Ismail Abushaikha, Munirah Sarhan Alqahtani, Omar M. Bwaliez
et al.
<i>Background</i>: This study examines the degree to which cognitive supply chain management (CSCM) indirectly enhances supply chain risk management (SCRM), addressing the lack of specific empirical research concerning the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. Specifically, this study tests the CSCM-SCRM relationship using the mediating roles of supply chain forecasting (SCF), supply chain synchronization (SCS), and supply chain transparency (SCT). <i>Methods</i>: For this quantitative research, a survey was conducted among 287 respondents of pharmaceutical companies operating in Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling was conducted, and the collected data were then analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4 software. The dynamic capabilities theory (DCT) and information processing theory (IPT) were integrated to develop the conceptual framework of this study. <i>Results</i>: The findings indicate that CSCM does not exert a direct impact on SCRM. Instead, CSCM significantly enhances SCF, SCS, and SCT. Among these, both SCF and SCT have a direct positive impact on SCRM and act as significant mediators in the CSCM–SCRM relationship. In contrast, SCS neither directly impacts SCRM nor plays a mediating role in this relationship. Based on this study, the positive outcomes of CSCM on SCRM come about via SCF and SCT rather than SCS. <i>Conclusions</i>: This study contributes to the literature by empirically validating a model that integrates CSCM, SCF, SCS, SCT, and SCRM in the context of Saudi pharmaceutical companies. It further contributes to the pharmaceutical practitioners by establishing that CSCM exerts an indirect positive effect on SCRM via information-intensive capabilities.
Transportation and communication, Management. Industrial management
<i>Background:</i> Over the past decade, the growth of ecommerce and omnichannel order fulfillment has led to a spike in last-mile delivery services. Last-mile delivery being the most expensive portion of the supply chain has resulted in process improvement initiatives by industry and academia targeting lower operational costs. <i>Methods:</i> In this study, we use simulation to account for the daily randomness regarding order quantities with missed deliveries being rolled over to the next period and attrition of the capacities used to meet the demand for each period. Further, to alleviate the impact on operations due to attrition, we consider the use of automation as a replacement for permanent capacity. <i>Results:</i> From the simulation results, we observe that the negative operational impact of employee turnover can be overcome with a combination of delivery robots and crowdsourcing with a payback period as short as 1.55 years. <i>Conclusions:</i> Optimal resource allocation is further refined by the use of simulation. The use of advanced automation such as robots seems to be a viable option for businesses to lower operational costs for some scenarios.
Transportation and communication, Management. Industrial management
Grakovski Alexander, Ostrovenec Nikita, Gercev Ivan
et al.
This paper presents a distortion compensation algorithm for multi-camera systems that does not require specialized calibration targets. A review of classical distortion models as well as modern calibration approaches (such as OpenCV) is provided. A modification of the distortion compensation algorithm is proposed, and an experimental comparison with the classical Brown–Conrady model is conducted using data from cameras equipped with the Sony IMX462 sensor. The results show that the proposed algorithm achieves projection rectification comparable to target-based calibration while preserving a wide field of view. This opens up opportunities for applying the method in wearable monitoring systems, panoramic image creation, and pipeline inspection, where the use of calibration targets is challenging.
<i>Background</i>: Foundational research on the gamma distribution and inventory control highlighted its flexibility and practicality for managing fast-moving finished goods. Nonetheless, concerns remain about conventional statistical approximations of lead-time demand (LTD) distributions. Real-world lead times often result in nonstandard LTD forms, and traditional methods may introduce parameter mismatches under nonclassical conditions. Despite these challenges, this research demonstrates that a gamma LTD approximation is an effective method for managing these goods. <i>Methods</i>: This study employs numerical experiments to assess accuracy at high service levels, focusing on errors in system cost and product availability. Three propositions are validated: (1) a standard distribution generally characterizes the demands of fast-moving items; (2) demand variability systematically modifies the form of nonstandard LTD distributions, enhancing accuracy; (3) nonclassical conditions generally improve the accuracy of properly parameterized gamma approximations. A purposive sample of disruptive lead-time distributions found in global maritime supply chains drives numerical experiments. <i>Results</i>: Externally validated evidence provides the following findings within our study context: (1) a nonstandard lead-time distribution does not necessarily result in a similar LTD distribution, as it also depends on demand variability; (2) demand variability positively affects the form of a nonstandard LTD distribution under conventional conditions, with nonclassical conditions enhancing this effect; (3) the shape transformations almost always improve the accuracy of a gamma approximation. <i>Conclusions</i>: A gamma LTD approximation can manage inventory for fast-moving finished goods effectively, even with disruptive lead times under both conventional and nonclassical conditions.
Transportation and communication, Management. Industrial management
In a smart port, the port value chain is transformed into an open and interconnected ecosystem in all areas. The digital transformation of the port to become a smart port requires not only the use of digital technologies, but also an appropriate digital strategy and a transformation of people. There will be no Smart Port without Smart People. In this sense, an important component of training, change management, transformation and acquisition of personal skills will be required to give an appropriate response to the new challenges of a smart port. Summary: In a smart port, the transformation of the port value chain into an open and interconnected ecosystem in all its areas is achieved. The digital transformation of the port to become a smart port requires not only the use of digital technologies, but also an appropriate digital strategy and a transformation of people. There will be no Smart Port without Smart People. In this sense, an important component of training, change management, transformation and acquisition of personal skills will be needed to give an appropriate response to the new challenges of a smart port.
Public law, Regulation of industry, trade, and commerce. Occupational law
Diana Božić, Margareta Živičnjak, Ratko Stanković
et al.
<i>Background:</i> The importance of up-to-date product master data in the digital age should not be underestimated. However, companies still struggle to ensure high-quality product data, especially in the field of logistics. Hence, the focus of our research lies in the disregard of the importance of product data quality to the performance of logistics processes. <i>Methods:</i> The analysis of the influence of product data on the performance of logistics processes was carried out using data from two fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution and retail companies. Data were gathered via interviews, while process activities were timed using a stopwatch, and interruptions were documented. The significance of the impact was determined using inferential statistical procedures based on the variable and the measurement scale type employed. <i>Results:</i> The quality of product master data has a significant impact on the performance of logistics processes; while managers are aware of the complications, they lack the motivation to detect and analyse such inaccuracies. <i>Conclusions:</i> The findings enhance comprehension of the obstacles generated by inadequate product data in logistics, which obstruct optimisation, and offer numerical proof of the impact of product data quality on logistics performance, thus expanding the current body of research.
Transportation and communication, Management. Industrial management
Mohammad Ali Haji Deh Abadi , Abolfath Khaleghi, Parisa saghafi
Applying artificial intelligence in criminal investigations makes it necessary to examine the probative value of intelligent evidence such as silent testimony, admission of confession, expert theory, and intelligent tracker in criminal policy based on Sharia doctrines such as Iran's criminal policy. The present article, with the descriptive-analytical method, based on the sources and evidence in the field of proof of claim, tries to examine the probative value of these proofs in an intelligent state. The findings of the research indicate that by carefully examining the judicial procedure of the courts, the modern performance of smart technology, and the dominant view of the authorities and the public, we will find that the reference to silent testimony recorded and transmitted confessions, the opinion of an expert, intelligent tracker or detective in the judicial process. It is not unlikely and far from expected. Regarding the silent testimony in crimes, perhaps it can be given more objectivity than human testimony and viewed as visible evidence. In addition, in some cases, the opinion of an expert and the use of a smart tracker may be able to provide the knowledge of the judge more than other evidence. Therefore, the full implementation of this action in the near future and with the growth of the use of artificial intelligence is an inevitable phenomenon, and the public and judicial must be prepared to coordinate with the speed of its development.
Regulation of industry, trade, and commerce. Occupational law, Islamic law
<i>Background</i>: ChatGPT has been largely discussed since it was launched in November 2022. Problem statement: the main approaches of ChatGPT in the recent and scarce literature are more focused on the impacts for general use, applied sciences and educational systems, which evidences a relevant gap for the management field, especially related to the supply chain area. <i>Objectives</i>: as a novel and initial contribution, this article aims to provide a viewpoint with the main applications and other issues regarding ChatGPT in supply chains, based on the initial discovered evidence. <i>Methods</i>: This viewpoint article is grounded on the few articles available in specialized magazines, blogs and company websites that approach potential applications and other issues of ChatGPT in supply chains, as a systematic literature review was not possible due to the absence of papers approaching the subject in the research databases. <i>Contributions</i>: this article contributes to the practitioners involved in supply chain activities who desire to have an initial and structured content related to the impacts and applications of ChatGPT on supply chains. It also seeks to encourage researchers on further research deployments in this field by presenting potential research agenda topics. <i>Results</i>: first evidence based on quality results from the analyzed content showed that, although it may take time until this technology evolves to a desirable level of maturity, it may be applied in different areas of supply chain management (e.g., route optimization, predictive maintenance, order shipment, customer and supplier relationships, data analysis, ordering process, automating invoices, reducing waste, workforce training and guidance, amongst others), with a potential generation of significant benefits such as cost reductions and the improvement of supply chain performance.
Transportation and communication, Management. Industrial management
In this study a problematic of logistics service provider selection is discussed. Traditional decision-making techniques are functionally limited and must be adjusted. Modern approach must be based on contemporary tools and information. The aim of this study is to develop a modern, industry-oriented decision-making model for selection of strategic logistics service providers. Main tasks of this study include: to perform critical analysis and comparison of multiple-criteria decision-making methods; to adapt decision-making framework for specific needs of selection of third-party logistics service providers; to collect and analyze industry data related to procurement projects; to develop modern decision-making model for selection of logistics service providers; to perform practical application of developed decision-making model based on collected industry data. The key novelties of this study are developed methodology for collection of industry data for decision-making process, developed hybrid decision-making model for selection of third-party logistics service provider, as well as application of the model. As the result, there is developed decision-making model for selection of 3PL service providers that includes 6 steps.
<i>Background:</i> Several product lifecycle management systems (PLMs) have been implemented in the industrial sector for managing the data of the product from the design up to the disposal or recycling stage. However, these PLMs face certain challenges in managing the complex and decentralized product lifecycles. <i>Methods:</i> To this aim, this work investigates the currently implemented PLMs used in industries through the exploration of various software reviews and selection websites. Accordingly, these existing PLMs are quantitatively compared and analyzed. <i>Results:</i> The analysis shows that most of the existing PLMs do not contain all the required features; therefore, industries integrate different software to create a full-fledged PLM system. However, this practice results in reducing the overall system efficiency. In this context, this paper assesses and recommends a blockchain-based innovative solution that overcomes the challenges of existing PLMs, hence increasing the overall system efficiency. Furthermore, this work argues, in a logical way, that the recommended blockchain-based platform provides a secure and connected infrastructure for data handling, processing, and storage at different stages of the product lifecycle. <i>Conclusions:</i> This work can be considered among the first to compare the currently implemented PLMs with a novel blockchain-based method. Thus, the stakeholders can utilize the outputs of this research in their analysis and decision-making processes for implementing the blockchain in their organizations.
Transportation and communication, Management. Industrial management
This paper reports the undermined potential of broad range of (Information and communication technologies) ICTs that remained effective yet unnoticed in different flood-phases to exchange traffic, travel, and evacuation related information. The objective was to identify convenient ICTs that people found operational in life cycle of a flood. For the purpose, ICTs were tested in relation to 18 different variables based on personal capabilities, demographic, and vehicle-based information etc.
Celem artykułu jest omówienie zagadnień związanych z procesem spalania i współspalania biomasy w kotłach energetycznych w świetle polskich regulacji prawnych, z uwzględnieniem zagrożeń i problemów eksploatacyjnych wynikających z wprowadzenia preferencji związanych z przetwarzaniem paliw odnawialnych na energię elektryczną. W artykule przeanalizowano: unijną politykę klimatyczną, związaną z wprowadzeniem biomasy do sektora energetycznego, podział oraz charakterystykę biomasy, problemy eksploatacyjne kotłów węglowych związane ze współspalaniem biomasy, dalsze perspektywy i kierunki spalania i współspalania biomasy. Wykazano również, niezbędną konieczność tworzenia i dostosowywania prawa w odniesieniu do specyfiki posiadanych zasobów energetycznych oraz technicznych uwarunkowań i możliwości ich przetwarzania na energię elektryczną.
Environmental law, Regulation of industry, trade, and commerce. Occupational law
Art. 3 wskazuje na sytuacje, w których Prawo geologiczne i górnicze nie znajduje zastosowania; art. 4 dotyczy wydobywania (z wyłączeniem omawianej ustawy) niektórych kopalin dla zaspokojenia własnych potrzeb osoby fizycznej. Z kolei art. 5 zawiera definicje wód leczniczych, wód termalnych i solanek oraz przesądza, że są one kopalinami.
Environmental law, Regulation of industry, trade, and commerce. Occupational law
In this research is being analyzed trade relationship and unitized maritime cargo between Germany and Finland. Focus in longitudinal analysis (2001-2017) is on maritime transport, and particularly within the development of different Finnish sea ports in unitized German cargo handling. Trade has been significantly growing over the decades and is on record highs in the most recent year (2017). Germany has also become largest trade partner of Finland. However, after 2003 trade bas been on growing deficit path, and is currently more than one billion deficits for Finland. Rather surprisingly, unitized cargo flows are not growing as much as trade suggests. Still best years are from time before Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Some sea ports in Southwest of Finland have been on clear declining path, while largest sea ports could be considered as somehow sustaining in volumes. Growth is on some smaller and mid-sized sea ports, which have direct regional need for German trade. Hinterland transports through Baltic States must have taken share of direct maritime transports from Finnish sea ports.