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The extensive use of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) using expanded polystyrene (EPS) for building insulation in Germany has resulted in accumulating end-of-life EPS-ETICS. To address limited waste management options and enhance EPS circularity, alternative recycling options like pyrolysis or solvent-based recycling need to be implemented. However, efficient recycling requires ex-ante analyses of the corresponding reverse logistics networks, including all necessary pre-treatment and transport processes. This study aims to develop a decision support system to determine optimal EPS-ETICS waste management by minimising the net present value of the corresponding network design. Our mixed-integer linear optimisation model considers decisions on technology, capacity, and location for pre-processing and recycling facilities as well as on material flow allocation. Applied to a German case study, our model finds pyrolysis and solvent-based recycling economically superior to current waste treatment in waste incineration plants. We present an optimal network design combining central pyrolysis with decentral pre-processing. A scenario analysis shows fluctuating styrene and polystyrene prices might favour solvent-based recycling over the optimal choice in pyrolysis, with minor overall cost differences. Further, legal recycling quotas of at least 40% would be necessary to promote solvent-based recycling and enhance EPS circularity beyond what is achievable through pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Service-oriented manufacturing (SOM) is a new industrial model that combines manufacturing with service. To enhance the competitiveness of manufacturers in SOM systems, we investigate a coordinated production and delivery scheduling problem considering a third-party logistics (3PL) provider. The considered problem can be divided into two phases, including production phase and delivery phase. In the production phase, jobs are processed by multiple manufacturers located in different geographical zones. Jobs are with deteriorating processing time and set-up time. Several structural properties of the problem in the production phase are proposed, based on which a heuristic algorithm is designed to make decisions on job batching and batch sequencing. After being processed, the finished jobs are immediately delivered to a customer by manufacturers' own vehicles or the 3PL provider. A dynamic programming algorithm is developed to solve the problem in the delivery phase. The integrated scheduling problem is proved to be NP-hard. Hence, we develop a general variable neighbourhood search (GVNS) to solve the problem in a reasonable time. The basic variable neighbourhood descent (BVND) is used as a local search method in the GVNS. Finally, the computational experiments are conducted and the results verify the effectiveness and stability of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper deals with the problem of optimising the network of a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) company, placing emphasis on the distinct characteristics of the 3PL environment. The goal is to minimise the warehousing and distribution costs for both forward and reverse product flows. A new Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) model is proposed to address this interesting problem. The related decisions include: selection of (a) warehouse(s) and the related product inventory quantities, (b) product unit loads transported, (c) truck combinations employed to perform the corresponding forward and reverse trips. The model was applied in a case study of a 3PL company to optimise part of its forward supply chain that comprises three warehouses, 23 suppliers and 53 customers. The results obtained were very encouraging, since overall warehousing and distribution costs were lowered by 10.8%. Sensitivity analysis indicated that additional savings may result from optimising warehousing capacities. The main contributions of this work are the inclusiveness of key aspects of the 3PL environment in the proposed model, as well as placing emphasis on warehousing costs and on management of truck capacities. A secondary contribution is the validation of the model's value through a comprehensive case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a special issue of the International Journal of Production Research focused on service-oriented manufacturing supply chain management in the context of Industry 4.0. Service-oriented manufacturing (SOM) is an emerging paradigm where manufacturers transform their products into platforms using Industry 4.0 technologies, allowing for communication between customers and manufacturers. This shift enhances the flow of information through the supply chain and creates new operational challenges. The special issue includes 16 articles covering various sub-areas such as mechanism design, supply chain contracts, behavioural modelling, emerging business models, optimisation techniques, product design, and smart manufacturing. The papers provide insights and practical applications to advance service-oriented manufacturing supply chain management in the Industry 4.0 era. [Extracted from the article]

The natural environment is deteriorating. However, humans have not slowed down their pace of resource depletion and environmental destruction. This research takes a particular path to understanding environmental consumption—through a focus on temporal perspective. Evidence from six studies demonstrates the positive effect of a cyclical temporal perspective, versus a linear temporal perspective, on consumers' pro-environmental behavior. The research shows that individuals with a cyclical perspective are more likely to include the environment in the self, which leads to higher pro-environmental behavioral intentions and more pro-environmental behavior. This temporal perspective effect is attenuated for consumers already high on green values. The authors also examine a marketer-controlled moderator and show that consumers are more likely to purchase a pro-environmental product when they see a temporal-perspective-congruent promotional appeal. The research contributes to both the time perception and the environmental consumption literature and offers several practical implications for organizations to promote sustainable consumer behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused critical challenges for e-commerce warehouses that strive to fulfill surging customer demand while facing a high virus infection risk. Current literature on picking optimization overlooks warehouse safety under pandemic conditions. Meanwhile, scattered storage and zone-wave-batch picking have been used in parallel by many large e-commerce warehouses, these two operational policies have not been considered together in picking optimization studies. This paper fills these gaps by solving an order batching problem considering scattered storage, zone-wave-batch picking, and pickers' proximity simultaneously. We formulate and solve the mathematical model of the discussed problem and propose the Aisle-Based Constructive Batching Algorithm (ABCBA) to help warehouses pick more efficiently and safely. Experiments with extensive datasets from a major third-party logistics (3PL) company show that, compared to the current picking strategy, ABCBA can reduce the total picking time and the virus infection risk due to pickers' proximity by 46% and 72%, respectively. Compared to other heuristics like tabu + nLSA3 (Yang, Zhao, and Guo 2020), ABCBA gets better results using less computation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The criticality of late deliveries in transportation lies in the threat of considerable multi-level supply chain costs. This study aims to reveal the dynamic capabilities playing a facilitating role in preventing delay, thus providing timely delivery, as well as developing an understanding of how and when those capabilities are activated within the supply chain network. Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory study was conducted involving 16 semi-structured expert interviews with the representatives of logistics service providers and shippers. Following an interpretive phenomenology framework, the prevention phenomenon was explained. Findings: Findings revealed two preventive capability categories in delay prevention: (1) proactive capabilities, referring to the enabling actions planned before departure, and (2) reactive capabilities, referring to actions planned after departure. Findings pinpoint that, in addition to the proactive capabilities, reactive capabilities enabled by innovative problem-solving actions are crucial for adapting to a dynamically changing environment in prevention. Moreover, this study shows that prevention capabilities are characterized by tangible and intangible resources and integration of resources with external links which constitute a delay prevention network within a wider service ecosystem. Originality/value: This study stands out with its specific focus on delay prevention capabilities and enabling actions from the perspectives of logistics service providers and shippers. The premises of the resource-based view are combined with dynamic capabilities theory, leading to a proposed time-based taxonomy of proactive and reactive capabilities in supply chains, aimed at creating value and strengthening resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rohit Prashar, director of Globate 360 Solutions Private Limited, a Chandigarh-based third-party logistics company with a global presence, faced a pivotal challenge on 25 August 2020. He secured a project to transport 200 consignments of crucial medical equipment for COVID testing machines to multiple locations in north-eastern states, Kashmir and Leh, India. This project was awarded by a US-based freight forwarding company authorized by The Indian Council of Medical Research. It was a prestigious achievement, hard-won through extensive negotiations during the national lockdown. However, he knew that the real battle had just begun. The stringent government restrictions during the COVID-19 lockdown added complexity. The consignments had to be transported delicately to maintain the testing equipment's accuracy, necessitating minimal jolts. Deciding between air and road transport posed another challenge. Furthermore, he grappled with the choice between a multinational company with a premium price tag and a regional player with more budget-friendly options. Securing skilled labour was an ongoing concern. In this predicament, he sought cost-effective solutions for each shipment, strategizing to minimize costs while delivering top-notch service to his clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the importance of establishing a strong third-party risk management program within a connected ecosystem. It acknowledges the growing complexities of third-party risks and the potential consequences of disruptions in the supply chain. The article outlines four steps to develop an effective program, including expanding the coverage of the third-party ecosystem, broadening the scope of risk assessment, improving risk assessments, and enhancing reporting. It emphasizes the need to consider supply chain third parties and identifies various risk domains that organizations should evaluate. The article also discusses the challenges of conducting risk assessments and suggests strategies to streamline the process. Overall, it offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to mitigate emerging threats and build a resilient supply chain. The article also highlights the risks associated with third-party relationships in supply chains, such as operational and supply disruption, financial viability, subcontractor, third-party concentration, and geographic concentration risks. It underscores the importance of risk assessment and monitoring in managing these risks, emphasizing the need for data-driven insights and effective reporting to measure the success of third-party risk management programs. The article concludes by stressing the importance of organizational agility and adapting risk management programs to the evolving risk landscape. [Extracted from the article]

In many large manufacturing companies, freight management is handled by a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, thus allowing manufacturers and their suppliers to focus on the production of goods rather than managing their delivery. Provided their pivotal supply chain role, in this work we propose a general framework for what we term as "the 3PL freight management problem" (3PLFMP). Our framework identifies three primary activities involved in 3PL freight management: the assignment of orders to a fleet of vehicles, efficient routing of the fleet, and packing the assigned orders in vehicles. Furthermore, we provide a specific instantiation of the 3PLFMP that considers direct vs. consolidated shipping strategies, one dimensional packing constraints, and a fixed vehicle routing schedule. We solve this instantiated problem using several Reinforcement Learning (RL) methods, including Q-learning, Double Q-learning, SARSA, Deep Q-learning, and Double Deep Q-learning, comparing against two benchmark methods, a simulated annealing heuristic and a variable neighborhood descent algorithm. We evaluate the performance of these methods on two datasets. One is fully simulated and based on past work, while another is semi-simulated using real-world automobile manufacturers and part supplier locations, and is of our own design. We find that RL methods vastly outperform the benchmark heuristic methods on both datasets, thus establishing the superiority of RL methods in solving this highly complicated and stochastic problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the order-fulfillment coalitions among an e-tailer and two third-party sellers in a hybrid e-commerce platform. The e-tailer uses a self-supported logistics system to fulfill the orders, and the seller can either use the former or turn to third-party logistics systems. By investigating the equilibrium order quantities, the strong preference relations, and the possible deviations for all the possible coalition structures, we discuss both myopic stability and farsighted stability for all the coalition structures. We find that if economies of scale are absent, fulfilling the orders independently is unique Nash stable and farsightedly stable; however, if alliances generate economies of scale, there may not exist Nash stable, but the farsightedly stable outcome always exists, which further depends on the interaction between the e-tailer's order-fulfillment cost advantage and economies of scale. Further discussions on extremely high economies of scale and the proportional commission fee are also conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the strategic motivation for a platform to open its superior logistics service to a third-party seller with an endogenous service level. We consider a Stackelberg game between the platform and the seller who sells products to consumers who perceive the platform's product as having a higher value than the seller's product. We characterize the equilibrium results in two schemes regarding opening or not opening the service and present conditions for the platform to open the service and the seller to accept the service. In equilibrium, the platform's logistics service remains at the same level before and after opening. Particularly, we demonstrate that the motivation for the platform to open the service is not simply collecting extra revenue from the service but can be understood from mitigating price competition and securing its demand and price. We find that the platform is always willing to open the logistics system because it provides the platform an additional tool to manipulate the seller's pricing behavior and therefore improves its own profit. With a high commission rate, the platform is even willing to subsidize the seller for using the logistics service. A Pareto improvement can be realized for two firms when consumers are highly sensitive to the service level. Consumers are worse off after service opening in most cases. Our analysis offers insights into the incentives of one retailer providing high-quality service for its rival when retailers differentiate in price and service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies and empirically validates the potential risks in overseas third-party logistics services that support sustainable cross-border e-commerce logistics in China. This research addresses a significant gap in the current literature by conducting a comprehensive literature review and case study, primarily focusing on third-party logistics services' benefits without adequately discussing the associated risks. Our study highlights the medium and high risks in forwarding and contracting processes, such as cost uncertainty, quality issues, and cultural and language differences. The findings contribute to academic research and practical applications by providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for enhancing logistics management in China's sustainable cross-border e-commerce. This research promotes the resilience and sustainability of cross-border e-commerce supply chains and offers valuable insights for overseas 3PL service providers looking to expand their operations in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problem of positioning customer order decoupling point (CODP) in customized logistics service supply chain and to provide logistics service integrators (LSI) with various CODP decision-making and supplier selection solutions. We consider LSI, logistics service providers (LSPs) and customers and propose multiobjective nonlinear team optimization models for multi-CODP location, including minimizing the cost to the LSI and maximizing the synthetic satisfaction of LSPs and customers. This paper adopts an improved nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), in which the key modules such as the crossover operations, chromosome structure and mutation operations are reconstructed, to solve the team models and investigate the Pareto-optimal front for the two objectives. To demonstrate the validity of NSGA-II and the reliability of mathematical models, cases from a specific dataset are generated and solved. Moreover, a classic genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to solve for the two objectives separately. The optimal solutions found by GA are f 1 = 2027.491, f 2 = 0.7704 and f 1 = 2454.512, f 2 = 0.8909. The corresponding optimal solutions in the Pareto-optimal solution set are f 1 = 2053.675, f 2 = 0.7715 and f 1 = 2427.114, f 2 = 0.8843. We find that the optimal solutions provided by GA cannot dominate any solution in the Pareto-optimal solution set, indicating that the results are valid and sufficiently convergent. In summary, the results of this paper provide LSI with easy access to various supplier selection schemes with multi-CODP, which is essential to reduce the cognitive burden on decision makers and address the diverse customization needs of many challenging real-world logistics issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The organization of services can affect the adoption of sustainable practices within the relationship between a buyer (e.g. a shipper) and a supplier (e.g. a logistics service provider–LSP). The purpose of this paper is to analyse, within this relationship, the mechanisms affecting collaboration between shippers and LSPs towards adopting green logistics practices to reduce the negative environmental effects of logistics processes. The authors take the perspective of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which represent – although less investigated than large enterprises – a relevant field of investigation given their impact on the environmental sustainability of logistics processes. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a multiple case-study investigation on a set of dyads involving shippers and LSPs. The authors explored the antecedents shaping the approach to sustainability in logistics and, adopting the absorptive capacity (AC) theory, the learning and knowledge transfer processes leading to the adoption of green practices. Findings: Collaboration between shippers and LSPs for better sustainability in logistics seems not to work when relationships are limited to simple annual (or pluriannual) contracts, and when shippers do not show ambition to improve the level of sustainability of their logistics processes (regardless of whether they show an interest in general sustainability matters). On the other hand, successful cases show higher commitment in the dyadic relationship with respect to improving logistics sustainability, good levels of communication and a more structured process of knowledge sharing, enabled by IT integration, shared performance monitoring, and creation of inter-organizational teams. Originality/value: While most of the existing research focuses on the perspective of shippers or LSPs, this work is original since it explores collaborative mechanisms within a buyer-supplier relationship simultaneously taking the perspective of both parties, according to the lens of the AC. It identifies directions for improving collaboration within the shipper-LSP relationship in the context of SMEs to foster the adoption of collaborative green logistics practices to impact sustainability positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to formulate a measurement model encompassing rail freight performance indicators for newly established double-track railway routes through the application of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Employing a questionnaire as the primary data collection tool, this study specifically focuses on factors related to rail freight performance. The sample size comprises 150 entrepreneurs, including Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), warehouse operators, and distribution center operators. The performance indicators utilized in this investigation, derived from an extensive literature review, constitute the relevant factors. Subsequently, the performance indicators of rail freight transportation were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The findings indicate a consistent alignment between the proposed model and empirical data (χ² = 244.728, χ²/df = .967, df = 253, p = .634, GFI = .990, AGFI = .970, CFI = 1.000, RMR = .036, RMSEA = .000). Based on the result of the proposed measurement model, the most significant performance indicator is Cost (transportation costs), exerting considerable influence on entrepreneurs in their selection of transportation modes. Other indicators, namely, Time (transportation time), Reliability, Network (rail network accessibility), Security, Facility and Equipment, are deemed secondary factors. Consequently, organizations responsible for the operation of double-track railways must prioritize attention to these indicators to incentivize entrepreneurs to opt for rail transportation, thereby augmenting the volume of the rail transport mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding consumers' intention of using contactless logistics technology is necessary for logistics service providers to make value-added business strategies in the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have suggested that multiple factors shall be considered when investigating the intention, but few have attempted to comprehensively explain the causality of the intention. To bridge this gap, this study develops a Genetic Algorithm (GA)-based structure learning method and constructs a Copula-Bayesian Network (Copula-BN) upon questionnaire survey data to explore the causation of the intention. Based on the derived Copula-BN, we identify the key factors that contribute to the intention and reveal the causal relations along the main branch composed of those factors. Several findings provide theoretical and practical insights into the consumer-technology interaction under the pandemic context. Besides, this study demonstrates that the structure of the Copula-BN is rational and reasonable, which provides a solid basis for investigating the causality of the intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation and packaging of cool chain have major role in social demands of the fresh green high-level product for perishable supply chain (SC) to be regarded in SC management. In the present study, we evaluated a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) operator in a dairy SC that requires a costly freshness-keeping effort (FKE) through the transportation process. We assume that a manufacturer makes dairy products via a 3PL to a marketplace where a retailer buys and resells them to the end consumers. In addition, it is supposed that the demand of the market is random, sensitive to the freshness level of the product as well as the price. In this study, Consumers and Producers Protection Organization (CPPO) as the leader tracks incremental dairy consumption program based on three strategies which are FKE (fresh-keeping), pricing (economic), and social welfare (social), that is mentioned for the first time. Six scenarios are presented in this paper: three decentralized games and three centralized games. The consequences indicate that it is extremely important to collaborate between the members of SC to acquire fresher products. Also, if the CPPO uses a subsidy for 3PL, customer demand for the product increases which leads to higher SC members' profit among decentralized scenarios. On the other hand, if the CPPO uses a subsidy for retailer, and both 3PL and retailer invest in freshness-keeping, customer demand for the product increases which leads to more an increase in the whole SC's profit among centralized scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem definition: Product service plays a crucial role for brands to retain customers and spur revenue growth. It is, however, often outsourced to a third-party provider, driven by cost savings and the ability to focus on core businesses. Although there is a large body of literature studying service outsourcing, the impact of service environment uncertainty (i.e., changing customer needs and shifting resource requirements) has received sparse attention in the past but is becoming a major concern because of increased market turbulence. This research explores how environment uncertainty in service provision influences a brand's intent to outsource, and, if the brand decides to outsource, how it can retain the potential cost advantages offered by a third-party provider. Methodology/results: This research develops a normative model to explore key drivers that impact service outsourcing outcomes under environment uncertainty and partial observability. We find that environment uncertainty can accelerate a brand's propensity to outsource, and a brand typically benefits from outsourcing initially. Yet, we show that such benefits can dissipate over time because of partial observability. Monitoring efforts help to mitigate the adverse impact of environment uncertainty and partial observability, but cannot attain anticipated outsourcing benefits unless monitoring is costless. In contrast, nudging service providers to self-report the cost of resources is effective even if the monitoring cost is high. Managerial implications: Brands should carefully consider environment uncertainty, partial observability, and monitoring ability when deciding whether to outsource product services to third-party providers. A heuristic monitoring policy can be effective when the monitoring cost is very high or very low but can perform poorly when the monitoring cost is in the intermediate range. Thus, outsourcing is more attractive when environment uncertainty is significant, but the value of outsourcing can only be realized when (a) partial observability is insignificant, (b) monitoring is inexpensive, or (c) provider self-reporting can be nudged. If none of the conditions hold, then the brand can suffer significant losses from the anticipated benefits of product service outsourcing. Funding: This research is partially supported by the first author's 2022 Dean's Excellence Summer Research Grant from W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0222. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of the blockchain technology in supply chains have attracted extensive attention in both academia and industries. However, little research has investigated the effects of the blockchain technology on firms' operational strategies. In this paper, we investigate the impacts of the traceability enabled by the blockchain technology on a producer's decision whether to outsource delivery to a third-party logistics firm. We find that without the blockchain technology, the logistics firm has a moral hazard—an incentive to set the delivery quality at the lowest level even though improving the delivery quality is for free. The traceability enabled by the blockchain technology can resolve the logistics firm's moral hazard and encourage the producer to improve the production quality. Furthermore, when the delivery is cost-efficient for the producer, the traceability enabled by the blockchain technology motivates the producer to outsource the delivery to the logistics firm; otherwise, the producer's outsourcing decision is not affected. When quality cost is low, the blockchain technology makes the logistics firm improve its delivery quality significantly and encourages the producer to improve the production quality. When the quality cost is moderate, only under certain conditions, the blockchain technology has effects on both parties' decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the strategies for adopting blockchain technology in the fresh product supply chain (FPSC) consisting of a supplier, a third-party logistics service provider (3PL) and an e-tailer. We analyse the optimal strategies of FPSC members under the benchmark scenario where the FPSC does not adopt blockchain technology and those under the three scenarios where the supplier, 3PL and e-tailer lead the construction of the blockchain-based traceability system (BTS), respectively. We find that adopting blockchain technology is not always the optimal decision for the FPSC, which is related to the consumers' acceptance degree for the product without blockchain technology, the deterioration rate of the fresh product and the allocation proportion of traceability cost of FPSC members when adopting blockchain technology. Regardless of the power and status of each member in the FPSC, it can lead the construction of the BTS. From the perspective of whole FPSC's profit maximisation, the leader of the FPSC should lead the construction of the BTS under the coordination of a two-part tariff contract. This study provides valuable insights for FPSCs to adopt blockchain technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID Pandemic since early 2019 has imposed significant effects on our life. In the retail and logistics sector, the large-scale national lockdown has drastically driven e-commerce sales because the e-marketplace has become the only sales channel. Whilst the pandemic has accelerated the shift towards a more digital world and led to an irreversible dependence on e-commerce retailing, the pressure is on retailers and logistics service providers to respond to the growing demand for immediate delivery in the e-commerce era. Given the integration of smart lockers into developing a more favourable environment which potentially makes immediate delivery more feasible, this paper introduces a novel, dynamic delivery strategy, namely Community Logistics Strategy (CLS), for formulating and updating the new delivery plan in real time as new delivery requests to smart lockers arrive. To shed light on the effect of dynamic order arrival towards delivery planning, the CLS attempts to update the delivery plan by taking new requests into account in real time. Simulation results reveal the superiority of the proposed strategy in managing e-commerce delivery requests, especially within megacities where consumers are highly dense in a compact geographical area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accepted by: M. Zied Babai The third-party logistics (3PL) industry has grown rapidly over the past few years, and its emission reduction behaviour is gaining attention. This paper considers a supply chain system composed of a manufacturer, a retailer and a 3PL provider, in which both the manufacturer and the 3PL make the low-carbon investment. 3PL is a leader in the low-carbon supply chain. To promote emission reduction in logistics, the manufacturer and the retailer separately share the logistics emission reduction costs of the 3PL. Through comparing the no-sharing, manufacturer-sharing and retailer-sharing models, we discuss the cost-sharing strategy preference of each participant and analyze the impact on environmental benefit and social welfare. The results show that cost-sharing can effectively improve product demand, which also supports society in obtaining higher benefits. Moreover, the 3PL tends to be shared by the retailer when the low-carbon investment cost of logistics is high and the investment cost of production is low. Both the manufacturer and the retailer prefer the other party to share the cost, but sharing it together can effectively alleviate free-rider behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain is an emerging technology with the potential to radically transform logistics in the highly complex environment of the agri-food supply chain. The key challenges of the agri-food sector include overcoming the limitations (time, cost and quality) to developing global and efficient transparency and traceability of food, eliminating expensive intermediaries, and ensuring no disruption between suppliers and retailers. This paper describes a practical approach by not only using smart contracts to integrate various stakeholders but also incorporating a Public Participation Geographic Information System platform to ensure traceability of the operations conducted in an agri-food supply chain. As a factor in improving distribution and minimising intermediaries, third-party logistics participation is included in this research. Through a case study, the entities and interactions between processes within a blockchain system based on a smart contract are identified. The findings reveal an innovative blockchain approach to logistics in the agri-food supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the losses caused by insufficient preservation efforts during transportation, the preservation effort level has been the focus of research. In the fierce competition of online sales, it is particularly important to reduce the cost of damaged goods by improving the level of preservation efforts. Therefore, according to Stackelberg game theory, this article establishes five decision-making models and incorporates the damage rate and preservation effort level into the research. Finally, this article coordinates the online shipping supply chain (SC) through a joint contract. After comparing and analyzing the model results, research has found that: (1) in centralized model, the level of preservation effort reaches its optimal level and the system benefit is maximized; (2) under third-party logistics (TPL) leading decision-making, the different bearers of cargo damage costs will not affect the profits of both parties and the system; (3) among the four decentralized models, the level of preservation efforts and system profit are highest when the decision is led by online store and TPL bears the cost of damaged goods; and (4) under a given sharing ratio, when the logistics service quotation satisfies a certain range of condition, the online shopping SC can achieve Pareto improvement. This paper studies the differences and reasons for decision models in the supply and demand relationship between online stores and TPL, which provides fresh product e-commerce decision-makers with a theoretical basis.

AbstractThe European Union and other advanced economies are turning to mandatory due diligence regulation to address environmental and human rights risks in their global supply chains. This shift is accompanied by calls for ‘smart regulation’ that combines public legislation with private governance instruments and new supporting measures in the producer countries of the Global South. We study the smart regulation agenda in the case of the European Union Deforestation Regulation. We reveal how its progressive rhetoric masks a conservative undertone as business actors and their civil society partners aim to safeguard their vested interests in the age of public supply chain regulation. However, by tracing their lobbying efforts throughout the policy formulation process, we show how this does not imply en bloc support for voluntary, softer forms of regulation. Moreover, these actors exhibit varying motivations and preferences for involving Southern actors in such a mix. Consequently, rather than forming a cohesive policy coalition, their preferences span from conservative to progressive, resulting in new alliances and divisions in this time of regulatory change. By untangling the complexities of ‘smart mix politics’, this article advances critical research into the evolving role, positioning, and influence of business actors in global supply chain governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its beginnings in the 19th century, the liner shipping industry has shown specific peculiarities characterized by close collaboration between sea carriers. This cooperation has materialized through various types of inter-firm agreements that have been exempted from the key principles of competition law. Recently, strong criticism has emerged against strategic alliances and related agreements that rule a concentrated market where operators are strongly interrelated and increasingly integrated. However, the maritime management literature so far has given little attention to the concrete provisions of these agreements, which still appear as 'black boxes.' To fill this gap, we collected 61 enforced cooperative agreements registered with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission from 1973 to 2020 using a three-way comparison through legal, linguistic, and business lenses of the differences between older and newer types of agreements. We underline the key temporal evolutions of these contracts and show how ocean carriers have incorporated new legal constraints and strategic needs driven by structural market changes toward greater logistics integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce the losses caused by insufficient preservation efforts during transportation, the preservation effort level has been the focus of research. In the fierce competition of online sales, it is particularly important to reduce the cost of damaged goods by improving the level of preservation efforts. Therefore, according to Stackelberg game theory, this article establishes five decision-making models and incorporates the damage rate and preservation effort level into the research. Finally, this article coordinates the online shipping supply chain (SC) through a joint contract. After comparing and analyzing the model results, research has found that: (1) in centralized model, the level of preservation effort reaches its optimal level and the system benefit is maximized; (2) under third-party logistics (TPL) leading decision-making, the different bearers of cargo damage costs will not affect the profits of both parties and the system; (3) among the four decentralized models, the level of preservation efforts and system profit are highest when the decision is led by online store and TPL bears the cost of damaged goods; and (4) under a given sharing ratio, when the logistics service quotation satisfies a certain range of condition, the online shopping SC can achieve Pareto improvement. This paper studies the differences and reasons for decision models in the supply and demand relationship between online stores and TPL, which provides fresh product e-commerce decision-makers with a theoretical basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides an overview of the interpretation of the right of access to personal data under data protection law in Austria. It explains that data subjects do not have the right to a finding of past violations of the right to information. The document also highlights the obligation of controllers to inform data subjects about automated decision-making and profiling measures, with additional requirements for particularly intrusive decision-making. A specific case is discussed where a complaint was filed against an address publisher and direct marketing company for not providing complete information about data recipients and processing logic. The Federal Administrative Court ruled in favor of the appellant, stating that they had fulfilled the data subject's right to information. The document concludes by discussing the possibility of appealing the decision based on the law. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: The objective of the conducted research is to respond to the investigative question related to delineating potential areas of 3PL (third-party logistics) activities that could be supported by quantum computing. Design/methodology/approach: This study focuses on the exploration and analysis of literature, utilizing both the SCOPUS database and Google Scholar, to identify potential application areas of quantum computers in the 3PL sector. The literature review is based on a systematic approach that includes defining the aim, selecting, and critically assessing existing materials, with particular focus on digitalization, security of information flow, external transport planning, warehousing, and VAS (Value-Added Services). Findings: The analysis has demonstrated that quantum computers hold the potential to significantly influence 3PL businesses, contributing to innovation and enhancing operational efficiency. Specifically, this technology can revolutionize aspects such as supply chain optimization, data security, warehouse management, and the creation of added value through advanced analytics and personalized services. Research limitations: The study encountered constraints related to access to comprehensive databases, which may have influenced the thoroughness of the literature review. Furthermore, the scarcity of literature focusing directly on the application of quantum computers within the 3PL context indicates a need for additional, more in-depth empirical research in this field. Value of the paper: This paper holds both theoretical and practical value, indicating potential innovations and competitive advantages that can be achieved in the 3PL sector through the application of quantum computers. The paper highlights not only opportunities but also challenges and possible directions for future research, providing a foundation for upcoming research initiatives that may contribute to the development and transformation of operational standards in third-party logistics. This article can inspire future research in the area of using quantum computers in external logistics activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective humanitarian logistics (HL) is essential in disaster response. The "Internet of Things" (IoT) holds potential to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of HL, yet adoption is slowed by numerous barriers. Methods: This study employs interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to explore and classify barriers to IoT integration in HL. Results: A total of 12 barriers were identified, classified, and ranked according to their driving power and dependence. Key barriers include lack of standardization, organizational resistance, data quality issues, and legal challenges. Conclusions: Overcoming these barriers could significantly improve relief operations, reduce errors, and enhance decision-making processes in HL. This investigation is the first of its kind into IoT barriers in HL, laying the groundwork for further research and providing valuable insights for HL managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This literature review delves into the concept of 'Third-party Reverse Logistics selection', focusing on its process and functionality using deterministic and uncertain decision-making models. In an increasingly globalized world, Reverse Logistics (RL) plays a vital role in optimizing supply chain management, reducing waste, and achieving sustainability objectives. Deterministic decision-making models employ predefined criteria and variables, utilizing mathematical algorithms to assess factors such as cost, reliability, and capacity across various geographical regions. Uncertain decision-making models, on the other hand, incorporate the unpredictability of real-world scenarios by considering the uncertainties and consequences of decision making and choices based on incomplete information, ambiguity, unreliability, and the option for multiple probable outcomes. Methods: Through an examination of 41 peer-reviewed journal publications between the years 2020 and 2023, this review paper explores these concepts and problem domains within three categories: Literature Reviews (LR), Deterministic Decision-Making (DDM) models, and Uncertain Decision-Making (UDM) models. Results: In this paper, observations and future research directions are discussed. Conclusions: This paper provides a comprehensive review of third-party reverse logistics selection papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite large bodies of research related to the impacts of e-commerce on last-mile logistics and sustainability, there has been limited effort to evaluate urban freight using an equity lens. Therefore, this study proposes a modeling framework that enables researchers and planners to estimate the baseline equity performance of a major e-commerce platform and evaluate equity impacts of possible urban freight management strategies. The study also analyzes the sensitivity of various operational decisions to mitigate bias in the analysis. Design/methodology/approach: The model adapts empirical methodologies from activity-based modeling, transport equity evaluation, and residential freight trip generation (RFTG) to estimate person- and household-level delivery demand and cargo van traffic exposure in 41 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Findings: Evaluating 12 measurements across varying population segments and spatial units, the study finds robust evidence for racial and socio-economic inequities in last-mile delivery for low-income and, especially, populations of color (POC). By the most conservative measurement, POC are exposed to roughly 35% more cargo van traffic than white populations on average, despite ordering less than half as many packages. The study explores the model's utility by evaluating a simple scenario that finds marginal equity gains for urban freight management strategies that prioritize line-haul efficiency improvements over those improving intra-neighborhood circulations. Originality/value: Presents a first effort in building a modeling framework for more equitable decision-making in last-mile delivery operations and broader city planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The purpose of this publication is to present the applications of usage of business analytics in global supply chain coordination. Design/methodology/approach: Critical literature analysis. Analysis of international literature from main databases and polish literature and legal acts connecting with researched topic. Findings: The integration of business analytics in global supply chain coordination within the framework of Industry 4.0 is a transformative strategy that propels organizations toward enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and competitiveness. This approach is particularly crucial as industries undergo significant technological transformations. Business analytics strategically deployed in the modern supply chain serves as a vital tool, addressing the complexities inherent in Industry 4.0. The diverse applications of business analytics, including demand forecasting, supply chain visibility, predictive maintenance, collaboration, and risk management, highlight its multifaceted benefits. These applications empower organizations to anticipate market demands, optimize inventory, ensure reliable production flows, foster collaboration, and proactively address risks, thereby bolstering overall supply chain resilience and responsiveness. The use of sophisticated software tools like SAP Integrated Business Planning, Oracle SCM Cloud, and IBM Watson Supply Chain underscores the pivotal role of technology in overcoming the intricate challenges of managing global supply chain processes. Despite the numerous advantages, challenges such as data quality, integration issues, implementation costs, and skill shortages necessitate careful consideration and strategic planning. Organizations must address these challenges, along with security and privacy concerns, resistance to change, and the complexity of analytics tools, through investments in training and change management strategies to fully unlock the potential of business analytics. The presented tables further illustrate the advantages and challenges, emphasizing the positive impact of business analytics on efficiency, risk management, and strategic alignment with organizational goals. In conclusion, the judicious use of business analytics offers substantial opportunities for optimizing global supply chain coordination in Industry 4.0, requiring organizations to navigate both advantages and challenges proactively to position themselves at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness in the dynamic landscape of modern industry. Originality/Value: Detailed analysis of all subjects related to the problems connected with the usage of business analytics in the case of global supply chain coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The components of the logistics and supply chain are analysed to meet the needs of supply chain management and decision support, aiming at the complexity and uncertainty of the supply chain system. First, the characteristics of logistics demand and logistics service types of some enterprises are analysed. The factors affecting supplier selection are obtained through the questionnaire survey of some enterprises. Second, the mutual feedback relationship between the influencing factors of logistics service demand is analysed, and a fuzzy cognitive graph model of the selection process of enterprise logistics service providers is established. Finally, the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) model is used to conduct an empirical study on the choice of logistics service providers. The results show that the ranking results of the three candidate logistics service companies based on FCM are WL1 (0.7233) > WL3 (0.6823) > WL2 (0.6764). When each node of the concept does not affect each other, the ranking result of the three candidate logistics service companies based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is WL1 (0.7265) > WL2 (0.6949) > WL3 (0.6920). The final evaluation result will be affected by the mutual influence relationship between the concept nodes. Overall, the lowest evaluation score is WL2, and the highest is WL1. The most suitable logistics service provider for the enterprise is WL1. The FCM model selected by the manufacturing enterprise logistics service provider is reasonable and feasible. The mutual feedback between evaluation factors affects the selection of logistics service providers in a company. The FCM can get a more accurate evaluation weight value and can realize the optimal choice of logistics suppliers. It provides reference and decision support for other enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers traditional and online stores under the context of a dual-channel retailing system. Fully refunded returns are permissible in both forms: same-channel and cross-channel. We examined three different coordination strategies that may form between the retailer and a third-party logistics and service provider. The provider was tasked to manage the online store's orders through transaction-based fees, flat-based fees, and gain-sharing contracts. For each of those strategies, we found the online store's optimal pricing policy and the seasonal fee, if applicable. The performance ratings of the partners under the different strategies were compared, and the managerial insights were provided using analytical as well as numerical analysis. It was found that the retailer is always more profitable under the flat-based fee strategy compared to the gain-sharing strategy, while the provider was almost always more profitable under the latter strategy. Moreover, a low rate of return encouraged the retailer to have more independence by implementing the transaction-based fee strategy, while a high rate pushed the retailer to have more logistical involvement and support through the implementation of either the flat-based fee or gain-sharing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Due to e-commerce growth, technological advancements and environmental concerns, developing a more nuanced service portfolio has become a critical issue for last-mile logistics service providers. Concurrently, consumers are adopting new modes of consumption. This paper aims to investigate the potential for last-mile logistics service providers to act as intermediaries in access-based consumption and to revitalise their service offerings through product-service systems – a pioneering strategy not executed in the market yet. Design/methodology/approach: This strategic customer foresight study uses a quantitative survey of 1,000 respondents and an online focus group comprising 10 early adopter consumers to investigate emerging last-mile service models. Potential service concepts were identified through the survey, and two distinct concepts were subsequently selected for evaluation and co-development within the focus group. The research was conducted in partnership with an SME logistics company in Finland. Findings: The consumers expressed selective interest in access-based consumption related to the proposed offering of essential household goods. Young adults and consumers in early middle age living in the city centre emerged as the most potential user groups. Economic reasons and short-term needs were the primary motivations for adopting access-based consumption. Practical implications: The study showed that engaging consumers in a customer foresight process is viable for SMEs innovating their offerings and demonstrates how the process works in practice. Originality/value: Documented cases of customer integration into foresight processes are rare in earlier research, and this paper extends the knowledge base through a multidisciplinary examination of future consumer behaviour in the last-mile logistics domain. The paper also expands the limited literature on the role of logistics in access-based consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics in business growth, emphasizing their transformative impact on decision-making. Topics discussed include the advanced data processing and continuous learning capabilities of AI, real-world applications across diverse industries such as retail, healthcare, and finance, and the ethical considerations associated with these technologies.

This document is a guest editorial from the journal "Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Effective Board Performance." It discusses the importance of sustainability, corporate governance, and resilience in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The editorial introduces a special issue of the journal that focuses on the impacts of global crises on sustainable development, business resilience, and corporate governance practices. The issue includes articles that cover a range of topics, including the influence of women on boards on environmental, social, and governance performance, the quality of disclosure during the pandemic, the integration of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in annual reports, and the regional variations in SDG adoption. Other articles explore the influence of SDGs on corporate purpose, the role of environmental legislation in promoting sustainability, the impact of sustainability marketing on brand loyalty, the role of corporate governance mechanisms in renewable energy transition, barriers to sustainable development in the flexible packaging industry, dimensions of philanthropic corporate social responsibility in the FMCG sector, and the impact of institutional forces on the social sustainability of logistics service providers. Overall, the articles provide valuable insights into the societal value of SDGs in times of crisis. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Achieving social sustainability has become a critical challenge in global supply chain networks, particularly during complex crises such as terrorism. The purpose of this study is to explore how institutional forces influence the social sustainability approaches of logistics service providers (LSPs) in high terrorism-affected regions (HTAR). This then leads to investigating how the key factors interact with Institutional Theory. Design/methodology/approach: An exploratory multiple-case study research method was used to investigate six cases of different-sized logistics LSPs, each in an HTAR. The data was collected using semistructured interviews and triangulated using on-site observations and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used in iterative cycles for cross-case comparisons and pattern matching. Findings: The findings interact with Institutional Theory and the three final-order themes. First, management processes are driven by coopetition and innovation. Second, organizational resources, structure and culture lead to an ineffective organizational design. Finally, a lack of institutionalization creates institutional uncertainty. These factors are rooted in many other first-order factors such as information sharing, communication, relationship management, capacity development, new process developments, workforce characteristics, technology, microlevel culture and control aspects. Originality/value: This study answers the call for social sustainability research and enriches the literature on social sustainability, Institutional Theory and LSPs in HTARs by providing illustrations showing that institutional forces act as driving forces for social sustainability initiatives by shaping the current management processes. Conversely, the same forces impede social sustainability initiatives by shaping the current organizational designs and increasing institutional uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the concept of climate neutrality as a strategy to combat climate change. It emphasizes the need for organizations to balance out greenhouse gas emissions through measures that reduce or remove these gases from the atmosphere. The article highlights the significant environmental impact of supply chains and the growing focus on establishing regulatory frameworks to mitigate these effects. It also explores various research papers that delve into topics such as the inclusion of maritime transport in emissions trading systems, the financial impact of environmental policies on car manufacturers, sustainable green logistics, achieving climate neutrality in the metal and mining industry, the influence of blockchain technology on consumer perceptions, and the adoption of green logistics practices. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change and guiding businesses towards sustainable practices. [Extracted from the article]