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Social network analysis proves to be a valuable instrument for comprehending and visually representing intricate relationships among diverse entities within a network. This study aims to explore the application of social network analysis within the context of hinterland port operations. In pursuit of this aim, we examined the interactions amongst various stakeholders, including port authorities, truck drivers, port agent companies, vigilant guards, import/export firms, and terminal operators. As a result, we unveiled patterns, pinpointed bottlenecks, and unearthed opportunities to amplify efficiency and collaboration within this system. This inquiry contributes to the existing body of knowledge concerning the utilization of social network analysis within the maritime industry while also providing insights to enhance port performance.

Abstract Background Although slack is an asset to resilient hospitals, it is usually explicitly discussed only in terms of the quantity and quality of beds and staff. This paper expands this view by addressing slack in four infrastructures of intensive care units (ICUs) (physical space, electricity supply, oxygen supply, and air treatment) during the COVID pandemic. Methods The study occurred in a leading private hospital in Brazil, aiming at the identification of slack in four units originally designed as ICUs and two units adapted as ICUs. Data collection was based on 12 interviews with healthcare professionals, documents, and comparison between infrastructures and regulatory requirements. Results Twenty-seven instantiations of slack were identified, with several indications that the adapted ICUs did not provide infrastructure conditions as good as the designed ones. Findings gave rise to five propositions addressing: relationships intra and inter infrastructures; the need for adapted ICUs that match as closely as possible the designed ICUs; the consideration of both clinical and engineering perspectives in design; and the need for the revision of some requirements of the Brazilian regulations. Conclusions Results are relevant to both the designers of the infrastructures and to the designers of clinical activities as these must take place in fit-for-purpose workspaces. Top management might also benefit as they are the ultimate responsible for decision-making on whether or not to invest in slack. The pandemic dramatically demonstrated the value of investing in slack resources, creating momentum for this discussion in health services.

ABSTRACTThe sustainability of food supply chains (FSCs) depends on the concurrent successful performance in the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. However, FSCs are complex socio-technical systems subjected to inevitable trade-offs and the impossibility of full control. Based on a systematic literature review, this study investigates how sustainability affects the complexity of FSCs. A total of 75 articles were analyzed. A thematic analysis revealed 16 factors associated with the three dimensions of sustainability. These factors were then associated with five complexity attributes: a large number of elements, dynamically interacting elements, diversity of elements, unexpected variability, and resilience. All factors amplify the complexity of FSCs, mostly in terms of increasing the number and diversity of elements. Findings made it possible to develop a complexity-based account of the sustainability of FSCs, raising questions and insights that might inform the design and operation of more sustainable FSCs, which effectively cope with their inherent complexity.