Supply Management Research Articles

Emergency medical supply planning considering prepositioning and dynamic in-kind donation management in healthcare coalitions.

This study tackles an integrated emergency medical supply planning problem, which incorporates supply prepositioning and dynamic in-kind donation management in healthcare coalitions. Although this problem is vital for field practice, it is not investigated in the existing emergency supply planning literature. To fill the gap, we propose a two-stage stochastic programming model, which facilitates the planning of emergency medical supply prepositioning before disasters and dynamic supply transshipment and in-kind donation solicitation and distribution after disasters. With a case study on the healthcare coalition of West China Hospital in Sichuan Province of China under the background of the COVID-19 epidemic, the proposed model and seven comparison models are optimally solved to show the effectiveness and benefits of our model. We conduct sensitivity analysis to generate managerial insights and policy suggestions for better emergency medical supply management practices in healthcarecoalitions.

Clinical Applications and Outcomes of the Supraclavicular Osteocutaneous Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

This study evaluates the clinical applications of the supraclavicular osteocutaneous (SOC) flap in complex head and neck reconstruction and its impact on shoulder function following clavicle resection. Case series with a planned chart review. Single-institution tertiary care center. We reviewed patients with complex mandibular and maxillary defects who underwent SOC flap reconstruction from 2016 to 2020. We detailed flap harvesting techniques, patient characteristics, diagnoses, defect sites, bone dimensions, skin paddle size, vascular supply, and donor site management. Complications and outcomes were also documented. The study included 7 patients with diverse clinical conditions and diagnoses. Reconstruction techniques varied, leading to different clavicle thicknesses and skin paddle sizes. Two cases had flap necrosis due to infection, and 1 experienced chronic shoulder discomfort following partial-thickness clavicle flap surgery. Full-thickness clavicle harvesting resulted in better outcomes and simplified the procedure. Notably, there were no significant long-term complications affecting shoulder function. The SOC flap is a promising option for complex head and neck reconstruction, adaptable to specific case requirements and providing reliable vascular supply. It offers favorable clinical outcomes both functionally and aesthetically. Full-thickness clavicle harvesting, with joint preservation, effectively maintains shoulder function.

A comparative analysis of intelligent energy modelling approaches for a grid-tied PVT system application

Renewable energy resources are a long-term answer to the current chronic energy dilemma. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most often used form of a practical solution for power supply and energy management in buildings. A PV-thermal (PVT) system is essential to lowering the demand for grid energy by capturing electrical and thermal energy from sunlight, optimising energy usage and encouraging sustainable energy practices. The most significant difficulty faced by developing countries, such as South Africa, is a lack of power supply to meet demand while limiting grid overload. An alternative source of energy is a critical component. This research compares two intelligent energy modelling methodologies: optimal control scheme-based open loop and model predictive control (MPC) in a PVT application. The primary goal of the modelling is to limit the electricity required from the grid while stressing the system’s energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The open loop approach uses mathematical optimisation techniques to establish the best control strategy for the PVT system. The ideal set-points for various system parameters are found by presenting the problem as an optimisation task to reduce grid power usage. The optimal control technique delivers a global optimisation solution based on the system dynamics and constraints. The MPC technique employs a predictive control technique of the PVT system to create optimal control actions in a receding horizon manner. The MPC algorithm anticipates future system behaviour and generates control actions that minimise grid power drawn by iteratively solving an optimisation problem at each time step. This robust online control scheme enables real-time modifications and responses to system disruptions that effectively and dynamically coordinate system behaviour.

IMPACTO DO PLANEJAMENTO E GESTÃO NA CONCLUSÃO DE OBRAS: ESTUDO DE CASO DE UMA CONSTRUÇÃO EM ILHÉUS-BA

This study aims to investigate the performance of a project in the municipality of Ilhéus-BA, with emphasis on the Scheduled Percentage Completed (PPC) and the main justifications for not meeting weekly targets. Using descriptive observational research with a qualitative and quantitative approach, data collection was carried out over 34 weeks, with information recorded in a spreadsheet developed to monitor progress and identify deviations. The results showed that only 5 of the 34 weeks managed to reach or exceed the PPC index of 75%, with an overall average of 62%. The study seeks to highlight the importance of having more effective planning and improved resource and team management. It is recommended to implement a more efficient supply management system and strategies to ensure team continuity and qualification. These findings provide valuable information to promote continuous improvement in the execution of construction projects, helping to mitigate delays and optimize the achievement of targets in future projects.

Priority Variables for Handling Slum Settlements Based on the Tourism Village Concept in Sedau, Singkawang City

The issue of slum settlements in Singkawang City has garnered government attention, with Sedau identified as the third priority area for intervention. However, many revitalization efforts fail due to mismatched methods that do not consider environmental, social, and economic characteristics. This study aims to identify priority variables for addressing slum settlements based on the concept of developing a tourism village to improve residents' quality of life and support local economic development. The research method employed is expert judgment through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which helps evaluate relevant variables. The findings reveal four main priority variables: good accessibility, a unique tourism village concept, provision of clean water, and waste management. These findings provide important insights for decision-making in planning interventions. Recommendations are directed at the government, development sectors, and the Sedau community, emphasizing the need for better planning, particularly regarding accessibility and infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and waste management. The study also notes its limitations to provide context for the generalization of results and to guide future research. Keywords: planning, slum settlement, tourism village, tourism

The Meaning of Mujahadah Values for Muslim Entrepreneurs Culinary Business in East Kutai Regency

This research delves into the meaning of mujahadah among Muslim entrepreneurs in the culinary industry of East Kutai, examining the incorporation of Islamic values into their business practices. It seeks to elucidate the intricate relationship between Islamic values and the business strategies employed by Muslim entrepreneurs in the culinary sector of East Kutai, highlighting the significance of mujahadah in shaping their entrepreneurial journey. This research uses a qualitative approach involving in-depth participant observation, interviews, and document analysis. The findings suggest that the mujahadah has maximum effort and strong determination to achieve business goals, with an acknowledgment of divine intervention. Entrepreneurs integrate mujahadah with Islamic values such as patience, sincerity, and reliance on Allah. Additionally, the research identifies vital challenges entrepreneurs face, including human resource management issues, market adaptation, and raw material supply management. This study offers profound insights into the influence of spiritual values on Muslim culinary entrepreneurs and provides practical implications for navigating everyday business challenges.

Evolution of water technology from a structural perspective

Rivers are cradles of human civilisations and continual innovations in water technologies are the key to sustainable human development. Yet, limited research has explored the interactive dynamics among different technologies, hindering our ability to effectively manage technological transition. This paper presents a framework that conceptualizes water technology as a complex adaptive system containing three interrelated sub-systems: water demand, water supply, and water management. The interactions among these sub-systems were measured using three network-based metrics: intensity, brokerage, and efficiency. Patents registered in the World Intellectual Property Organization from 1863 to 2020 were used as the data source. It was found that 40,304 patents from 44 countries were registered, with 40% of them belonging to the water management sub-system, followed by water supply (35%), and water demand (25%). Technological development in the three sub-systems presented linear growth over the past 160 years, focusing on water treatment, hydroelectric power, hydraulic engineering and water monitoring. The water-demand sub-system was identified as the structural “bottleneck” with the highest brokerage value, which was considered crucial for knowledge transfer between the other two sub-systems. Overall, the water technology system is characterized by slow development, skewed spatial coverage, categorical homogeneity, and structural imbalances, limiting our ability to address the escalating global water threats.

Identifying the Layout of Retrofitted Rainwater Harvesting Systems with Passive Release for the Dual Purposes of Water Supply and Stormwater Management in Northern Taiwan

Due to its unique climate and geography, Taiwan experiences abundant rainfall but still faces significant water scarcity. As a result, rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) have been recognized as potential water resources within both water legal and green building policies. However, the effects of climate change—manifested in more frequent extreme rainfall events and uneven rainfall distribution—have heightened the risks of both droughts and floods. This underscores the need to retrofit existing RWHSs to function as stormwater management tools and water supply sources. In Taiwan, the use of simple and cost-effective passive release systems is particularly suitable for such retrofits. Four key considerations are central to designing passive release RWHSs: the type of discharge outlet, the size of the outlet, the location of the outlet, and the system’s operational strategy. This study analyzes three commonly used outlet types—namely, the orifice, short stub fitting, and drainage pipe. Their respective discharge flow formulas and design charts have been developed and compared. To determine the appropriate outlet size, design storms with 2-, 5-, and 10-year return periods in the Taipei area were utilized to examine three different representative buildings. Selected combinations of outlet diameters and five different outlet locations were assessed. Additionally, probably hazardous rainfall events between 2014 and 2023 were used to verify the results obtained from the design storm analysis. Based on these analyses, the short stub fitting outlet type with a 15 mm outlet diameter was selected and verified. For determining the suitable discharge outlet location, a three-step process is recommended. First, the average annual water supply reliability for different scenarios and outlet locations in each representative building is calculated. Using this information, the maximum allowable decline in water supply reliability and the corresponding outlet location can be identified for each scenario. Second, break-even points between average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves, as well as the corresponding outlet locations, are identified. Finally, incremental analyses of average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves are conducted to determine the suitable outlet location for each scenario and representative building. For the representative detached house (DH), scenario 2, which designates 50% of the tank’s volume as detention space (i.e., the discharge outlet located halfway up the tank), and scenario 3, which designates 75% (i.e., the discharge outlet at one-quarter of the tank height), are the most suitable options. For the four-story building (FSB), the outlet located at one-quarter of the tank’s height is suitable for both scenarios 2 and 3. For the eight-story building (ESB), scenario 2, with the outlet at one-quarter of the tank’s height, and scenario 3, with the outlet at the lowest point on the tank’s side, are preferred. The framework developed in this study provides drainage designers with a systematic method for determining the key parameters in passive-release RWHS design at the household scale.

Improvement cycle to act against catheter-related bloodstream infections

Abstract Background Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) pose significant risks, causing a prolongation of hospital stay, increasing costs and increasing the risk of complications and mortality. It is the first healthcare-associated infection in many hospitals including our institution. Preventing CRBSI is essential for safety in patient’s care. To achieve this, we’ve adopted improvement cycles as a tool, aiming to decrease CRBSI rates by 50%. Methods Over the period of 2012 to 2023, 9036 pediatric patients were monitored throughout their hospitalizations. We utilized improvement cycles through various interventions: first an intervention bundle, secondly avoiding multipuncture, thirdly improving sampling techniques, fourthly optimizing supply management, and lastly restructuring the vascular access clinic. Each cycle involved resource management and process enhancement. Progress was measured through percentage metrics and the primary outcome indicator was CRBSI rates. Results The first cycle achieved a 90% compliance, the achievements were compliance above 85% of the bundle. In the second cycle we attained an 85% compliance, implement a guideline for catheter insertion with only two punctures in practice. The third cycle saw a 70% compliance rate, involving a multidisciplinary team for taking samples, training and monitoring by a skilled supervisor. The fourth cycle reached a 60% compliance through a techno-vigilance process, it was a pity quickly practical solutions didn´t work in practice. The final cycle achieved a 70% compliance, establishing a functional vascular access clinic. Rates CRBSI decreased by 50% overall and in the pediatric intensive care unit, meeting our objective. However this reduction was not observed in other intensive care units. Conclusion Improvement cycles simplify changes. Their implementation is effective but requires close monitoring, support from resources and authorities, a committed and proactive team, and continuous changes according to results. There is a need to consolidate the strategies to sustain and enhance our achievements.

Influence of Social Media on Retail Clothing Outlets in Greater Bengaluru Area

This study explores the influence of social media on women’s apparel retailers in Greater Bangalore, focusing on platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Findings show that social media elevates brand awareness for even small retailers via influencer partnerships, targeted ads, and engaging content. It enhances customer interaction, loyalty, and facilitates direct sales through social e-commerce integrations like Instagram Shops. Retailers adapt to shifting trends using social listening, optimizing supply and stock management. However, they face challenges such as high competition, algorithm reliance, and reputation management. Overall, social media has become essential for visibility, sales, and consumer engagement in this market.

Identification of optimal waste-to-energy strategies for sustainable development in Iran: SWOT analysis, hybrid MCDM methods, and game theory

The growing global focus on environmental sustainability and the pressing need for efficient waste management and energy crisis mitigation have prompted extensive investigations into sustainable waste management strategies. Given Iran's economic development and population growth, the country faces challenges in energy supply and waste management, making waste-to-energy (WtE) applications a promising solution for sustainable waste management. This study employs a combination of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches, and game theory to explore WtE technologies and processes, evaluate their applicability within Iran's context, and identify the most effective WtE strategies for the country. Furthermore, game theory and fuzzy Shapley value analysis were utilized to determine the optimal combination of WtE development strategies. The strategy player “SO” held the highest position of power, with a fuzzy Shapley value of (0.391, 1.744, 3.264), resulting in the identification of the optimal strategy combination of SO2ST2WO1WT2, with a value of (0.429, 0.679, 0.893). The recommended combination emphasizes landfill with gas capture, development of incineration power plants, and integrated resource recovery through residue-derived fuel (RDF) implementation. Achieving these objectives necessitates energy policy reforms, pricing adjustments, improvements in the energy subsidy system, and infrastructure and market development.

Using the Evolution of a River Technology System to Compare Classification-Based and Citation-Based Technology Networks

With the increasing complexity of societal and environmental problems in the Anthropocene, the use of both classification-based approaches, which provide in-depth understanding within disciplinary boundaries, and citation-based approaches, which provide interdisciplinary research, has been encouraged. However, there are limited comparisons of the knowledge networks produced between these two approaches, which compromises our capacity to manage technological development. This paper aims to investigate the similarities and differences of river technology networks produced using classification-based and citation-based approaches. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database from 1863 to 2020 was used as the data source. River technology systems contained three interactive subsystems: water demand, water supply, and water management, and the structure was measured using network-based metrics. It was found that river technology systems constructed using the classification-based and the citation-based approaches developed similarly in terms of their temporal, spatial, and compositional features. The structural differences were attributed to the addition of an external system that draws upon interdisciplinary knowledge beyond water resources. Both approaches can be used for guiding technology management, with the classification-based approach being more effective for understanding the content of innovations and the citation-based approach being more effective in gathering information beyond the water resource discipline. Technologies from more diverse disciplines should be encouraged to address increasingly complex water challenges.

Enhancement of Inventory Management System of State Universities and Colleges in Mountain Province

This qualitative research critically investigates the inventory management systems utilized by State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Mountain Province, revealing a significant gap in operational efficiency due to outdated processes and technologies. Employing a descriptive research design, the study systematically evaluates the limitations and challenges within the current framework of the Supply and Property Management Office (SPMO). The analysis uncovers substantial inefficiencies caused by manual procedures and obsolete technological tools, which hinder the institution's ability to effectively manage and allocate resources. The research identifies the urgent need for a modernized approach, advocating for integrating advanced digital technologies to optimize procurement, inventory tracking, and resource distribution. The proposed interventions aim to minimize errors, reduce operational delays, and enhance overall cost-efficiency, resulting in a more responsive and sustainable inventory management system tailored to the evolving needs of SUCs.

Forced randomization: the what, why, and how.

When running a randomized controlled trial (RCT), a clinical site may face a situation when an eligible trial participant is to be randomized to the treatment that is not available at the site. In this case, there are two options: not to enroll the participant, or, without disclosing to the site, allocate the participant to a treatment arm with drug available at the site using a built-in feature of the interactive response technology (IRT). In the latter case, one has employed a "forced randomization" (FR). There seems to be an industry-wide consensus that using FR can be acceptable in confirmatory trials provided there are "not too many" instances of forcing. A better understanding of statistical properties of FR is warranted. We described four different IRT configurations with or without FR and illustrated them using a simple example. We discussed potential merits of FR and outlined some relevant theoretical risks and risk mitigation strategies. We performed a search using Cortellis Regulatory Intelligence database (IDRAC) ( www.cortellis.com ) to understand the prevalence of FR in clinical trial practice. We also proposed a structured template for development and evaluation of randomization designs featuring FR and showcased an application of this template for a hypothetical multi-center 1:1 RCT under three experimental settings ("base case", "slower recruitment", and "faster recruitment") to explore the effect of four different IRT configurations in combination with three different drug supply/re-supply strategies on some important operating characteristics of the trial. We also supplied the Julia code that can be used to reproduce our simulation results and generate additional results under user-specified experimental scenarios. FR can eliminate refusals to randomize patients, which can cause frustration for patients and study site personnel, improve the study logistics, drug supply management, cost-efficiency, and recruitment time. Nevertheless, FR carries some potential risks that should be reviewed at the study planning stage and, ideally, prospectively addressed through risk mitigation planning. The Cortellis search identified only 9 submissions that have reported the use of FR; typically, the FR option was documented in IRT specifications. Our simulation evidence showed that under the considered realistic experimental settings, the percentage of FR is expected to be low. When FR with backfilling was used in combination with high re-supply strategy, the final treatment imbalance was negligibly small, the proportion of patients not randomized due to the lack of drug supply was close to zero, and the time to complete recruitment was shortened compared to the case when FR was not allowed. The drug overage was primarily determined by the intensity of the re-supply strategy and to a smaller extent by the presence or absence of the FR feature in IRT. FR with a carefully chosen drug supply/re-supply strategy can result in quantifiable improvements in the patients' and site personnel experience, trial logistics and efficiency while preventing an undesirable refusal to randomize a patient and a consequential unblinding at the site. FR is a useful design feature of multi-center RCTs provided it is properly planned for and carefully implemented.

Assessing Information Technology in Hospitals in Tehran: Challenges and Opportunities for Performance Improvement

Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the maturity level of information technology (IT) within hospitals in Tehran. Method: The study was applied in purpose and survey-based in method. The statistical population comprised 27 experts in urban management and IT within hospitals in Tehran. A revised standard questionnaire, based on Gartner’s IT management process maturity model, was used to measure IT maturity. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 23). Findings: The study revealed that several aspects of IT maturity within hospitals in Tehran were generally favorable. Specifically, leadership and IT management activities, customer-oriented service, control and evaluation, configuration and asset management, security management, change management, service level management, accessible management, service and support documentation, capacity management, and strategic trends were positively evaluated. However, operations management, human resource management, supplier management, and certain IT service management components were found to be below the average level of 3. Conclusion: Overall, the research indicates that the IT maturity level in hospitals in Tehran is largely favorable. Nevertheless, improvements are needed in specific areas, such as operations management and human resource management, to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of IT operations.

Over 6 billion liters of Canadian milk wasted since 2012

Canada's dairy supply management system provides milk year-round but unnecessarily disposes of overproduction. A lack of transparent data on discarded milk means that the scale of this issue is unknown. This hinders actions to mitigate the potentially large environmental, economic and nutritional costs of avoidable, on-farm milk waste. Here we estimate the volume of surplus milk discarded on farms using a material flow analysis approach, and assess the related environmental and nutritional costs. By our estimates, over 6.8 billion liters of raw milk vanished from Canadian dairy farms since 2012 (totaling a value of $14.9 billion CAD). We calculate this is equivalent to 8.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and enough milk for 4.2 million people (11 % of the Canadian population) annually. We suggest increasing transparency on the volume overproduction, reducing incentives for farmers to overproduce, and updating quotas to reflect shifting dietary needs as actions to align the Canadian dairy sector with broader food-system sustainability objectives.

Efficient energy management and cost optimization using multi-objective grey wolf optimization for EV charging/discharging in microgrid

The depletion of conventional energy sources coupled with the rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly underscored the necessity for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with advanced energy supply management within microgrids. Effective energy management of EVs and EVSEs is imperative to satisfy EV owners and stabilize microgrids. This paper introduces multi-objective grey wolf optimization (MOGWO) to optimize EVSE and EV charging costs. MOGWO achieves substantial cost savings through dynamic pricing based on time of day, state-of-charge and hour-based scheduling which promotes off-peak charging thereby enhancing system efficiency and reducing costs. The algorithm also provides flexibility for trip interruptions and outperforms other optimization algorithms in minimizing EV charging/discharging costs by achieving reductions of up to ₹488 and obtaining average grid efficiency up to 76.41 % during charging and 87.41 % during discharging. Integrating Vehicle-to-Grid and Grid-to-Vehicle systems enhances microgrid resilience and delivers economic benefits to EV owners. The cost optimization for EV charging/discharging has been executed using MATLAB 2023a software to determine the most cost-effective charging paths by considering energy availability and grid conditions. The evolving sustainable energy landscape combined with MOGWO paves the way for smarter and more resilient microgrids in the era of electrified transportation.

Implementasi Next.Js, Typescript, Dan Tailwind Css Untuk Pengembangan Aplikasi Frontend Sistem Inventory Perusahaan Apar (Studi Kasus: CV Indoka Surya Jaya)

This research succeeded in developing an internal management system using Next.js for the integration of key features such as customer, supplier, category, unit, product, purchase and invoice management. The use of TypeScript increases code security and clarity, and ensures the system is verified through Black Box Testing. Implementing Tailwind CSS in creating company landing pages strengthens online representation with a responsive and modern design. It is hoped that this system can significantly increase operational efficiency and be adaptive to changes in company needs in the future.

From Teaching with Cases to Teaching through Case Development: Making Purchasing Managers and Students the Designers of Learning Journeys

The prevailing approach to producing and teaching case studies in purchasing and supply management (PSM) education involves faculty members’ creating and providing finished cases for course participants to work with. This traditional approach still has merit; but PSM education also must evolve to meet the increasing and changing demands that PSM executives face in practice. We offer an advanced and experiential learning method, wherein participants both in degree courses and in executive education programs develop a case study and the accompanying teaching material based on their engagement with real-life PSM challenges. In particular, the process of crafting a teaching note requires participants to adopt a teacher’s mindset and competencies, enhancing their effectiveness in practice as facilitators of ecosystems and as change managers. We also encourage faculty members to broaden the application of case studies beyond working on past situations. Case studies can be the end-product of field projects (consulting cases), and their development and use can be an integral part of a change management process when they become the means to gain employee commitment for ongoing strategic initiatives (implementation cases). The latter approach is particularly fruitful when case development is used in customized executive education programs because it allows the participants’ learning to feed directly into major ongoing change projects in their company. As such, cases and the case development process have the potential to develop participants’ competencies and to create direct business impact in far broader ways than traditional case study pedagogy allows.

Supply and demand analysis and security pattern optimization of flood regulation ecosystem services adapted to the complex terrain of coastal estuaries: A case study in Xiamen

The flood risk in coastal areas has been exacerbated by global climate change. Research on flood risk assessment is emerging from the perspective of supply and demand for flood regulation ecosystem services (FRES). However, there are still limitations in the evaluation of lowland regulation, implementation of intelligent algorithms, comparison of multi-grain FRES supply and demand, and overall optimization of security pattern. Therefore, we propose a comprehensive FRES supply assessment method that incorporates soil and vegetation, lowland, and water regulations. Additionally, we introduce the random forest model to enhance the FRES demand assessment approach. Two grain sizes of the sub-catchment area and grid unit are used to compare FRES supply and demand. Using Xiamen as a case study, this research unveils the following findings: (1) Significant disparities exist between the assessment outcomes of FRES based on multiple types of regulatory services and those solely considering soil and vegetation regulation. The areas with high FRES supply extend beyond upper mountain forests to include local lower plains exhibiting strong capabilities for lowland or water system regulation. (2) Consistent yet distinct results are observed when comparing two grain sizes. Imbalances in supply and demand occur in estuaries, bays, and densely built-up regions. Sub-catchment units exhibit wider distribution and concentration, while grid units display more dispersed patterns. (3) In terms of in-situ regulation, 26.77 km2 ecological protection area, 9.85 km2 ecological restoration area, and 119.59 km2 construction land flood control intervention area are demarcated. From a directional regulation perspective, 22 FRES corridors connecting source and sink areas along with 24 pinch points are identified. Optimizing security patterns through coordinated management of FRES supply and demand can enhance the resilience of coastal estuaries.