Journal Description
Logistics
Logistics
is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal of logistics and supply chain management published quarterly online by MDPI. The first issue has been released in December 2017.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), RePEc, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 28.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Operations Research and Management Science) / CiteScore - Q1 (Management Information Systems)
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.6 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.7 (2023)
Latest Articles
A Capacitated Vehicle Routing Model for Distribution and Repair with a Service Center
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010028 - 12 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Distribution systems often face the dual challenge of delivering products to customers and retrieving damaged items for repair, especially when the service center is separate from the depot. An optimized solution to this logistics problem produces benefits in terms of costs, greenhouse
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Background: Distribution systems often face the dual challenge of delivering products to customers and retrieving damaged items for repair, especially when the service center is separate from the depot. An optimized solution to this logistics problem produces benefits in terms of costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and disposal reduction. Methods: This research proposes a Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Service Center (CVRPwSC) model to determine optimal routes involving customers, the depot, and the service center. AMPL-Gurobi was used to solve the model on adapted instances and new instances developed for the CVRPwSC. Additionally, a Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) algorithm was implemented and compared with AMPL-Gurobi. Results: The model was applied to a real-world case study, achieving a 40% reduction in fuel costs, a reduction from 5 to 3 routes, and a sustainable logistics operations model with potential reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and item disposals. Conclusions: The main contribution of the proposal is a minimum-cost routing model integrating item returns for repair with customer deliveries, while the limitation is the exclusion of scenarios where return items exceed vehicle capacity. Finally, future research will enhance the CVRPwSC model by incorporating additional constraints and decision variables to address such scenarios.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Circular Supply Chains: Integrating Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Circular Economy Practices)
Open AccessArticle
The Ambidextrous Role of Inland Terminals in Enhancing Port–Hinterland Connectivity
by
Tomislav Rožić, Diana Božić, Ivona Bajor and Berislav Andrlić
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010027 - 12 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: The operational roles of ports are deeply intertwined with the development of their surrounding hinterlands, indicating that their relationship is mutually dependent and interactive. Moreover, the growth of a port positively influences the development of its hinterland, stimulating economic activities and improving
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Background: The operational roles of ports are deeply intertwined with the development of their surrounding hinterlands, indicating that their relationship is mutually dependent and interactive. Moreover, the growth of a port positively influences the development of its hinterland, stimulating economic activities and improving overall regional development by enhancing competitiveness. Inland terminals, often considered “extended gateways” to ports, play a crucial role in integrating ports with their hinterlands. These terminals facilitate the adjustment of cargo transportation to align with the operational dynamics of ports. This paper presents a framework designed to clarify the importance of fostering strong links between ports and their hinterlands through the establishment of inland terminals. Methods: By applying a conceptual framework and methodologies of literature review and content analysis, this paper highlights the critical importance of developing robust connections between ports and their hinterlands through the implementation of inland terminals. Results and Conclusions: The findings of this research can help map the scientific knowledge related to various metrics of port–hinterland connectivity, outline relevant thematic areas, visualize the relationships between ports and their hinterlands, and identify prevailing research gaps and potential research paths in the context of inland terminal integration into the port system.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Maritime and Transport Logistics)
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Open AccessReview
Exploring Industry 4.0’s Role in Sustainable Supply Chains: Perspectives from a Bibliometric Review
by
Federico Briatore, Francesca Vanni, Marco Tullio Mosca, Roberto Nicola Mosca, Fabio Fruggiero and Francesco Mancusi
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010026 - 11 Feb 2025
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Background: Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies have transformed supply chain (SC) logistics and production. However, their environmental impact, particularly on CO2 emissions and carbon footprints, remains underexplored. This study examines the impact of I4.0 tools on SCs sustainability, focusing on reducing carbon footprints.
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Background: Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies have transformed supply chain (SC) logistics and production. However, their environmental impact, particularly on CO2 emissions and carbon footprints, remains underexplored. This study examines the impact of I4.0 tools on SCs sustainability, focusing on reducing carbon footprints. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted in October 2023 to quantitatively evaluate the scientific literature, examining publication characteristics to assess current research and forecast future trends. The Scopus database was utilized with specific filters to identify studies on the impact of I4.0 technologies in SC domains on sustainability, focusing on CO2 emissions and carbon footprint reduction. VOSviewer software version 1.6.15 was used to analyze selected papers, revealing key keyword clusters and relationships. Results: Five clusters were identified, offering insights for supply chain managers and highlighting links between I4.0 and CO2 reduction in supply chains: “LCA towards zero carbon”, “Supply chain carbon footprint”, “Risk and decarbonization analysis”, “Industry 4.0 and stochastic models for sustainability”, and “Biodiversity and environmental impact”. Key findings emphasize the strong connection between LCA, carbon footprint analysis, emission control, and the role of I4.0 technologies like blockchain and IoT in reducing emissions. Conclusions: This study highlights the environmental benefits of I4.0 in SC management, supporting global decarbonization goals.
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Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Intermittent Spare Part Demand Forecasting: A Novel Ensemble Approach with Focal Loss and SMOTE
by
Saskia Puspa Kenaka, Andi Cakravastia, Anas Ma’ruf and Rully Tri Cahyono
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010025 - 8 Feb 2025
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Background: Accurate inventory management of intermittent spare parts requires precise demand forecasting. The sporadic and irregular nature of demand, characterized by long intervals between occurrences, results in a significant data imbalance, where demand events are vastly outnumbered by zero-demand periods. This challenge
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Background: Accurate inventory management of intermittent spare parts requires precise demand forecasting. The sporadic and irregular nature of demand, characterized by long intervals between occurrences, results in a significant data imbalance, where demand events are vastly outnumbered by zero-demand periods. This challenge has been largely overlooked in forecasting research for intermittent spare parts. Methods: The proposed model incorporates the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) to balance the dataset and uses focal loss to enhance the sensitivity of deep learning models to rare demand events. The approach was empirically validated by comparing the model’s Mean Squared Error (MSE) performance and Area Under the Curve (AUC). Results: The ensemble model achieved a 47% reduction in MSE and a 32% increase in AUC, demonstrating substantial improvements in forecasting accuracy. Conclusions: The findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed method in addressing data imbalance and improving the prediction of intermittent spare part demand, providing a valuable tool for inventory management.
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Open AccessArticle
Supply Chain Sustainability Drivers: Identification and Multi-Criteria Assessment
by
Nikita Osintsev and Aleksandr Rakhmangulov
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010024 - 8 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Supply chains operate under the changing influences of multiple external and internal factors. Sustainable supply chain development requires an assessment of these factors, as well as drivers and barriers. Various sustainability assessment criteria, methods, and models based on the consideration
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Background: Supply chains operate under the changing influences of multiple external and internal factors. Sustainable supply chain development requires an assessment of these factors, as well as drivers and barriers. Various sustainability assessment criteria, methods, and models based on the consideration of the influence of different factors are used depending on the type and structure of the supply chain. Methods: The combination of DEMATEL and CRADIS multi-criteria methods is applied to rank the efficiency of drivers for achieving sustainable development goals, both for the supply chain as a whole and for each of its structural elements. Results: This study proposes a system of drivers for sustainable supply chain development. The peculiarity of the used supply chain model is the universality of its structure, which ensures the realization by the structural elements of the chain of all known functional areas of logistics. A framework for sustainable supply chain drivers’ multi-criteria assessment based on the use of the original two-level system of drivers’ assessment criteria is developed. Conclusions: The results of the supply chain sustainability drivers’ ranking and the framework developed by the authors are intended to justify decisions on the green logistics methods and instrument selection.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Its Application in Sustainable Smart Logistics)
Open AccessArticle
Self-Healing Databases for Emergency Response Logistics in Remote and Infrastructure-Poor Settings
by
James McGarvey, Martha R. Grabowski, Buddy Custard and Steven Gabelein
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010023 - 6 Feb 2025
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Background: Accurate, real-time data about response technologies, capabilities, and availabilities are key to effective emergency response logistics; this is particularly important in remote settings, such as in the Arctic, where limited infrastructure, logistics, and technologies occasion the need for careful planning and immediate
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Background: Accurate, real-time data about response technologies, capabilities, and availabilities are key to effective emergency response logistics; this is particularly important in remote settings, such as in the Arctic, where limited infrastructure, logistics, and technologies occasion the need for careful planning and immediate response in a fragile, pristine, and rapidly changing ecosystem. Despite persistent calls for improved data quality, processing, and analysis capabilities to support Arctic emergency response logistics, these issues have not been addressed and advanced analytical methods available in other safety-critical and oil and gas settings, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), or emergent, self-aware, and self-healing databases, have not been widely adopted. Methods: This work explores this research gap by presenting a machine learning algorithm and self-healing database approach, describing its application in Arctic logistics and emergency response. Results: The self-healing algorithm could be applied to other safety-critical databases that could benefit from technology that automatically detects, diagnoses, and repairs data anomalies and inconsistencies, with or without human intervention. Conclusions: The results show significant improvements in data cleaning and analysis, and for emergency response logistics data, planning, and analysis, along with future research and research needs in remote and infrastructure-poor settings.
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Open AccessArticle
State of the Art of Digital Twins in Improving Supply Chain Resilience
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Eugenia-Alina Roman, Armand-Serban Stere, Eugen Roșca, Adriana-Valentina Radu, Denis Codroiu and Ilie Anamaria
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010022 - 6 Feb 2025
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Background: In today’s complex and rapidly changing global markets, supply chain resilience (SCR) has become critical for businesses aiming to maintain continuity and competitive advantage. Disruptions and challenges in the supply chain will always exist; therefore, preparing in advance and improving resilience
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Background: In today’s complex and rapidly changing global markets, supply chain resilience (SCR) has become critical for businesses aiming to maintain continuity and competitive advantage. Disruptions and challenges in the supply chain will always exist; therefore, preparing in advance and improving resilience for the upcoming consequences should be the utmost important goal. Methods: Digital twins (DTs) provide a comprehensive view of product performance, enabling companies to adopt an end-to-end approach to product management. To maximize product and service value, supply chains must also be managed holistically. Results: Therefore, companies will need smarter strategies to balance inventory costs, availability and lead times. The optimal setup of suppliers, manufacturing, logistics and stock locations will ensure high service levels and meet customer expectations. Additionally, supply chains must be resilient, and capable of maintaining performance during disruptions and adapting to demand changes. Conclusions: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the state of the art in digital twin applications within supply chains, focusing on their role in improving visibility, agility and decision-making. This paper explores how digital twins might integrate with emerging technologies such as IoT, AI and blockchain, fostering a more adaptive and robust supply chain ecosystem.
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Open AccessArticle
Sustainability of the Collection of Norwegian Household Waste
by
Eirill Bø and John Baxter
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010021 - 6 Feb 2025
Abstract
Background: Despite concerted research efforts, the collection of domestic waste remains poorly understood in terms of financial and environmental cost drivers. Detailed studies of specific systems, yielding limited broader understanding, remain the norm. Methods: This study presents flexible and generally applicable
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Background: Despite concerted research efforts, the collection of domestic waste remains poorly understood in terms of financial and environmental cost drivers. Detailed studies of specific systems, yielding limited broader understanding, remain the norm. Methods: This study presents flexible and generally applicable models for domestic waste transport logistics, based on economic cost and environmental impact calculations. Results: The calculations reveal key sensitivities by highlighting the most important cost and environmental drivers and linking these to key factors relating to the deployment of staff and collection vehicles, behaviour of consumers, and others. Conclusions: This study demonstrates these elements in a Norwegian context, showing that the models can inform tactical and operational decision-making for the logistics of domestic waste collection, and inform policy development in the area.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Supply Chains and Logistics)
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Open AccessRetraction
RETRACTED: Abbas et al. A Soft Computing View for the Scientific Categorization of Vegetable Supply Chain Issues. Logistics 2022, 6, 39
by
Rizwan Abbas, Gehad Abdullah Amran, Irshad Hussain and Shengjun Ma
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010020 - 5 Feb 2025
Abstract
The journal retracts the article titled “A Soft Computing View for the Scientific Categorization of Vegetable Supply Chain Issues” [...]
Full article
Open AccessArticle
How COVID-19 Affected the Italian Personal Protective Equipment Supply Chain: An Empirical Analysis
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Anna Corinna Cagliano, Antonio Carlin, Carlo Rafele and Chiara Campanale
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010019 - 1 Feb 2025
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Background: Personal Protective Equipment supply chains encountered severe shortages during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Many manufacturers are located in China, the first country that issued lockdowns, and Personal Protective Equipment inventories, managed by the Just in Time policy, were unprepared for such a
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Background: Personal Protective Equipment supply chains encountered severe shortages during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Many manufacturers are located in China, the first country that issued lockdowns, and Personal Protective Equipment inventories, managed by the Just in Time policy, were unprepared for such a demand surge. The existing literature examines the impacts of COVID-19 on the global Personal Protective Equipment supply chain. However, five years after the onset of COVID-19, there is still a lack of studies focusing on Personal Protective Equipment supply chain behavior in Italy. Italy is a particularly significant case study, as it was the first Western country to be severely impacted by the pandemic. This work develops an empirical analysis to answer the following research questions. How did the main variables in the Italian Personal Protective Equipment supply chain change during the early stages of the pandemic? How can we explain such changes? Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out among producers, importers, and distributors of Personal Protective Equipment operating in Italy. The responses to the questionnaire were analyzed by applying both descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The findings indicate that importers and distributors experienced more significant increases in orders than producers after the first lockdown, due to the new manufacturer’s setup period before full-scale operations. Conclusions: The study might encourage examinations of how material management strategies aimed at reducing inventory can impact situations involving unanticipated increases in demand. Moreover, it offers insights into the causes and consequences of the criticalities faced by the Italian Personal Protective Equipment supply chain during the first pandemic phases, contributing to creating knowledge that might be useful to define strategies to enhance supply chain resilience.
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Open AccessArticle
Synergizing TQM, JIT, and Green Supply Chain Practices: Strategic Insights for Enhanced Environmental Performance
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Aamir Rashid, Rizwana Rasheed and Noor Aina Amirah
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010018 - 28 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background: This study examined the role of total quality management, just-in-time, and green supply chain management practices to improve environmental performance. Methods: Data from 207 manufacturing industry respondents from a developing economy were tested through a quantitative method using PLS-SEM with the help
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Background: This study examined the role of total quality management, just-in-time, and green supply chain management practices to improve environmental performance. Methods: Data from 207 manufacturing industry respondents from a developing economy were tested through a quantitative method using PLS-SEM with the help of SmartPLS to validate the measurement model. Results: The results show that just-in-time significantly impacts total quality management and green supply chain management practices. Similarly, total quality management significantly affects environmental performance. However, just-in-time insignificantly affects the environment. Likewise, total quality management is insignificant and negatively affects green supply chain practices. Conclusions: This research provides practical insight to practitioners for understanding and implementing practices in their supply chain networks. These findings support the strategic use of just-in-time and total quality management to promote green supply chain practices as a core skill to improve environmental performance. The findings are also helpful for supply chain practitioners, policymakers, and industrialists. This research enriches the literature in the supply chain.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Building Resilient Reverse Supply Chains: Strategies, Technologies, and Sustainable Practices)
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Open AccessReview
Reverse Logistics as a Catalyst for Decarbonizing Forest Products Supply Chains
by
Leonel J. R. Nunes
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010017 - 21 Jan 2025
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Background: The forest products industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to address the climate crisis. Reverse logistics (RL), focusing on the return, reuse, and recycling of materials, offers a promising approach to decarbonizing
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Background: The forest products industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to address the climate crisis. Reverse logistics (RL), focusing on the return, reuse, and recycling of materials, offers a promising approach to decarbonizing supply chains. However, its application within forest products supply chains remains underexplored. Methods: This study conducts a review of the literature on RL, its environmental implications, and its potential to reduce carbon emissions in forest products supply chains. Key areas examined include greenhouse gas reduction, waste management, and the promotion of circular economy principles. Additionally, the study evaluates case studies and models that integrate RL practices into forest-based industries. Results: The findings reveal that RL can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing transportation routes, minimizing waste, and extending product life cycles. Incorporating these practices into forestry operations reduces the environmental impact and aligns with sustainable forestry goals. The study identifies gaps in current research, particularly regarding empirical data and the scalability of RL solutions. Conclusions: RL represents a critical strategy for decarbonizing forest products supply chains and advancing sustainable development. Future research should focus on developing standardized methodologies, enhancing technological integration, and fostering policy support to maximize its impact. These steps are essential to fully leverage RL as a tool for mitigating climate change and promoting a circular economy.
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Parcel Delivery Issues at ‘State Parcel Company’: An Examination of Customer Complaints and Interrelationships
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Kristina Čižiūnienė, Augustė Šiugždinytė and Jonas Matijošius
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010016 - 20 Jan 2025
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Background: The research presented here looks into ongoing problems with the package delivery services of a State parcel company, especially concerning damaged, wrongly delivered, late, and missing packages. These problems greatly affect customer satisfaction, so it is important to understand how they are
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Background: The research presented here looks into ongoing problems with the package delivery services of a State parcel company, especially concerning damaged, wrongly delivered, late, and missing packages. These problems greatly affect customer satisfaction, so it is important to understand how they are connected. Methods: Three hundred and seventy-five customer complaints made between 2021 and 2023 were analyzed. Paniotto’s method was used to ensure that the study data accurately represented the situation. Pearson’s correlation coefficients helped find statistical links between different delivery problems. Results: The analysis revealed significant linkages among the core delivery issues. A strong positive correlation was found between damaged shipments and misdelivered shipments (r = 0.93835) and between prolonged delivery delays and lost goods (r = 0.9188). These findings suggest that addressing one issue may reduce the prevalence of others, given their tendency to coexist. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the necessity for the State parcel firm to execute a comprehensive strategy to improve the overall quality of parcel delivery services. Addressing concerns such as poor delivery and delays is critical since they are closely related to package damage and loss, which affects customer satisfaction.
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Open AccessArticle
Resilience and Adaptability in Paracetamol Supply Chains: A Systems Perspective on COVID-19 Challenges and Responses in Ethiopia
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Tsegaye Melaku, Zeleke Mekonnen, Gudina Terefe Tucho, Joe Viana, Christine Årdal and Marianne Jahre
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010015 - 20 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, including those for essential medicines like paracetamol. This study aimed to assess the resilience and adaptability of Ethiopia’s paracetamol supply chain during the pandemic. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, including those for essential medicines like paracetamol. This study aimed to assess the resilience and adaptability of Ethiopia’s paracetamol supply chain during the pandemic. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and analysis of secondary data on paracetamol availability and supply chain disruptions. The study employed systems thinking and supply chain resilience frameworks, utilizing causal loop diagrams to visualize system dynamics. Results: Eighteen stakeholders, representing seven pharmaceutical manufacturers, five import companies, and five wholesalers, participated in the study. These participants had between three and fourteen years of experience in their respective roles. The study revealed complex interactions within the paracetamol supply chain, highlighting both challenges and adaptive responses. While 500 mg paracetamol tablets were readily available, shortages of other formulations were observed due to a range of factors, including limited product diversification, political instability, inflation, and reduced production efficiency. Conclusions: The resilience and adaptability of stakeholders, particularly manufacturers and importers, were crucial in maintaining the supply of 500 mg paracetamol tablets. Key strategies included regional sourcing, increased production, and improved partnerships. Understanding the interconnectedness of factors within the supply chain is essential for developing effective strategies to enhance its resilience and ensure sustained access to paracetamol in the future.
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(This article belongs to the Section Humanitarian and Healthcare Logistics)
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Open AccessArticle
Empowering Humanitarian Efforts: A Dynamic Approach to Competitive Intelligence (CI)
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Emmanuel Ahatsi, Lin Nie and Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010014 - 17 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background: The article examines the adoption of competitive intelligence (CI) in Ghana’s humanitarian sector, identifying barriers such as resource limitations and organizational challenges, while highlighting CI’s potential to enhance decision-making, partnerships, and efficiency. Methods: The study adopted a mixed-method research approach.
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Background: The article examines the adoption of competitive intelligence (CI) in Ghana’s humanitarian sector, identifying barriers such as resource limitations and organizational challenges, while highlighting CI’s potential to enhance decision-making, partnerships, and efficiency. Methods: The study adopted a mixed-method research approach. Survey questionnaires and interviews were conducted with 34 humanitarian organisations in Ghana as part of the study. Results: The study established that, few humanitarian organisations in Ghana are practising CI. Many organisations have no established and specific procedures and staff for CI. The main challenges organisations experience when implementing CI include limited resources, especially in funding, lack of skilled workforce, and limited technological support. Other challenges include the organisational culture, lack of support from organisational leadership, and competing priorities. However, the study re-vealed the benefits and opportunities of CI for Ghana’s humanitarian sector, which include better decision-making and resource utilisation, cooperation and partnerships, flexibility and prepared-ness, and organisational efficiency and outcomes. Conclusion: The study concluded that the human-itarian organisations in Ghana will need to address the challenges mentioned above and build on those opportunities to harness the potential of CI effectively. Some suggestions include the sensitisation of CI, resource mobilisation, capacity development, culture change, and CI institutionalisation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Humanitarian and Healthcare Logistics)
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Open AccessArticle
Optimization of Material Flow and Product Allocation in Inter-Unit Operations: A Case Study of a Refrigerator Manufacturing Facility
by
Selman Karagoz and Yasin Karagoz
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010013 - 16 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background: Logistics operations are integral to manufacturing systems, particularly in the transportation processes that occur not only between facilities and stakeholders but also between warehouses and workstations within a facility. The design of functional areas and allocating goods to appropriate zones within
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Background: Logistics operations are integral to manufacturing systems, particularly in the transportation processes that occur not only between facilities and stakeholders but also between warehouses and workstations within a facility. The design of functional areas and allocating goods to appropriate zones within the warehouse management system (WMS) are critical activities that substantially influence the efficiency of manufacturing logistics operations. Methods: This study develops a mixed-integer programming (MIP) model to optimize material flow and product routing in manufacturing. The model identifies efficient pathways, assigns products to routes, and determines the required material-handling equipment. It is implemented in Python (3.11.5) using the Pyomo (6.7.3) package and the CBC solver (2.10.11), with sensitivity analysis performed on constraints and decision variables to evaluate robustness. Results: The findings indicate that Material Flow 3 and Material-Handling Equipment 1 represent the optimal configurations for managing the majority of goods within the manufacturing system. Conclusions: The proposed mathematical model supports the decision-making process by enabling adjustments to the proportions of functional areas within the manufacturing logistics system, ensuring operational efficiency and flexibility in response to changing demands. Furthermore, the study offers managerial insights and suggests directions for future research.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and Its Application in Sustainable Smart Logistics)
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Unboxing: Exploring the Challenges of Green Supply Chain Initiatives in Thailand
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Wethaya Faijaidee, Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao and Pornsiri Jongkol
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010012 - 16 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background: The increasing global focus on sustainability has made Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) a critical strategy for businesses to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency. Despite its benefits, GSCM adoption in developing countries faces significant challenges. This study addresses the gap by
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Background: The increasing global focus on sustainability has made Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) a critical strategy for businesses to balance environmental responsibility with operational efficiency. Despite its benefits, GSCM adoption in developing countries faces significant challenges. This study addresses the gap by investigating these barriers within the Thai context, providing actionable insights for policymakers and businesses. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a survey of 480 business owners, executives, and supply chain employees, and expert analysis using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The ISM technique was used to determine the relationships and hierarchy among key barriers to GSCM implementation. Results: The findings reveal that weak legal frameworks, insufficient supplier engagement, and a lack of social responsibility are the most significant barriers. Secondary factors, such as low consumer demand and minimal competitive pressure, exacerbate these challenges. The ISM analysis highlighted the cascading effects of foundational barriers on other dimensions of GSCM adoption. Conclusions: Strengthening environmental regulations, promoting supplier collaboration, and embedding sustainability in corporate culture are key to overcoming GSCM barriers to sustainably enhance Thailand’s competitiveness.
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(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Supply Chains and Logistics)
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Open AccessArticle
The Impact of Digital Technology, Automation, and Data Integration on Supply Chain Performance: Exploring the Moderating Role of Digital Transformation
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Ahmad Ali Atieh, Alhareth Abu Hussein, Saheer Al-Jaghoub, Ahmad Fathi Alheet and Murad Attiany
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010011 - 15 Jan 2025
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Background: This study investigates digital transformation as a moderating variable in determining the effect of digital technologies, automation, and data integration of upstream and downstream providers on supply chain performance. By filling the existing research gap, the study reveals that more research regarding
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Background: This study investigates digital transformation as a moderating variable in determining the effect of digital technologies, automation, and data integration of upstream and downstream providers on supply chain performance. By filling the existing research gap, the study reveals that more research regarding how digital transformation interventions impact the effectiveness of these technologies for industrial supply chains must be understood. Methods: A structured survey was applied to 181 supply chain managers in manufacturing firms scattered across Jordan. Results: The findings using SmartPLS for statistical analysis indicated that automation has the strongest positive effect on supply chain performance, followed by data integration. But digital technology did not have a significant direct effect, unless it was accompanied by broader digital transformation initiatives. Conclusions: Theoretically, this study reinforces digital transformation theory as a vital framework, whereas in practice, it invokes the strategic deployment of automation and integrated data application designs to underpin supply chain efficiency and competitiveness. Finally, this study offers practical guidance for practitioners who seek to employ the use of digital transformation in the current dynamic business environment.
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Open AccessArticle
Autonomous Van and Robot Last-Mile Logistics Platform: A Reference Architecture and Proof of Concept Implementation
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Marc Guerreiro Augusto, Julian Maas, Martin Kosch, Manuel Henke, Tobias Küster, Frank Straube and Sahin Albayrak
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010010 - 14 Jan 2025
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Background: With urban logistics facing challenges such as high delivery volumes and driver shortages, autonomous driving emerges as a promising solution. However, the integration of autonomous vans and robots into existing fulfillment processes and platforms remains largely unexplored. Method: This paper
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Background: With urban logistics facing challenges such as high delivery volumes and driver shortages, autonomous driving emerges as a promising solution. However, the integration of autonomous vans and robots into existing fulfillment processes and platforms remains largely unexplored. Method: This paper addresses this gap by developing and piloting a comprehensive blueprint architecture tailored for autonomous mobility in urban last-mile delivery. The proposed framework integrates autonomous vehicle operations, data processing, and stakeholder collaboration. Results: Through initial implementation and piloting, we demonstrate the practical applicability and advantages of this architecture. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of essential data, services, and tools, providing a valuable guideline for Logistics Service Providers aiming to implement autonomous last-mile delivery solutions.
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Open AccessArticle
Leveraging Blockchain for Transparency: A Study on Organ Supply Chains and Transplant Processes
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Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi, Subhodeep Mukherjee, Zakir Hossen Shaikh and Naji Mansour Nomran
Logistics 2025, 9(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9010009 - 9 Jan 2025
Abstract
Background: Organ transplants require proper monitoring and tracking. This research examines the adoption of blockchain in the organ supply chain to bring transparency and help patients avoid the fraud that may be faced in the organ transplant process. This study aims to
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Background: Organ transplants require proper monitoring and tracking. This research examines the adoption of blockchain in the organ supply chain to bring transparency and help patients avoid the fraud that may be faced in the organ transplant process. This study aims to develop a framework and measure for creating transparency in the organ supply chain. A rigorous literature review identified eight constructs for blockchain adoption in organ supply chains and proposed hypotheses. Methods: Using a structured questionnaire, 286 valid responses were collected from the hospitals. Structural equation modelling was used to test and validate the model. Results: The study’s findings indicate that social influence, trust, facilitating conditions, government support, performance expectancy, data security and privacy, and technology affinity positively impact blockchain adoption in organ transplants. The hypothesis that was rejected was related to effort expectancy and technology readiness. Most respondents agreed that blockchain technology is necessary for a tracking and tracing system in the organ supply chain. Conclusions: This research will support transparency in the organ supply chain, eliminate intermediaries from organ transplants, and ensure organ quality, ultimately benefiting the organ donor and receiver.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Inventory Management in Healthcare Supply Chains)
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