Hasil untuk "Shipment of goods. Delivery of goods"

Raíza Celeghin Benedecti, Vanina Macowski Durski Silva, Gustavo Adolfo Alves da Costa

Abstract The increasing volume of container handling at seaports leads to a rise in heavy vehicle traffic, often resulting in congestion that poses a significant challenge to port competitiveness by disrupting operational fluidity, increasing logistics costs and delays. This study presents the development of an agent-based simulation model designed to evaluate the impact of incorporating a truck parking facility on the hinterland operations. The model is adaptable to diverse maritime supply chain and utilizes performance indicators, such as queue length and total cycle time. A case study conducted at Itapoá Port, Brazil, indicates that the infrastructure can be used as an efficient congestion management strategy, since it has the potential to reduce the total cycle time of full containers by 15.69% for import flows and 18.43% for export flows. Findings suggest that the proposed solution can mitigate congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to more sustainable port logistics.

Nguyen D. Nguyen, Thuy T. Mac, Huong T. Tran

Background: The study was conducted in response to the challenges of a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business environment that pressures firms to enhance collaboration and resilience within their supply chains. Objectives: This study examined how the business environment and the degree of digital technology adoption influenced supply chain collaboration (SCC), while also assessing the mediating roles of supply chain visibility (SCVI) and supply chain risk management (SCRM). Method: A quantitative survey was performed with 180 manufacturing enterprises in Vietnam. The proposed model was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique to evaluate direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results: The business environment positively affected technology adoption, SCVI, SCRM and SCC (p  0.05). Technology adoption directly and indirectly influenced SCC through SCVI and SCRM. Both SCVI and SCRM significantly enhanced SCC, and the overall model explained 43.1% of the variance in SCC (R2 = 0.431). Conclusion: The findings indicated that while environmental dynamism stimulated digital transformation, SCVI remained the key driver that translated environmental pressures and technological capabilities into effective SCC. Contribution: Theoretically, the study extends the dynamic capability perspective by jointly considering environmental and digital determinants and by identifying SCVI as a catalyst for collaborative practice and performance in supply chains. Practically, it offers recommendations for policymakers and managers on fostering SCC through coordinated technical and managerial solutions, including digital adoption, enhanced visibility and integrated SCRM.

Yu-Chun Chang, Hsi-Tung Yu

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted global aviation networks, with long-haul connectivity particularly affected. This study assesses the evolving competitive positions of sixteen major hub airports in the Asia-Pacific region by analyzing their transfer-connectivity performance before and after the pandemic. Using flight schedule data from the Innovata Worldwide Flight Schedules Database, three key indicators are employed: Quantity of Viable Connections (QVC), Hub Connectivity Performance Index (HCPI), and Hub Efficiency Index (HEI). Two reference weeks—September 2019 and September 2023—were selected to represent pre- and post-pandemic conditions. The results show that Northeast Asian hubs such as Seoul Incheon (ICN), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) have retained dominant roles in trans-Pacific connectivity, with ICN ranking first in QVC and TPE leading in both HEI and HCPI. TPE also surpassed Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) in QVC, signaling a strategic shift in hub competitiveness. In contrast, airports in mainland China (PEK, PVG, CAN) and HKG experienced significant declines following the pandemic. As the global aviation sector recovers, airports with lower QVC are encouraged to reinstate suspended routes and explore new market pairings, while those with weaker HCPI or HEI performance should focus on reducing connection times and improving schedule coordination. This study provides empirical insights into the post-COVID restructuring of hub dynamics and offers strategic guidance for policymakers and airport authorities committed to restoring and enhancing connectivity in an increasingly competitive global air transport landscape.

Emiliano Magrini, El Mamoun Amrouk, Bing Qiao

Abstract Maritime shipping carries almost 90 percent of global food and agricultural trade, making it essential for ensuring access to food worldwide. Disruptions that raise shipping costs can therefore exert significant pressure on food security, particularly in net food-importing developing countries. Grounding the analysis in trade models that endogenize transport costs and in the literature on price transmission under inelastic demand, we estimate the dynamic impact of shocks to dry bulk and container freight rates on the food import bill in the short run. Using monthly data for about 200 economies from 2005 to 2022, the empirical analysis relies on local projection. Local projections are well suited for this analysis because they estimate dynamic impacts without restrictive structural assumptions, accommodate unbalanced panels, and remain robust to model misspecification. Results indicate that a 10 percent increase in dry bulk rates raises the FIB by 1.2 percent after 1 year, while an equivalent rise in container rates increases it by 3.5 percent, with over 70 percent of the effect materializing within 6 months. For net food-importing developing countries, the impact of container cost shocks is even larger (4.3 percent) revealing their vulnerability. These findings point to the need for timely and targeted policy interventions to mitigate the consequences of shipping cost shocks. These include stabilizing foreign exchange and enhancing current account resilience; facilitating credit access to food importers; investing in port infrastructure, logistics, and digitalization; reducing trade barriers; and strengthening social protection mechanisms with targeted safety nets for poor consumers.

Teboho M. Mofokeng

Background: The Textile and Clothing industry is widely recognised as one of the most polluting industries in the world. This includes the South African industry, which is also challenged by the influx of Asian products competing for the same market. To remain competitive, an approach of environmental sustainability can be a viable strategy that can be further enhanced by the adoption of green practices as a strategy. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the mediating role of green logistics practices (GLP) and the moderating effects of green marketing practices (GMP) on the relationship between environmental performance (EP) and operational performance (OP) in the Textile and Clothing industry in South Africa. Method: The study adopted a quantitative research methodology with a correlational research design. A sample size of 446 manufacturing firms was acquired and data were collected through a survey method with the use of convenience sampling. The data were analysed through Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: GMP were found to show statistically insignificant moderating effects, while GLP demonstrated positive and significant mediating effects. Conclusion: The findings imply that GMP must be prioritised as a key determinant of OP, given the significant direct effect of these practices. Contribution: The study explains the relationship between EP and OP for the industry, and thus also addresses a knowledge gap in the literature regarding this matter. The study also demonstrates the use of the industrial approach and the practice theory as a cohesive theoretical foundation within the field of supply chain management.

Hadi Taghavifar

Carbon emission reduction has been the focus of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and restrictive mandates are considered by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The new guidelines consider carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions based on the propulsion system efficiency, distance, and dead weight, which are called the carbon intensity indicator (CII). In this research, this factor was calculated based on the large available data from a chemical tanker ship to analyze the ship rating using artificial intelligence techniques. The available data, consisting of global positioning system (GPS) location, wind speed and direction, draft and trim, engine power and speed, and vessel speed, are used for the CII prediction by the artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. Two types of ANN are considered for modeling: multilayer feedforward with two hidden layers, called deep neural networks (DNN), and generalized regression neural networks (GRNN). The attained, required, and referenced CII are calculated, and the system rating is determined and compared with the predicted CII. The best performance of the DNN is achieved with 15 neurons in the first and second hidden layers. The performance of the two types of ANN is robust and close to each other. However, the GRNN has slightly better predictive efficiency, considering the faster convergence and setup configuration complexity. The GRNN model shows a mean absolute error of 0.0928 with an unacceptable prediction ratio of 0.06 % and a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.998, which can capture the CII metric values and trend in transient mode robustly.

Lubinda M. Sakanga, Erastus M. Mwanaumo, Wellington D. Thwala

Background: According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) the Southern African railway network extends homogenously through 1067mm cape gauge across 12 of the 15 SADC nations. Nonetheless, the network is constrained from efficient and effective operation due to insufficient investment in maintaining and upgrading affected tracks and equipment apart from inadequate human capital. This article presents the case of regulation as a plausible solution. Objectives: To advocate for railway economic regulation as a means for enabling investment in SADC regional railway corridors. Method: Literature review on global best practices on regulation that induces transport and infrastructure sector investment, and a market research study on railway corridor investment policy assertions and Economic Regulation of the Regional Railway Corridor for Investment. Results: Current SADC regional railway corridor markets do not encourage steady or sustainable investments and there is a need for further exploration on more investment subsidies and crowding-in on intergovernmental agreements for pertinent development. Conclusion: Attracting investments into a railway corridor market is an aspect of economic regulation, which necessitates the establishment of market confidence, predictability, and transparency, as observed in Brazil. The legislative provisions, market access codes, and incentives as implemented in the USA, Europe, Australia, and Japan are also crucial investment inducement. Contribution: The articles presents a profound approach to regional railway corridor investments consideration as it puts to questions the current practice of isolated sovereign attempts. It advocates for joint intergovernmental effort for sustainable and competitive regional railway corridor investments.

Dimas Harris Sean Keefe, Hyunmi Jang, Ji-Min Sur

The COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted the vulnerability of international trade, forcing an increase in domestic supply reserves in Indonesia and other ASEAN countries. This transition underlines the need of sustainable practices in addressing the changing expectations of organizations and consumers in the field of supply chain management. Recognizing the importance of agriculture in Indonesia's context, this study investigates into the digital implementation throughout agricultural supply chains. The study explores the benefits and challenges of incorporating digitalization in agricultural supply chains by conducting in-depth interviews with stakeholders from many sectors, including farmers, experts, industry practitioners, academia, and government representatives. Stakeholder insights provide information about the possible benefits of digital transformation, such as greater income, cost savings, and improved collaboration. Furthermore, the report identifies important challenges such as insufficient infrastructure and data security problems that must be addressed. In addition to improving agricultural supply chain efficiency, digitalization is found to have broader implications for maritime logistics, a crucial component of Indonesia’s archipelagic trade system. By optimizing the coordination between agricultural production and shipping schedules, digital tools can reduce delays, streamline logistics operations, and enhance overall supply chain resilience. This study not only addresses challenges in Indonesia’s agricultural sector but also contributes to the broader goal of promoting innovation and sustainability in logistics and shipping within Indonesia and across the ASEAN region.

Hyoseon Kim, Hyuksoo Cho

During the COVID-19 pandemic, severe demurrage in shipping and container terminals has led to a global logistics crisis and supply chain disruptions. Although the situation is gradually stabilizing, discussions persist on strategies to reduce volatility in container freight transportation. Demurrage imposes unnecessary costs, delays deliveries, and impedes the efficiency of container terminals. This study analyzes the factors influencing demurrage from the perspective of logistics companies, specifically, based on the characteristics of logistics companies and the attributes of the cargo owners they serve. Additionally, it explores the impact of demurrage levels on firm performance and investigates how this relationship may be moderated by container terminal characteristics. The empirical findings indicate that advancements in information systems within logistics companies, along with improved collaboration and contract compliance among cargo owners, can significantly reduce demurrage. This reduction in demurrage can enhance firm performance. Furthermore, credibility management and digitization of shipping documents also play a crucial role in minimizing demurrage. Building on previous research and empirical insights, this study emphasizes the importance of sustained long-term investment and policy support from the government for the digital transformation of logistics processes, complementing the efforts of both logistics companies and cargo owners.

Tristan Ermes, Wesley Niemann

Background: Omni-channel retailing is blurring the lines between online and physical stores for consumers as it provides consumers with more choices, convenience and a seamless shopping experience. An integral aspect of implementing an omni-channel retail strategy is having an efficient reverse logistics process. However, retailers seem reluctant to implement omni-channel reverse logistics because of the various risk types that affect the economic wellbeing of a firm, especially during supply chain disruption recovery (SCDR) when the firm is in distress. Prior research primarily examines the risks associated with reverse logistics in a single channel. While the existing findings are promising, there is a lack of understanding regarding the specific risks involved in omni-channel reverse logistics and how to mitigate these risks in the context of SCDR. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore omni-channel reverse logistics risks and mitigation strategies during SCDR in the South African fashion retail industry. Method: The study employed a generic qualitative design using purposive sampling methods. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The study identified specific types of omni-channel reverse logistics risks. The findings indicate that omni-channel reverse logistics risk during SCDR is managed through proactive and reactive strategies such as technology implementation, collaborative relationships, quality insurance inspections, customised policy changes and disruption-specific reverse logistics teams. The findings show that mitigating omni-channel reverse logistics risk can help create a competitive advantage because of increasing customer loyalty, value recovery and profits. Conclusion: The findings provide valuable insight on how to manage omni-channel reverse logistics risk during SCDR and, if mitigated correctly, can contribute to a competitive advantage. Contribution: This study expands on the current literature by identifying multiple types of omni-channel reverse logistics risks and strategies used to manage omni-channel reverse logistics risk in a SCDR context.

Dineo N. Maepa, Musenga F. Mpwanya, Tshishikhawe B. Phume

Background: South Africa’s government departments use a manual paper-based procurement system with some electronic features despite the high level of human interference contributing to corruption, favouritism and inefficiency associated with manual paper-based procurement system. This suggests a lack of readiness towards full e-procurement adoption in South Africa’s public sector. However, studies on readiness factors affecting e-procurement adoption have been scantly investigated in multiple government departments in South Africa. Objectives: This study aims to determine the readiness factors that affect e-procurement in multiple government departments in South Africa. Method: A quantitative research design was adopted to sample 113 public procurement officials using a cluster sampling method from five identified national government departments across five ministerial clusters. The data were collected using an online self-administered survey questionnaire and processed and analysed through Stata Release 15 statistical analysis software. Results: Six factors were identified to influence e-procurement readiness in South African government departments. These include technology and organisation’s finance, among others. These factors will aid in effective planning of government departments regarding e-procurement readiness. Conclusion: Government departments should consider the factors that influence e-procurement readiness when deciding to adopt e-procurement system. This would help government departments to plan effectively e-procurement acquisition, running and training of users and thereby streamlining their procurement processes, reducing operating costs and minimising corruption. Contribution: This study fills a lack of knowledge on the readiness factors affecting e-PP adoption in the South African government department context. The knowledge of these factors, generated through empirical analysis, would guide government departments when deciding on e-PP readiness and streamline procurement processes in South Africa.

Panaitescu Mariana, Panaitescu Fanel-Viorel, Vasilescu Mihail-Vlad et al.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis on the energy balance of the hybrid energy system and the mooring scheme for a container ship, as well as the energy balance of the electricity generating systems, from unconventional sources. The methods applied to achieve the main objective consist of analytical calculations and simulations in the ANSYS Fluent program for various positions of the analyzed system, as follows: a) technical characteristics of the container ship; b) elements of the hybrid energy system, which uses unconventional energy; c) energy balance of electricity generating systems from unconventional sources; d) connecting conventional and unconventional power sources to the ship's main power bar. Results Finally of researches, the results obtained are: a) the volume, mass and ascending force of the FLETTNER balloon with helium, assimilated with an airship; b) positioning scheme of large vertical wind turbines installed in the bow of the container ship and in the stern of the container ship; c) the energy balance of electricity generating systems from unconventional sources; d) schemes for connecting conventional and unconventional energy sources to the ship. Conclusions The calculation of the energy balance of the two types of wind energy capture systems depending on the speed of the ship, in ideal wind conditions and depending on the number of vertical wind turbines running, which use wind energy. Of course, it will never be necessary to turn on all wind power equipment at full capacity. The FLETTNER balloon can generate more power and for this reason, we must to present the number and diameter of cables needed to transmit electricity. Through this research, following the installation of the elements of the hybrid diesel-electric power system with energy from conventional (fossil fuels) and unconventional energy sources (a FLETTNER balloon with helium and four large vertical wind turbines) placed on a ship container portability, both the manoeuvrability and the stability of the ship, do not change fundamentally.

Andréia Propp Arend

Há tempos a poluição dos mares por óleo vem sendo preocupação regulatória na esfera mundial. O fundamento está na larga escala atingida pelo transporte marítimo, cujo combustível deriva do petróleo, bem como do próprio transporte de carga petrolífera. Grandes derramamentos são conhecidos, enquanto pequenos nem sempre chegam ao conhecimento das autoridades, mas que somados podem gerar danos tão graves ou maiores ao meio ambiente e à sociedade vitimada, quando comparados aos de grande escala. O presente estudo visa a evidenciar as normas internacionais de responsabilidade civil aplicáveis ao caso da poluição na costa brasileira por óleo, ocorrida em agosto de 2019. Na pesquisa será adotado o método de estudo de caso, com abordagem teórica e dedutiva, utilizando o método de procedimento de pesquisa documental. Para tanto, será utilizada a pesquisa bibliográfica e análise regulatória. A pesquisa contribui para demonstrar a urgência de o Brasil ratificar a Convenção Internacional sobre Responsabilidade Civil por Danos Causados por Poluição por Óleo (CLC/1992), e posterior protocolo do fundo suplementar; no sentido de que em situações semelhantes à ocorrida, o Brasil possa lançar mão de fundo internacional para dar suporte à implementação de planos de contenção e de pagamentos de indenizações às comunidades afetadas. É possível concluir que há previsão nas convenções internacionais para que os Estados partes contem com cobertura indenizatória com limitação de valores, bem como circunstâncias em que as limitações poderão ser desconsideradas a depender dos atos do causador do dano, como foi o caso da poluição na costa brasileira.

Nhu-Mai Thi Nong

Efficiency management is increasing its importance in the improvement of the chain sustainability. As such, this study aims to assess the performance efficiency of retail stores in fashion industry. The integrated approach of Delphi and DEA techniques was employed to address the performance efficiency assessment problem. The Delphi method was used to define the input and output variables, whereas the DEA was applied to evaluate the performance efficiency. The proposed approach was then applied into a fashion company in Hochiminh city of Vietnam to assess its retail chain performance. The results showed that labour, operational costs, size of store, number of customers, and sales revenue are considered as input and output variables in the retailing performance efficiency evaluation. Besides, it is also concluded in the study that most of efficiency retail stores are located in the dynamic districts and the efficient stores can be at any size. The proposed approach verifies its usefulness in the retailing sector. Therefore, it can be applied to the performance efficiency of retail stores in all industries. In terms of theoretical contribution, the input and output variables proposed in this study may devote to the literature in the concept and assessment of the performance efficiency. Moreover, comprehensive and multi-variable assessment of retailing sector may bring lots of benefits not only to the decision-making units but also the authorities or association with constraint funds.

Alvaro Simões da Conceição Neto, Cleber Martinez, Maurício Drummond Uzeda

A descarbonização do setor dos transportes hidroviários, de capital intensivo e com uma maturidade de longo prazo, é uma atividade que se tem destacado internacionalmente. No entanto, os navios de carbono zero são mais caros do que os navios convencionais, e foi identificada a necessidade de instituições financeiras e públicas oferecerem ferramentas financeiras adicionais e incentivos para facilitar o caminho para a descarbonização, que pode ser por meio da emissão de debêntures pelas empresas interessadas. Desde 2011, com a implantação das debêntures incentivadas, o mercado nacional possui uma política pública de incentivo à estruturação financeira de projetos de infraestrutura junto a iniciativa privada, compreendendo, entre os projetos de logística e transporte, o setor naval. O aprimoramento desta política em 2020 trouxe um claro incentivo para projetos que proporcionem benefícios ambientais. Os compromissos assumidos por organismos internacionais e grandes investidores corroboram a relevância que as questões climáticas passaram a representar para a captação de recursos para o desenvolvimento de grandes projetos. No entanto, altos níveis de transparência são exigidos pelos investidores no mercado de títulos verdes ou títulos climáticos.

Rian Mehta, Scott R. Winter, Stephen Rice et al.

This study researches cruise-ship passengers’ Willingness to Ride (WTR) onboard a vessel with either a human operator or a completely autonomous system. We utilized a between-subjects quasi-experimental design with 578 participants from the U.S. using Amazon's MTurk. WTR was measured using an adapted version of the Willingness to Fly scale. The results showed that while all participants were significantly less willing to ride onboard autonomous cruise-ships, male participants had significantly higher WTR. Interestingly, male participants’ WTR was positive indicating a positive perception towards automation, a new finding in autonomous transportation research. Participants also rated their feelings towards the scenarios using pictorial representations of the six universal emotions. A mediation analysis on this affect data determined which emotions mediated the relationship between the condition and willingness. The results showed that fear and happiness are the predominant driving forces behind these perceptions. The findings of this study will be valuable in understanding the perceptions of cruise consumers and can help inform policy and decision makers within the industry about perceptions as well as the underlying emotional factors that influence those perceptions.

Arthur M. Gonyora, Stephen Migiro, Bongani Ngwenya et al.

Background: The automotive supply chain (ASC) is mainly composed of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are the most crucial drivers of South African economic activities. However, the sector faces many challenges that threaten its survival. Besides the added impact of COVID-19, the industry is experiencing financial and operational pressures, which are exacerbated by the proliferation of cheap imported components that have flooded the local market. These factors affect not only the component manufacturers but also the complete automotive supply chain. Hence, in order to survive, management has realigned its operational strategies to the open innovation archetype to stimulate sustainable competitive advantage. Objectives: This study investigates how an open innovation strategic alignment influences sustainable competitive advantage decision-making amongst the various levels of management of selected automotive supply chain in South Africa. Method: This article adopted an exploratory, qualitative approach. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst Chief Executiver Officers (CEOs), senior managers and Research and Development (RD) managers of four selected firms who understood their organisation’s research and development initiatives. Thematic analysis was used to process the data Results: This study identified that the process of strategic alignment is central to the implementation of open innovation strategies, which hinges on the operational levels of the employees in an organisation. Conclusion: This study provides a further academic understanding of the open innovation strategic alignment imperatives and assists management to understand how they can ensure that strategic alignment between and amongst themselves, as managers should cascade to all levels in their firms to enhance sustainable competitive advantage.

Portia P.S. Sifolo, Lorraine P. Molefe, Unathi S. Henama et al.

Background: The cross-cutting nature of the tourism industry is one of the defining features or characteristics of the sector. There is a high rate of interdependence in the tourism industry; hence, it is dubbed to be having a multiplier effect (direct, indirect and induced). Objectives: The aim of the study is to investigate the supply chain (SC) drivers and barriers of the businesses operating in the tourism industry in Pretoria. Method: A self-administered questionnaire was used to identify the drivers and barriers within the tourism SC (TSC). Convenience sampling was implemented among 179 businesses operating in Pretoria. Results: The results revealed that customer relationship management is an SC driver for tourism operation in Pretoria. The barriers incorporate issues such as being insensitive to the environment, not developing environmental-friendly SCs and logistics practices and not being able to assess the performance against criteria defined in the organisation’s policy. Moreover, the study presents the mitigation plan approach to deal with the TSC barriers in the near future. Conclusion: Innovation that strengthens inter-sectoral planning and collaboration is pivotal for effective coordination.

Abisai Konstantinus, Mark Zuidgeest

Background: Two recurring issues in freight research regard the determination of the decision-makers in terms of freight mode choice and the modal attributes that shippers consider when making such mode choice decisions. Objectives: As few studies have been conducted in freight transport research in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region; this paper provides empirical results on two research questions that allows the understanding of the freight procurement landscape in SADC. Firstly, who the decision maker is in terms of freight mode choice, and secondly, which modal attributes are consider and in which order, when shippers make mode choice decisions. Method: An online survey was conducted with 86 shippers, freight forwarders and third-party logistics parties across the SADC region to address modal attributes in freight mode choice. The exploded logit model was developed to draw inference from the data. Results: The results confirm that freight mode choice decisions are mostly affected by the shipper, with the freight forwarder being typically employed as the advisor. In terms of modal attributes, the results of an exploded logit model revealed that the top five attributes in terms of importance are reliability with reference to arriving on time, transport cost, risk of damage, frequency of service and transit time. Conclusion: These results can inform freight studies, especially shipper behavioural studies, which require the enumeration of attributes that can lead to improved reliable studies on freight transport.