Search Results (9)

Intermodal transport (IT), which implies the combination of several different types of transport to achieve a more efficient and economical movement of goods, is of increasing importance in modern supply chains. In the conditions of globalization, growth of trade flows and increasingly pronounced requirements for sustainability, effective planning and management of intermodal routes have become crucial, which is why their evaluation and ranking are essential for making strategic and operational decisions. Accordingly, this paper aims to identify the most favorable alternative for developing intermodal transport. Deciding on the choice of the most important intermodal route requires consideration of a large number of criteria, often of a mutually conflicting nature, which places this problem in the domain of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). Accordingly, this paper develops a hybrid decision-making model in a fuzzy environment, which combines fuzzy DELPHI (FDELPHI), fuzzy factor relationship (FFARE), and fuzzy axial-distance-based aggregated measurement (FADAM) methods. The model enables the identification and evaluation of relevant criteria, as well as the ranking of defined variants under the requirements and attitudes of various stakeholders. The practical application and effectiveness of the developed model were demonstrated and confirmed by a case study for Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The sensitivity analysis showed that even with changes in the weights of the criteria or the elimination of the most important criteria, the solution remains consistent and reliable. This indicates the robustness of the model and suggests that changes in the parameters do not lead to significant changes in the final results. This confirms the validity of the proposed model and increases confidence in its applicability in practice. Full article

Biodiversity is essential for the health and stability of our planet, contributing to ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. However, it faces significant threats from human activities, including habitat destruction and pollution. Transportation infrastructure, if not carefully managed, can fragment habitats and disrupt wildlife migration, exacerbating biodiversity loss. Thus, incorporating environmental and biodiversity considerations into transport planning is crucial for promoting long-term sustainability. Accordingly, the goal of this paper is to define a framework for evaluating and ranking intermodal transport routes based on their impact on the environment and biodiversity. The study employs a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model, combining input from interactive GIS maps and stakeholders with a novel hybrid approach. The MCDM part of the model combines fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods for obtaining the criteria weights and the Axial Distance-based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) method for obtaining the final ranking of the routes. This methodology application on several Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) routes revealed that the Hamburg/Bremerhaven–Wurzburg–Verona route had the least environmental and biodiversity impact. The study identified the Rotterdam–Milano route as the optimal choice, balancing sustainability, ecological preservation, and transport efficiency. The route minimizes ecological disruption, protects biodiversity, and aligns with European Union strategies to reduce environmental impact in infrastructure projects. The study established a framework for evaluating intermodal transport routes based on environmental and biodiversity impacts, balancing efficiency with ecological responsibility. It makes significant contributions by integrating biodiversity criteria into transport planning and introducing a novel combination of GIS and MCDM techniques for route assessment. Full article

Biodiversity, from genes to entire ecosystems, is crucial for a healthy planet. However, human activities, including business practices, are causing rapid biodiversity loss. This study focuses on selecting and integrating biodiversity protection practices into the supply chain, offering a chance to make positive changes for the environment and future generations. A new hybrid grey multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model is proposed in this paper, which combines the grey Best–Worst Method (BWM) for obtaining criteria weights and the grey Axial Distance-based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) method for ranking alternatives (practices). The applicability of the proposed model for solving the defined problem was demonstrated by ranking nine practices according to seven criteria. The most effective supply chain management practices in the context of biodiversity conservation were supply chain policies (with a score of 0.044), biodiversity goal setting, monitoring, reporting, and transparency (0.039), and education and awareness raising (0.037). These practices are the best because they combine clear frameworks, measurable goals, and long-term cultural change for effective biodiversity conservation. The lowest ranked practice is compliance with legislation (0.006) since it represents a baseline, reactive approach rather than a proactive or innovative strategy for biodiversity conservation. This study provides a comprehensive framework and hybrid MCDM model that enhances theoretical knowledge and can serve as a basis for developing a practical tool for integrating, assessing, and prioritizing biodiversity-focused practices in supply chains. The main novelties of this paper are the extension of the ADAM method in the grey environment, the development of a new hybrid MCDM model that combines the grey BWM and grey ADAM method, the identification of biodiversity-oriented business strategies in supply chains and the criteria for their evaluation, and a framework for practice evaluation and selection. Full article

The complexity, increasing flow number and volumes, and challenges of last-mile logistics (LML) motivate or compel companies, authorities, and the entire community to think about ways to increase efficiency, reliability, and profits, reduce costs, reduce negative environmental impacts, etc. These objectives can be met by applying Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, but the key question is which one. To solve this task, this paper used an innovative method that combines the fuzzy analytic network process (fuzzy ANP) and the fuzzy axial-distance-based aggregated measurement (fuzzy ADAM) method. The first was used for determining criteria weights and the second for selecting the best variant. The best solution is e/m-marketplaces, followed by cloud-computing-supported management and control systems and blockchain. These results indicate that widely adopted and implemented technologies are suitable for last-mile logistics. Newer technologies already producing significant results have serious potential for further development in this area. The main novelties and contributions of this paper are the definition of a new methodology based on multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, as well as its application for ranking I4.0 technologies for LML. Full article

Drone delivery in city logistics is gaining attention due to road congestion, environmental threats, etc. However, there are risks associated with using drones which can result in hazardous events, such as conflicts in the air, loss of control, and system failures. It is crucial to assess the risks involved in using different types of drones and choose the option with the lowest risk. The existence of different criteria important for this decision imposes the need to apply the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method(s). This paper proposes a new hybrid model that combines the fuzzy Factor Relationship (FARE) method for obtaining the criteria weights and the Axial Distance-based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) method for obtaining the final ranking of the alternatives. A single-rotor microdrone weighing up to 4.4 lb was chosen as the optimal solution, and after that, the most favorable are also the drones of this size (multi-rotor and fixed-wing microdrones). The establishment of a novel hybrid MCDM model, the identified risks, the set of criteria for evaluating the least risky drones, and the framework for prioritizing the drones are the main novelties and contributions of the paper. Full article

The logistics network is considered the provider of logistics activities in supply chains. The fluctuating requirements of customers and the logistics network’s complex structure are only a few of the factors that cause challenges to its management. Industrial facilities are particularly vulnerable to challenges because material handling operations dominate in addition to manufacturing activities. Disruptions at industrial plants are disseminated through the logistics network, affecting all supply chain participants. As a result, reducing material handling time and costs to decrease material losses, pollution, and productivity is vital to their business. Due to their distinctive properties and significant share in finished goods, bulk materials are particularly vulnerable to issues during manufacturing. Accordingly, this study aims to rank and select technologies for handling bulk materials in an industrial plant where the production of construction materials is performed. This paper proposes four alternative solutions for the observed case study, and nine criteria were selected for the evaluation. A new hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model is proposed. The model combines Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA), used to determine the weight of criteria, and the Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) method, used to rank alternative solutions. The model results indicate that the pneumatic conveyor is the best ranked alternative that significantly increases productivity, reduces losses, and improves working conditions. The key contributions of this study are its analysis of the efficiency of the technologies proposed for bulk material handling and the development and implementation of a model framework for the ranking of these technologies. Full article

The selection of the appropriate distribution channel is crucial for the success of any business dealing with physical goods. When dealing with this selection, it is crucial to have an effective decision support system (DSS) that can assist with such decisions. While various DSS approaches exist in the literature, not all are suitable for real-world applications. This research aims to address this gap by developing practical DSS tools that can aid decision-makers in making optimal decisions even in situations of uncertainty. The paper explores six different distribution channels (retailer’s warehouse, wholesaler’s warehouse, manufacturer’s warehouse, cross-dock, 3PL services, and direct delivery) in order to select the optimal one based on nine established criteria (inventory costs, distribution costs, delivery speed, service level, market coverage, product availability, order consolidation capability, reverse logistics, and order tracking) by using the FUCOM (Full Consistency Method) and ADAM (Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement) methods. After applying the FUCOM method, C1 (inventory costs) had the highest value when observing criteria weights, whereas C9 (order tracking) had the lowest. The results of the ADAM method showed that A5 (3PL services) was the best-ranked alternative, whereas A4 (cross-dock) was ranked as the worst. Based on the results, a model validation, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether the final ranking of the alternatives will change. This research provides decision makers with the necessary tools for better decision making, leading to improved distribution operations and increased profitability for the business. Full article

The purpose of this study is to conceptualize a novel idea of potentially sustainable city logistics concepts—the development of urban consolidation centers (UCCs) on riverbanks and the establishment of city-dry port (DP) micro-consolidation centers (MCCs) as their displaced subsystems within the delivery zone. The concept enables the application of river transportation in delivering goods to the UCC, where the modal shift to electric delivery vehicles takes place for delivering goods to city-DP MCCs. In the final delivery phase (from city-DP MCCs to flow generators), smaller eco-vehicles are utilized. An innovative methodology for the planning and selection of the most sustainable concept variant is developed. The methodology combines mathematical programming and the axial-distance-based aggregated measurement (ADAM) multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. The application of the defined approach is demonstrated in a case study inspired by Belgrade, Serbia. The theoretical contribution of this study is in demonstrating how a wide set of potentially viable city logistics concepts can be defined, starting from an initial idea (city-DP MCC). The practical contribution lies in developing a robust methodology that considers all relevant tactical and operational-level planning questions and takes into account qualitative and quantitative criteria in evaluating different concept variants. Full article

Multicriteria decision making (MCDM) is a field that helps decision makers evaluate alternatives based on multiple criteria and encompasses scoring, distance-based, pairwise comparison, and outranking methods. Recent developments have aimed to solve specific problems and overcoming the limitations of previous methods. This paper proposes a new axial-distance-based aggregated measurement (ADAM) method, which is used in combination with the best-worst method (BWM) to evaluate agri-food circular economy (CE)-based business models (BMs) to create a more sustainable and efficient system for producing and consuming food. This paper proposes nine BMs, which were evaluated against eight criteria. The BWM method was used to obtain the criteria weights, while the ADAM method was used to obtain a final ranking of the BMs. The results indicate that a sustainable circular agri-food supply chain is a BM that can bring companies the most significant progress in business and strengthen their position in the market. We concluded that the ADAM method is effective for solving MCDM problems and that, overall, the model is an effective tool for solving the problem defined in this study. The main contributions are the development of a new MCDM method and a hybrid model, the establishment of the framework for evaluation and selection of CE-based BMs, and the identification of the most important ones. Full article