management. Afterwards, the dimensions of supply chain performance in the literature and the SCOR model version 13.0 attributes and their metrics, which are considered as dimensions of supply chain performance in this study, are elaborated. The contributions of these technologies to supply chain performance were investigated. The study ended with the evaluation of the findings.

International trade of green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol: Opportunities of China's subregions

Global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are stimulating the demand for green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. By 2023, the total low-carbon hydrogen production capacity from announced projects worldwide is projected to reach 38 million tonnes. China is experiencing a surge in green hydrogen projects, with a growing number targeting international markets in addition to domestic demand. This study delves into a systematic modeling analysis to uncover the pivotal roles that China's subregions can play in shaping the future global trade of green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. Utilizing a dynamic programming model, complemented by an array of supply chain models for detailed cost estimations, the study highlights the unique advantages and vast potential of subregional engagement in both domestic and international trade. Furthermore, the research explores the essential infrastructure demands and assesses the impact of renewable energy costs and policy shifts on the evolving trade landscape.

Cadena de abastecimiento que integra la planeación estratégica y BSC en una empresa constructora

The general objective of this research was to propose a supply chain model based on strategic planning and the Balance Scorecard for the construction company GARES PERU S.A.C., Trujillo, 2021. Non-experimental type, descriptive cross-sectional design. The results indicate that 38% of the clients of the construction company GARESPERU SAC indicate that the level of supply management is regular; 40% of those surveyed indicated that the level of strategic planning is inefficient; 36% of respondents indicated that the level of the BSC is inefficient. A strategic direction was proposed for the company, these are: product development strategy, market penetration strategy and market development strategy. A Balance Scorecard model was developed, obtaining the control panel that integrates indicators. A supply chain model was designed. As a main conclusion, the general objective was met because a supply chain model was developed for the construction company GARES PERU S.A.C., which is aligned with the company's strategic planning, in addition to having support in the BSC dashboard that will facilitate continuous monitoring of the main management indicators.

A closed-loop supply chain inventory model with stochastic demand, exchange rate, green investment, and carbon tax

In this paper, a mathematical inventory model for a closed-loop supply chain consisting of a single manufacturer and a single retailer is investigated under a stochastic environment and imperfect production. The manufacturer adopts a remanufacturing policy to recover returned products from the market. The model takes into account exchange rate disparities because the supply chain’s participants are in separate countries. The model also considers carbon emissions, which are expected to be produced from storage, transportation, and production. A carbon policy, namely carbon tax, is implemented to manage the overall emissions resulting from the supply chain. To cope with carbon restrictions, the manufacturer has an opportunity to invest in green technologies. The objective of the study is to find optimal shipment quantity, number of deliveries, safety factor, and green investment such that the joint total cost is minimized. An iterative procedure is suggested to solve the proposed problem, and a numerical example is presented for model validation. The findings imply that variations in the production rate and carbon tax have a significant influence on the model’s performance. Aside from that, the results reveal that uncertainty in the exchange rate and production flaws are important factors that must be considered by managers in making inventory decisions, especially those related to the number of deliveries, frequency of deliveries, and the amount of money invested in green technology. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is provided to explain the behavior of the model.

What is the role of product services in the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain?

With the continuous development of internet technology and increasing awareness of environmental protection among consumers, the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain management combining online direct sales channel and retail channel has received more and more attention, however, the existing research has neglected the service research, so this paper focuses on the service strategy in the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain. In this paper, we propose three service strategy models for dual-channel closed-loop supply chains, including when there is no service provision, after-sales service and recycling service provided by retailers and after-sales service provided by manufacturers and recycling service provided by retailers, compare and analyze the optimal decisions of supply chain members under the three service strategy models, discuss the role of service generated in dual-channel closed-loop supply chains, and propose a service cost-sharing strategy to achieve a Pareto improvement in the effectiveness of a dual-channel closed-loop supply chain. The study finds that service plays a positive role in the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain; the model of manufacturer providing after-sales service and retailer providing recycling service is the best service strategy choice in terms of economic and social benefits; the service cooperation mechanism of service cost sharing can achieve Pareto improvement of the supply chain within a reasonable range.

TRANSFORMING BUSINESS LANDSCAPES: STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE AND INNOVATIVE GROWTH IN THAILAND

This article explores the innovative business models and strategies that Thai companies are embracing to enhance their competitiveness, foster sustainability, and adapt to the evolving market conditions. By drawing on the work of prominent scholars, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the transformative processes shaping the future of Thai businesses. Key findings include the adoption of platform-based models, circular economy models, servitization models, collaborative and sharing-based models, and localized and resilient supply chain models. The article also highlights the synergistic framework that integrates digital transformation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and supply chain resilience, driving sustainable and innovative growth for Thai businesses.

Retailer anticipated regret under carbon tax policy

Environmental policies such as carbon tax implementation significantly impact the technology choice and cost structure of the upstream manufacturer, affecting the downstream retailer’s the procurement decision and risk management in a sustainable supply chain. This study constructs a single-manufacturer-single-retailer supply chain model constrained by carbon tax policies to analyze the influence of retailer’s anticipated regret on the supply chain operation and environmental performance. Utilizing game theory, the research finds that the retailer’s anticipated regret behavior suppresses manufacturer’s willingness to invest in the green initiative, resulting in a non-monotonic effect on profits. When the retailer’s regret level is low and her demand for eco-friendly products is also low, the manufacturer tends to reduce the green investment and increase the wholesale price to maximize the marginal return. Although such the anticipated regret behavior by the retailer may stimulate the manufacturer’s profit growth, it reduces retailer’s profit. Conversely, as the retailer’s regret level increases, the manufacturer increases the green investment and reduces the wholesale price to induce higher procurement by the retailer, leading to a decline in the manufacturer’s profit but an upward trend in the retailer’s profit. This discovery suggests that the upstream supply chain manager, should closely the monitor retailer’s potential anticipated regret and adjust the corresponding strategy accordingly. Furthermore, the study finds that the lower level of retailer’s anticipated regret positively impact environmental behavior, offering the policymaker a new perspective on promoting the green supply chain practice.

Hydrogen supply chain for future hydrogen-fuelled railway in the UK: Transport sector focused

Though being attractive on railway decarbonisation for regional lines, excessive cost caused by immature hydrogen supply chain is one of the significant hurdles for promoting hydrogen traction to rolling stocks. Therefore, we conduct bespoke research on the UK's hydrogen supply chain for railway, concentrating on hydrogen transportation. Firstly, a map for the planned hydrogen production plants and potential hydrogen lines is developed with the location, capacity, and usage. A spatially explicit model for the hydrogen supply chain is then introduced, which optimises the existing grid-based methodology on accuracy and applicability. Compressed hydrogen at three pressures, and liquid hydrogen are considered as the mediums, incorporating by road and rail transport. Furthermore, three scenarios for hydrogen rail penetration are simulated respectively to discuss the levelised cost and the most suitable national transport network. The results show that the developed model with mix-integer linear programming (MILP) can well design the UK's hydrogen distribution for railway traction. Moreover, the hydrogen transport medium and vehicle should adjust to suit for different era where the penetration of hydrogen traction varies. The levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) decreases from 6.13 £/kg to 5.13 £/kg on average from the conservative scenario to the radical scenario. Applying different transport combinations according to the specific situation can satisfy the demand while reducing cost for multi-supplier and multi-targeting hydrogen transport.

Effect of Governmental Subsidies on Green Energy Supply Chains: A Perspective of Meteorological Disasters

The energy sector, serving as a pivotal propellant within the macroeconomic framework, finds its production, distribution, and consumption aspects considerably influenced by climatic variations. In this study, a two-tier Stackelberg model for the green energy supply chain is developed, which is employed to analyze the profit disparities between suppliers and retailers both in the absence and presence of meteorological disasters. Furthermore, the research delves into the optimal supply chain strategies under three distinct scenarios in the context of meteorological disasters. A comparative analysis is conducted to examine the decision-making variances and the shifts in the interests of each supply chain participant under these scenarios. The findings reveal two critical insights: First, meteorological disasters detrimentally affect the environmental friendliness of energy products, as well as the profits of both retailers and suppliers. Second, the selection of the optimal strategy varies depending on the evaluation criterion used. When product greenness is the metric, subsidies aimed at promoting sales costs emerge as the superior strategy. Conversely, for retailers and suppliers, subsidies that target the environmental friendliness of energy products prove to be the most effective. Based on the conclusions, the paper also makes recommendations for governments and companies.