Sustainable Logistics Management Research Articles

A Research on Green Logistics

The main of this research is to understand business strategy that reduces the logistics network'sand delivery's environmental effect is considered green logistics. Green or sustainable logistics protect ahealthy profit margin without compromising the welfare of the environment or client delight. Robustenterprises are rapidly adopting and comprehending sustainable logistics management, bolstered bypotent technology like advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

PLANO DE GESTÃO DE LOGÍSTICA SUSTENTÁVEL: ESTUDO DE CASO SOBRE AS AÇÕES PROPOSTAS PARA A REDUÇÃO DO CONSUMO DE COPOS DESCARTÁVEIS NO IFPR-FOZ

The aim of this study is to analyze the contribution of actions to mitigate the consumption of disposable cups at the Federal Institute of Paraná – Foz do Iguaçu Campus, proposed in the agency's Sustainable Logistics Management Plan, and which target campus employees. The research had as methodological path the bibliographic and documentary research of the case study, which resulted in a survey of quantitative and qualitative data. The results show that, despite the possibilities of improvement of the actions and that even in the face of their discontinuity, there was still a decrease in the consumption of plastic cups on campus, and no new acquisitions of the product were made. In addition, it was found that the financial impact for the acquisition of plastic cups was derisory in relation to the total cost of purchase of consumables in 2017, thus noting that the motivation of the application of the actions is based on the intention of the agency to outline a management focused on sustainability.

Quality of Life at Work: A Qualitative Analysis of The Sustainable Logistics Management Plans of Brazilian Federal Institutes

Purpose: This study analyzed the initiatives linked to Quality of Life at Work (QWL) in implementing the Sustainable Logistics Management Plan of the Brazilian Federal Institutes (IFs). Theoretical background: As a theoretical basis, we used the dimensions of QWL proposed in the model developed by Walton (1973), which analyzes QWL based on factors influencing employees' lives in organizations. Methodology: With a qualitative approach, the research selected twelve logistics plans from FIs in the five Brazilian regions, whose analysis was based on the dimensions of Walton's model (1973) and content analysis (Bardin, 1977). Results and conclusion: The notable results were that the dimension of the opportunity to use and develop capabilities was less prominent in the FIs' plans. In the plans of the FIs, the ones that presented actions were the Federal Institute of Sul de Minas, Pará, and Catarina. de Minas, Pará and, Catarinense. Another dimension that needs to be in the plans is opportunity for growth and security. The institutes of Sertão Pernambucano, Pará, Norte de Minas, Sul de Minas, and Rio Grande do Sul showed initiatives, and Rio Grande do Sul showed initiatives such as the promotion of training courses and qualification courses for staff and the provision of training. Research implications: The analysis and categorization of QWL actions contribute as a measurement tool for both public and private organizations. Originality/value: The use of the model opens up ways of using the instrument in the preparation and structuring of QWL actions in the PLs with the aim of reaching the most diverse areas of QWL This study analyzed the initiatives linked to Quality of Life at Work (QWL) in implementing the Sustainable Logistics Management Plan of the Brazilian Federal Institutes (IFs). As a theoretical basis, we used the dimensions of QWL proposed in the model developed by Walton (1973), which analyzes QWL based on factors influencing employees' lives in organizations. With a qualitative approach, the research selected twelve logistics plans from FIs in the five Brazilian regions, whose analysis was based on the dimensions of Walton's model (1973). The notable results were that the dimension of the opportunity to use and develop capabilities was less prominent in the FIs' plans. In the plans of the FIs, the ones that presented actions were the Federal Institute of Sul de Minas, Pará, and Catarina. de Minas, Pará and, Catarinense. Another dimension that needs to be in the plans is opportunity for growth and security. The institutes of Sertão Pernambucano, Pará, Norte de Minas, Sul de Minas, and Rio Grande do Sul showed initiatives, and Rio Grande do Sul showed initiatives such as the promotion of training courses and qualification courses for staff and the provision of training. The main results show that all the FIs whose PLSs were studied presented actions focused on safe and healthy working conditions. On the other hand, other dimensions need to be explored further.

Energy-Optimized Truck Door Assignment Problem (TDA): Scalability and Capacity Analysis

The Energy-Optimized Truck Door Assignment Problem (TDA) addresses the optimization of truck assignments to doors in cross-docking facilities with the aim of minimizing energy consumption and operational costs. In this paper, we propose a scalable optimization model for the TDA and evaluate its capacity to handle varying numbers of trucks and doors. The model integrates mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) techniques to formulate the assignment problem, considering constraints such as truck arrival times, door capacities, and energy-efficient routing strategies. Through a comprehensive analysis, we assess the scalability and effectiveness of the TDA model in optimizing truck door assignments and promoting energy-efficient logistics operations. Results indicate promising performance and highlight opportunities for further research in sustainable logistics management.

Sustainable Logistics Management of Public Procurement of Medical Equipment

The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that the increasingly dynamic and competitive nature of the market requires companies to provide high quality logistics services, especially in the field of medical equipment. The purpose of the study is to analyze and identify key factors influencing the efficiency of medical equipment logistics. Among the methods used were analytical method, statistical method, functional method, system analysis method, deductive method, synthesis method and comparative method. During the research, the logistics system was analyzed. The study summarizes current trends and provides practical recommendations. The practical significance of the results is to improve logistics processes and improve the quality of services.

An online blockchain based sustainable logistics management system (OBSLMS) enabled by the Internet of Things for the textile industry

Blockchain technology and IoT have been beneficial for information sharing, supply-chain management, product tracking and device control in multiple fields. Now, their combined potential has become an emerging concept, one that can be implemented in the textile industry. In most cases, textile industries are the backbone of the economy of a country. The major textile fibres are cotton, jute, wool, silk, bamboo, linen, etc. In theory, the fibre producers’ profit and their products’ market price may vary depending on the fibre’s demand, aggregate supply and the current market structure. But, in real-life textile markets, intermediaries between the producers and buyers lead to significant decreases in the producers’ profit. This results in the producer incurring losses and not being able to get back their initial investments as revenue. This research paper aims to provide a solution to the above-stated critical issue. In this paper, we have proposed an Online Blockchain-based Sustainable Logistics Management System (OBSLMS) for textile businesses. The implementation mechanism of the OBSLMS consists of blockchain based business transactions, an IoT based GPS tracking system and a unique QR (Quick Response) code verification for the endpoint delivery of textile fibres from producers to buyers. This sustainable solution also has a bidding feature. Moreover, OBSLMS has been programmed, implemented and tested. The OBSLMS uses the availability and efficiency of the openly available online platform, blockchain technology and IoT to help both the textile fibre producers and the buyers gain a fair profit.

Optimization Model and Strategy for Dynamic Material Distribution Scheduling Based on Digital Twin: A Step towards Sustainable Manufacturing

In the quest for sustainable production, manufacturers are increasingly adopting mixed-flow production modes to meet diverse product demands, enabling small-batch production and ensuring swift delivery. A key aspect in this shift is optimizing material distribution scheduling to maintain smooth operations. However, traditional methods frequently encounter challenges due to outdated information tools, irrational task allocation, and suboptimal route planning. Such limitations often result in distribution disarray, unnecessary resource wastage, and general inefficiency, thereby hindering the economic and environmental sustainability of the manufacturing sector. Addressing these challenges, this study introduces a novel dynamic material distribution scheduling optimization model and strategy, leveraging digital twin (DT) technology. This proposed strategy aims to bolster cost-effectiveness while simultaneously supporting environmental sustainability. Our methodology includes developing a route optimization model that minimizes distribution costs, maximizes workstation satisfaction, and reduces carbon emissions. Additionally, we present a cloud–edge computing-based decision framework and explain the DT-based material distribution system’s components and operation. Furthermore, we designed a DT-based dynamic scheduling optimization mechanism, incorporating an improved ant colony optimization algorithm. Numerical experiments based on real data from a partner company revealed that the proposed material distribution scheduling model, strategy, and algorithm can reduce the manufacturer’s distribution operation costs, improve resource utilization, and reduce carbon emissions, thereby enhancing the manufacturer’s economic and environmental sustainability. This research offers innovative insights and perspectives that are crucial for advancing sustainable logistics management and intelligent algorithm design in analogous manufacturing scenarios.

Management, Innovation and Sustainability: the evolution of the regulations of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul

The tripod guide of the actions of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul Foundation (UFMS) is based on management, innovation and sustainability, in order to develop and improve its activities in the environmental, social and governance spheres. Sustainability has been consolidated in the main normative and guiding instruments of the institution. It is intended with this article to describe and present the normative framework of UFMS focused on sustainability. To this end, the specific objectives are the analysis of the norms related to the theme, starting with Statute, the institution’s highest law, which establishes the general rules of operation to be fulfilled by the university community, as well as sustainable development has become part of the UFMS’s purposes and objectives, and the promotion of sustainability, one of its responsibilities. In addition, other tools were also modernized and will be analyzed, such as the Institutional Development Plan integrated with the Institutional Pedagogical Project, the Sustainable Logistics Management Plan, the Solid Waste and Health Services Management Planand the Sustainability Policy, this the latter based on principles and objectives that align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility Guidelines. These normative instruments solidify UFMS’s commitment to sustainability, providing the legal basis for its actions. As for the methodology, it is descriptive research, with a qualitative approach through bibliographic and documentary research. It is concluded that it ispossible to contribute to educational institutions interested in implementing and consolidating sustainable development institutionally through the evolutionary exposition of the main normative acts developed by UFMS

Legal aspects of responsible purchasing in public institutions of higher education: a case study for the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco

Sustainable development is an issue that has been on the agenda for decades, but that has been taking on greater proportions over time. In Brazil, sustainable national development is a major challenge and one of the ways to ensure this development is through sustainable public purchasing (CPS), given that the government is the country's biggest buyer, thus being able to modify the consumption pattern through their practices. Public institutions have a duty to promote CPS, complying with legal determinations, but actions in this regard are still timid. The objective of this study was to identify the relevant legislation to the CPS and to investigate the actions of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE related to the strengthening of environmentally sustainable hiring. Throughout the research, documents and information were raised, through bibliographical and documentary research, with the objectives of presenting the legal aspects related to sustainable contracting and observing UFRPE's actions to intensify sustainable contracting in the period between 2010 and 2020. The methodology Qualitative analysis allowed us to verify the actions of UFRPE for the growth of sustainable purchases in the institution. As a result, UFRPE tries to move forward in terms of compliance with laws, such as the obligation to have a Sustainable Logistics Management Plan, which includes Sustainable Purchasing, but does not apply the guidelines outlined in the plan.

Brazilian federal universities and their sustainable practices based on sustainable logistics management plan

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the situation of Federal Universities (FUs) regarding compliance with the Sustainable Logistics Management Plan (PLS) Normative Instruction (NI) 10/2012, the adoption of which is compulsory for all agencies and entities of direct, autarchic and foundational public administration and dependent state-owned enterprises, including FUs. PLS is an instrument intended to establish sustainability practices in the management of public organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through searches on the websites of the 68 Brazilian FUs that constitute the study population, along with their plans of action (PAs) and monitoring reports.FindingsThe collected data revealed that only 25% of the FUs had a current PA and 15% published a report for the years 2020 or 2021. Furthermore, the most commonly found mandatory issue to be addressed in PAs was electricity, and the least frequent was sustainable procurement and contracting.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should be conducted with the Management Committee of the PLS to understand the reason for the discontinuity of this work in some universities and the rationale behind the mandatory issues.Originality/valueSome studies address FUs’ implementation of PLS, which promotes sustainable management systems. However, each of the identified studies investigated only one of the seven mandatory issues set down in NI 10/2012, which did not allow a complete assessment of the FUs’ situation exclusively in respect of compliance with the PLS.

A Particle Swarm Optimization Approach to Solve the Vehicle Routing Problem with Cross-Docking and Carbon Emissions Reduction in Logistics Management

Background: The logistics network design with cross-docking operations enables shipping service providers to integrate the physical flow of products between vendors and dealers in logistics management. The collective goal is to synchronize the goods in both pickup and delivery operations concurrently to reduce the handling cost, inventory cost, and operation cost generated. Therefore, the optimal vehicle routing plan is crucial to generate a truck routing schedule with minimal total cost, fulfilling the purchasing requirements and the distribution demand. Global warming and climate change are important topics due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable logistics management with optimized routes for trucks can assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and easing the effects of temperature increases on our living environment. Methods: A heuristic approach based on Particle Swarm Optimization, called ePSO, was proposed and implemented in this paper to solve the vehicle routing problems with cross-docking and carbon emissions reduction at the same time. Results: Performance comparisons were made with the Genetic Algorithm (GA) through the experiments of several vehicle routing problems with pickup and delivery benchmark problems to validate the performance of the ePSO procedure. Conclusions: Experimental results showed that the proposed ePSO approach was better than the GA for most cases by statistical hypothesis testing.

CEFET/RJ's contributions to society: monitoring sustainable practices with Brazilian Sustainable Logistics Management Plan / Contribuições do CEFET/RJ à sociedade: monitoramento de práticas sustentáveis com o Plano Brasileiro de Gestão Logística Sustentável

The criteria and requirements for the elaboration of the Sustainable Logistics Management Plan (PLS) have been incorporated into three dimensions of educational process - research, teaching and extension - of Cefet/RJ, as a planning tool for new actions, within its objectives and responsibilities. actions, goals, deadlines and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, thus contributing to the establishment of sustainability practices and expenses rationalization. The objective of this project is to monitor sustainable initiatives adopted by Cefet/RJ, a Brazilian Higher Education Institution (HEI), which are aligned with PLS axes: consumption of natural resources (water), waste management and sustainable procurement based on a qualitative, applied, descriptive and documentary research. In addition to understanding how this HEI has been seeking to meet its sustainable goals. It is from the realization of current practices and follow-up, it can be concluded that Cefet/RJ follows the path towards sustainability, thus representing the desired new institutional culture model and can be analyzed as an example to other universities.

Lean/experience feedback for sustainable logistics management within Industry 4.0 perspective: a new approach based on survey study evidence in Morocco

Lean/experience feedback for sustainable logistics management within Industry 4.0 perspective: a new approach based on survey study evidence in Morocco

Human technology organizational dimensions for sustainable logistics: a context mechanism outcome model

Goal: the main goal of this article is to offer a preliminary Context Mechanism Outcome (CMO) model for sustainable logistics incorporating the HTO (Human, Technological and Organizational) dimensions. Design / Methodology / Approach: The research is based on a scoping review following a well-known five step approach: identification of the research question and of relevant studies, selection of studies; results´ analysis and grouping, summarizing, and presenting the results. Results: The relationships between the HTO dimensions, as well as their interplay, proved to be important for the success of sustainable logistics, in addition to providing relevant contributions to the economic, social and environmental performance of companies. The results generated from the HTO interactions, within the context of sustainable logistics, are ecological and environmental performance, economic financial performance and social performance. Research findings also indicate the lack of studies in logistics that incorporate the HTO dimensions, from the perspective of Triple Bottom Line (TBL). Limitations of the investigation: The scoping review is based on two data bases (Scopus and Web of Science) with a limited number of combinations of themes and search keywords. Practical implications: The proposal of a sustainable logistics management artifact can encourage practitioners to implement this practice towards making sustainable logistics a tool capable of creating value for their organizations. Originality / Value: The research aids the development of sustainable logistics management artifacts to encourage the dissemination of the incorporation of HTO dimensions, from the perspective of TBL, to incentive further research and practical implementations in real-life settings.

The economic globalization for sustainable management of overseas trade enterprise logistics

AbstractThe study expects to explore the sustainable logistics management of foreign trade enterprises, help to further adapt to the development mode of economic globalization at this stage, reduce the international trade cost of enterprises and promote the overall trade development of enterprises. Logistics service providers of foreign trade enterprises are set as the research object to analyzes the problems existing in internal logistics management from the perspective of enterprise logistics. According to the relevant principles of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the corresponding solutions are proposed. Through the actual investigation and analysis, first, the main problems of modern logistics enterprises are underdeveloped logistics management technology, low degree of information, low work efficiency and high logistics risk. Second, the enterprise logistics management index is divided into five indicators, namely, enterprise service level, enterprise operation qualification, logistics management ability, risk control ability and transportation location advantage. Among the five indicators, service level accounts for the largest proportion, for 30.23%. Four different service providers are scored, and the highest score is 7.5717, which proves the practicability of AHP. Finally, the optimization management strategy is proposed for similar logistics enterprises. The accomplishment of the study can help enterprises reduce costs, continuously improve the level of logistics management, and provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of enterprises, which has certain practical significance and can provide scientific and effective reference for subsequent research.

A Genetic Algorithm with Quantum Random Number Generator for Solving the Pollution-Routing Problem in Sustainable Logistics Management

The increase of greenhouse gases emission, global warming, and even climate change is an ongoing issue. Sustainable logistics and distribution management can help reduce greenhouse gases emission and lighten its influence against our living environment. Quantum computing has become more and more popular in recent years for advancing artificial intelligence into the next generation. Hence, we apply quantum random number generator to provide true random numbers for the genetic algorithm to solve the pollution-routing problems (PRPs) in sustainable logistics management in this paper. The objective of the PRPs is to minimize carbon dioxide emissions, following one of the seventeen sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. We developed a two-phase hybrid model combining a modified k-means algorithm as a clustering method and a genetic algorithm with quantum random number generator as an optimization engine to solve the PRPs aiming to minimize the pollution produced by trucks traveling along delivery routes. We also compared the computation performance with another hybrid model by using a different optimization engine, i.e., the tabu search algorithm. From the experimental results, we found that both hybrid models can provide good solution quality for CO2 emission minimization for 29 PRPs out of a total of 30 instances (30 runs each for all problems).

Construction of KPI-based motivation policy for advancing sustainable procurement logistics of agricultural enterprises: competence approach

In challenging economic conditions, motivational mechanisms capable of maintaining sustainable logistics management of agricultural enterprises are declining. This study aims to specify the forms of connecting the motivational policy, KPI and sustainable logistics of agricultural enterprises. As a result of theoretical research, we have proved that the competencies of logistics managers can be the appropriate connector. We have considered the hypothesis that there are key competencies that logistics managers recognize as the most important and most often implemented for advancing sustainable procurement logistics. To confirm the hypothesis, we collected data from interviews with logistics managers of Ukrainian agricultural enterprises. To process the data, we used the method of integrated ABC-XYZ analysis. As a result, we found that the AX group (the most important and frequently used competencies) includes the high general qualification and the ability to assess the effectiveness of logistics operations and processes objectively. Unlike other studies, the novelty of the presented results is as follows. We advocate the idea of the motivational influence of performance indicators and propose to form KPI system taking into account the importance and frequency of using the established competencies of logistics managers. Our proposals are a prerequisite for developing a flexible motivational policy for sustainable procurement logistics

Modeling Heterogeneous Fleet Vehicle Allocation Problem with Emissions Considerations

Aims: This study proposes a bi-objective linear integer programming model for heterogeneous fleet VAP with emissions considerations. Profit maximization and emissions minimization objectives are employed to handle economic and environmental sustainability purposes. Background: Our literature survey shows that there is no model for the heterogeneous fleet VAP with emissions considerations that simultaneously consider vehicle heterogeneity, penalty costs for unmet demands, and emissions from transportation operations. Objective: The model is employed to also make several scenario analyses on sustainable freight logistics management to understand the trade-offs among economic and environmental objectives. In freight transportation problems, decision-makers need to be able to maintain profitability and to reduce emissions. Methods: In this study, a bi-objective linear integer programming model is proposed for a heterogeneous fleet Vehicle Allocation Problem (VAP) with emissions considerations encountered in the field of sustainable freight transportation. Results: In the numerical analyses, various practical assumptions that can be confronted by decision-makers in real life are discussed. In each analysis, total profit and emissions amounts are revealed along with several other KPIs. The results of the analyses provided in this study could also be useful in terms of understanding the relations among pillars of sustainability in VAPs. Conclusion: It is thought that the proposed model has the potential to aid decision-making processes in sustainable logistics management. In the base case analyses, the total profit obtained under profit maximization is about nine times higher than that obtained under emissions minimization. When the aim is to minimize emissions, the total emissions are found to be nearly one-tenth of that of profit maximization. Supported by also additional scenario analyses, it can be concluded that it might not economically viable to be environmentally-friendly for companies. Therefore, companies have to be encouraged or forced to take environmentally and socially responsible actions through legislation. The analyses demonstrated that various legislative policies on emissions may affect the transportation plans differently in such vehicle allocation systems.

Sustainable Logistics Management Maturity—The Theoretical Assessment Framework and Empirical Results from Poland

Poland is Europe’s leader in international freight transport. The majority of companies in the Polish logistics sector are small-sized enterprises with limited human and material resources, which reduces their ability to implement corporate social responsibility practices. In this paper, we explore the logistics solutions (tools and practices) implemented by companies in the logistics sector to manage their business operations through the prism of the triple bottom line (TBL). We assume that a company might achieve sustainable performance even if it focuses mainly on the implementation of logistics solutions for economic performance, as some of those tools and practices also have an impact on the environmental and social performance without being dedicated to them per se. We define sustainable logistics management maturity (SLMM), as the extent to which a company implements modern logistics solutions (tools and management practices) to improve performance with regard to the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. Results from focus group research are presented, where experts have assessed the impact of tools and management practices in logistics management on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. Then, we define the overall sustainable logistics management maturity indicator (OSLMI) to allow comparison and benchmarking between companies in the logistics sector. The maturity theory is applied, as it is a suitable tool for the positioning and benchmarking of companies. Through the conceptual model, we link the capabilities of a company (expressed by the application of the logistics solutions) with factors related to the company’s characteristics (size, business profile, source of capital), and the ability of a company to achieve a certain maturity level. The maturity concept is used here to measure the effectiveness of the performance of companies. We use a database of 190 Polish companies from the logistics industry to verify three research hypotheses. Bayesian statistics is applied to verify the existence of a relation between the level of SLMM and a company’s characteristics (size, scope of economic activities, and structure of capital). Statistical analysis proves that the size of a company and the type of economic activities it engages in affect its ability to achieve a higher degree of maturity.

Planning for Railway Station Network Sustainability Based on Node–Place Analysis of Local Stations

We principally focus on evaluating the local and entire network performance of railway stations for sustainable logistics management in South Korea. Specifically, we aim to address the issue of dealing with vulnerability in logistics dependent on the degree of connectivity. To resolve this issue, we investigate (i) the current level of local railway station sustainability performance from the perspectives of the value of the station (node) and the geographical location (place), and (ii) how railway station network management can prepare for imminent internal and external risks. Integrating node–place analysis and social network analysis approaches, we demonstrate a means of assessing (i) local railway station performance by comparing how one station’s value differs from that of other stations, and (ii) overall railway network performance by measuring the degree of connectivity based on the centrality characteristics. Consequently, we recommend improvement in planning orders considering the degree of local performance and network vulnerability for railway station network sustainability.