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Over the past few years, supply chains have become globalised and multi-tiered. These factors complicate their structure as the focal company is responsible for the problems experienced at each stage in the multi-tier supply chain. The critical issue for focal companies in managing their multi-tier supply chain is to adopt sustainability standards. One of the study's contributions is the role of weight determination in the tiers and evaluation of alternative suppliers in facilitating the effective management of multi-tier supply chains, especially in complex industries such as the food industry. The other contribution of this study is its proposition for a multi-stage framework based on sustainability concerns. The study identifies 14 criteria for companies in diffusing sustainability standards throughout multi-tier supply chains. The weights of these criteria are determined for each tier of the food supply chain using the Best Worst Method. Results show that the 'environmental' criteria are most important for supply chain tiers in the food industry. Supply chain visibility/traceability is the most important criteria for the first tier, followed by environmental responsibilities, for the second and environmental competencies for the third. Finally, for the food company, PROMETHEE is used to evaluate three alternative suppliers for each tier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to analyze lean wastes for the poultry sector in Turkey and link lean tools to this study, focusing on identifying each lean waste that affects poultry production and proposing solutions for preventing these lean wastes in the sector. The proposed solutions aim to improve processes by suggesting different lean tools and their applications for the poultry sector. Design/methodology/approach: The study consists of two different applications. First, the waste relationship matrix (WRM) was created to reveal the relationship between seven lean wastes and their importance order. Then, after determining lean tools for eliminating lean wastes, the optimum weight ranking and consistency ratio of the most suitable lean tools were calculated for these wastes and ranked with the best-worst method (BWM). Findings: Results showed that overproduction is the most critical waste that impacts other wastes, followed by defect waste. Due to the nature of the sector, these wastes not only result in economic loss for the company but also in food waste and loss and issues related to animal welfare. Furthermore, the Kaizen approach and 5S implementation are the methods to eliminate these wastes. Detailed discussion on the link between lean tools and lean wastes is provided for the poultry sector. Originality/value: This is the first study that theoretically and empirically identifies the potential lean waste affecting the poultry sector and provides lean tools for eliminating these wastes. Sector-specific explanations and discussions are presented in the study to show the applicability of lean approaches in the poultry sector to eliminate waste. In addition, this study is the first to integrate the WRM and BWM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is a highly labor-intensive industry with a low degree of automation and digitization. However, as in the manufacturing industry, a 'new order' is emerging for the way the construction industry works today. This study aims to present the transformation of construction supply chains (CSCs) in Industry 4.0 by considering each supply chain stage separately, where the main purpose is to determine the criteria for the integration of the CSC with the Industry 4.0 perspective. A literature review and a Delphi study were conducted, and thirteen criteria are proposed to show the integration of Industry 4.0 aspects and CSC stages. Furthermore, one of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, the Best-Worst method, is used to prioritize the criteria for guiding future implications during the transformation of construction supply chains. Among the six CSC stages, the design stage is the most important from the Industry 4.0 perspective. In addition, client collaboration by ICT (BIM) during the design phase is the most important sub-factors' overall rank. Although there is a limited number of studies on the CSC, there are no empirical studies addressing the current digital age approach. As a result, there is a significant gap in the construction literature, and a thorough assessment of the building supply chain in an Industry 4.0 setting is lacking. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to illustrate the transformation of CSCs in Construction 4.0 by looking at each supply chain stage separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant differences exist between the sustainability practices of large businesses and those of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the industrial sector. Small- and medium-sized enterprises have restricted access to capital, resources, and experience. Most sustainable manufacturing strategies are based on indicators and evaluation models developed for large firms. This study aims to identify sustainability indicators for small- and medium-sized industrial firms. The sustainability indicators are generated from the G4-specific standard disclosures of the Global Reporting Initiative, which provide a triple-bottom-line approach. A total of 142 senior and middle sustainability-focused managers and partners participated in the survey. An exploratory factor analysis was performed in the first step, and 12 key factors were found. The Best–Worst Method (BWM) was employed in the second step to rank the criteria in order of priority. As a theoretical contribution, this study introduces human rights and economic impact on society as two additional sustainability indicators for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The two most significant aspects of sustainability for Turkish small- and medium-sized businesses are labor rights and energy saving. This study provides empirical evidence from a broad range of stakeholders for the conceptually addressed challenges of sustainability in prior studies. The results demonstrate empirically that the sustainability-based value creation for stakeholder interests, such as employees at the core of business activities, is greater in small and medium enterprises than for other stakeholders. This study's findings will give managers a framework for establishing key sustainability indicators for allocating the limited resources of small- and medium-sized enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There is a large number of perishable foodstuffs produced, stored, distributed and delivered daily around the world. Almost all except for root vegetables are sensitive products to temperature. Thus, adopting uninterrupted and appropriate logistics activities with predetermined range of temperature from production site until end-user is critical for ensuring required quality and safety. If a mistake is made during either transport or storage, it not only becomes risky for human health, but also generates huge food waste for the environment and negative economic impact for food providers. Therefore, this study aims to identify all potential factors affecting the cold chain performance in the food industry and to design a framework that includes these factors. This framework is also a roadmap for managers, food providers and logistics parties for sustainable cold chain management. Design/methodology/approach: Considering, tangible and intangible potential criteria, the ultimate goal of this study is to identify potential criteria affecting cold food chain performance and propose a conceptual framework including 12 main criteria. Next, the importance order of each criterion and the causal relationships between them are determined. In this study, this relationship among criteria is analyzed by using fuzzy Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach because of its ability to solve complex problems by ensuring causal relationship among factors, additionally to determine importance order. Finally, suggestions for administrative implications are presented. Findings: Fuzzy DEMATEL was used to explain the causal link and importance order among identified drivers. The analysis shows that five criteria (C1, C3, C8, C9 and C12) belong to cause (influential) groups and remaining seven criteria belong to effect (influenced) groups. The highest influential criterion is staff (C8) and is followed by technical issues (C9) as the second most influential factor. Additionally, top three most important factors are traceability (C7), staff (C8) and cold transportation (C5). According to the numerical results of fuzzy DEMATEL implementations, suggestions for managerial implementations are presented. Practical implications: The main contribution of the study is to propose meaningful suggestions for managerial implications about sustainable cold chain in food industry for businesses and to examine causal relations between criteria and to rank criteria in descending importance order. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on determining the potential criteria affecting cold supply chain performance both theoretically and empirically in the sustainability environment. What are the enablers that affect the cold food supply chain stages is the research question of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study focuses on identifying potential challengers affecting cold chain performance in the pharmaceutical industry. Considering the history of humanity, every pandemic experienced could only be controlled with the vaccine found. While the world is fighting the unforgettable epidemic called COVID-19, scientists are also working to find the therapeutic vaccine. The vaccines studied have different temperature storage and transport properties. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is necessary to know and analyse every step of the cold supply chain to provide the most appropriate and safe cooling level. In addition, it is important to understand the relationship between all the facilities, equipment, tools and materials needed to avoid mistakes along the chain. Design/methodology/approach: Hence, this study focuses on identifying potential challengers affecting sustainable cold supply chain performance in the pharmaceutical industry and proposing a conceptual framework that involves these main challengers. In this study, firstly, different main and sub-factors are defined from the literature, and fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method is applied to analyse the causal link between these factors for an effective application. Findings: Results showed that packaging, transportation and shipping, storage specifications and handling practices, inventory management, technical issues and delivery delay are the most affected factors during the sustainable cold supply chain performance in the pharmaceutical industry. This study offers both managerial implications and a roadmap that are designed with a holistic view to guide manufacturer, logistics parties and even policymakers. Originality/value: Some of the studies related to the pharmaceutical industry are monitoring and controlling the temperature in the cold supply chain steps; the other part is the studies where the chain steps are examined with a focus on production or transportation. While these issues are the focus, the requirements and conditions of each stage of the supply chain must be studied for a safe, effective and sustainable cold chain beyond the current global pandemic crisis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that highlights identifying the potential challengers that affect cold supply chain performance for the pharmaceutical industry both theoretically and empirically, solving the causal relationships among these challengers and designing a holistic framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial activities and road transportation are the main contributors to air quality degradation and resource depletion. The automotive sector, which is one of the main players of the manufacturing industry and the supplier of road transport demand, is considered one of the most prominent symbols of pollution. Therefore, the issue of sustainability in the automotive industry is critical as it poses a wide range of challenges and negative externalities on the environment and society. This study aims to present a list of responsible consumption and production dimensions in line with the 12th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and to rank the auto and auto part manufacturers in the Fortune Global 250. The authors use content analysis and text mining to identify 13 dimensions underlying responsible consumption and production. They then weigh each dimension according to the preferences of the experts using Delphi and the Analytical Hierarchy Process. After examining the dimensions in the sustainability reports of the selected companies, they rank them using the PROMETHEE and VIKOR techniques. They also show the robustness of the rankings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of frozen food has increased significantly in many countries experiencing total closure due to epidemics. In order to meet this increase in demand, companies apply different strategies in both production and logistics processes. In particular, warehouse locations need to be closer to consumers so as not to disrupt the increasing demand and the cold chain. Considering the sustainable position in the frozen food industry, it is essential to focus on both commercial and economic impacts. However, especially the environmental and sustainable criteria have always been neglected in terms of planning the country and the city. Therefor e, this study has three main research questions; (1) identify key criteria for sustainability-focused frozen food facility location, (2) understand the relationship between these criteria, and (3) develop a hierarchical sustainable location roadmap for pra ctitioners. Initially, a literature review was conducted to find the answers to these questions and reveal suitable criteria. Secondly, PROMETHEE was used to determine the relative importance of the data-driven performance of the main and sub-criteria. Therefore, this study gives the reader a comprehensive insight into how sustainable data-driven performance criteria are applied in frozen food storage facility locations. Finally, the proposed model used real -life data to select a developing country's sustainable frozen food storage location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to survive in the face of increasing competition, businesses need to plan and design the products they produce or the services they offer in a way that will meet the demands, needs and expectations of their customers. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is a method that helps companies get to know their customers and respond to their needs and expectations as soon as possible. The basis of the method is to listen to the voice of the customers. The aim of this study is to reveal how QFD is applied in the retail industry. For this reason, one of the leading companies in the retail sector, the QFD process was tried to be applied and thus the validity of the QFD process in the selected business was examined. In line with the results, contributions were made to both the literature and the executive level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Impact of the digitalization on the production and service sector is a highly popular topic in these days and especially, new business models receive increasingly more attention. Under the light of digitalization, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so-called Industry 4.0, and its impacts on all kinds of process is a promising topic in the academia and also beneficial for the practitioners. Since there are arguments from scholars that Industry 4.0 has an important and shaping effect on marketing, the concept of 7P's in marketing should be incorporated in Industry 4.0 elements. From this point of view, this study focuses on developing the understanding of 7P's based on contemporary perspectives of Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: In order to do that, different criteria related to integration of Industry 4.0 and marketing practices under each marketing-mix element are presented and one of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, the best–worst method (BWM) is used to prioritize the criteria for future implications. Findings: Results indicated that product, process and physical evidence are the most affected marketing-mix factors by considering Industry 4.0. managerial implications which were also presented based on the numerical results. Originality/value: An in-depth analysis of literature review related to Industry 4.0 revealed that changing and developing technologies are examined in detail mostly around a production perspective. In order to fulfill the gap in the knowledge, this study focuses on the examination of impacts of Industry 4.0 on the marketing-mix strategy. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study which merges Industry 4.0 with the marketing mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the presence of ethical standards in the content of international hospitals codes of ethics disclosed in their websites. Design/methodology/approach: Firstly, the focus is on developing an integrated framework of universal values and hospital responsibilities for the content of hospitals' codes of ethics documents. A list of key ethical issues was determined through an examination of the American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics (2016), the WAMA (2017), International Code of Medical Ethics and relevant peer-reviewed journal articles (Finseschi, 1997; Vergallo, 2016; Suhonen et al., 2011; Reader et al., 2014). Based on the detailed literature review, 48 concepts, which were evenly, classified under two groups; professional conduct issues and patients' rights. In the second stage, the issues were ranked related to professional conduct and patients' rights from most to least frequent for the proposed conceptual framework, using World Global Hospitals codes of ethics. Findings: It was found that only 62% of the top 100 hospitals have an ethics code report in their websites. The findings of the study have significant theoretical and practical implications. First, most of the hospitals' ethical codes extensively emphasize professional conduct and patients' rights, whereas they differ in what they include or exclude from their codes and the wording used. The number and frequency of the professional conduct issues is higher than patients' rights. Emerging ethical issues, such as physicians' and patients' freedom of choice, sperm donation and artificial reproduction, were not widely mentioned, whereas abortion, euthanasia, human rights and transplantation issues were disregarded entirely. Practical implications: This study provides a benchmark for hospitals to assess their codes against other hospitals' codes in terms of the specific items they address. Social implications: The results of this study provide a benchmark for evaluating and developing ethical codes for hospitals in light of the international health standards and norms. Originality/value: To the best of the knowledge, no previous study has theoretically or practically analyzed hospitals' codes of ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The logistics sector is one of the most important domains in the service sector in understanding the increasing scale of business activities along with globalization. Due to the nature of the service sector, where competition is increasingly concentrated, the main objective of firms is the creation of their strategy on competitive advantage in regard with knowing the level of quality of the services offered and the firm's image from the customers' point of view. Trying to adapt to the changing conditions of the market drives firms to integrate their competing areas into their sustainability dimensions (economic, social, and environmental) with the aim of increasing their perceived quality through differentiating their business to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. The aim of this study is to examine the quality level perceived by logistics service providers in terms of triple bottom line approach and to determine the relationship between them for sustainable competition. In line with exploratory methods, factor analysis was used with the aim of finding out a new scale to the literature about the examination of the relationship between quality perception and corporate sustainability in the frame of competition. In this context, data of 120 logistics service providers were collected and analysed. According to the results, the content of the subject consists of nine factors and 29 interrelated subdimensions. As a result of the research, firms have emphasized on the importance of reaching the competition by expanding their quality perceptions within the scope of corporate sustainability in parallel with the increasing customer demands and expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of medical and pharmaceutical products has a key role in healthcare systems such as hospitals for better services to patients. This study proposes a comprehensive multi-objective mathematical model in healthcare supply chain considering quality and green concepts. The proposed model includes three objective functions. The first minimizes total manufacturing costs including transportation; purchasing maintenance, deterioration, setup, recycling, collecting and disposal costs. The second maximizes quality level of production. The third minimizes environmental effects of the products and transportations. The proposed model is complicated because of its nature and listed in the NP-hard. Hence, we use NSGAII approach for solving this model. The numerical example illustrates steps of the solution method. The solution representation for 4 suppliers, 2 recycling centers and 3 productions shows for supplier 1 (1100, 600, 1000) and supplier 2 (1000, 900, 400), recycling center 2 has a good performance and for supplier 3 (700, 500, 800) and supplier 4 (400, 950, 0), recycling center 1 has a good performance. Then, we need to improve the performance of the rest recycling centers per supplier. To measure the capabilities of multi-objective meta-heuristics, we used Number of Pareto solutions, spacing metric and quality metric criteria. Finally, the results show that the proposed algorithm has high quality to solve the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is getting more polluted each day. Fortunately, consumers are now more aware and concerned about environmental issues. Customers are expecting the same sensitivity to the environment in both marketing and production strategies of companies. The main aim of this paper is to develop a framework for understanding the integration of green marketing concept with the marketing mix both in the form of 4Ps (price, place, promotion, product) and 4Cs (communication, costs, convenience, customer). This paper will deal with the environmentaly friendly measures to be taken by marketing organizations. In addition to the green marketing sub-mix, some important strategies, including green logistics and reverse logistics topics, are handled extensively with the aim of completing the framework of the green marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a single machine scheduling problem with deteriorating processing time of jobs and multiple preventive maintenances which reset deteriorated processing time to the original processing time. In this situation, we consider three kinds of problems whose performance measures are makespan, total completion time, and total weighted completion time. First, we formulate integer programming formulations, and using the formulations, one can find optimal solutions for small problems. Since these problems are known to be NP-hard and the size of real problem is very large, we propose a number of heuristics and design genetic algorithms for the problems. Finally, we conduct some computational experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the scheduling a set of deteriorating jobs on a single processor. We propose a model which reflects real life situations in which the processing time of jobs change depending on its initial processing time (deteriorating jobs) and activities, such as machine maintenance or a break for workers. A rate-modifying activity (rma) is a maintenance activity given to a machine to restore it to its original state. The general problem we deal with in this study is to determine the job sequence, the number of rmas, and rma positions within the work sequence. We formulate a unique integer program to solve this model for makespan and total completion time objectives. We also propose efficient heuristic algorithms for solving large size problems for both makespan and total completion time objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]