Search Results (43)

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is considered a critical tool for sustainable supply chains within the scope of the European Green Deal. DPP significantly contributes to improving traceability, transparency, reliability, and circularity in supply chains, enabling a more robust and secure structure. However, despite this significant potential, achieving full integration of DPP is hampered by various organizational, technological, and environmental barriers. This study used the Grey Decision Making Testing and Evaluation Laboratory (Grey DEMATEL) approach, the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, and Force Field Theory to identify and categorize these barriers. A total of 27 barriers were identified based on a comprehensive literature review and the opinions of academic and industry experts, and these barriers were categorized into organizational, technological, and environmental categories. The study findings demonstrate that technological barriers, in particular, have a causal effect that strongly triggers both organizational and environmental challenges. The causal analysis conducted reveals the interdependencies among barriers and guides practitioners and policymakers in identifying resistance points to change. Furthermore, the study offers important insights that will help supply chain stakeholders transition from reactive approaches to proactive strategies when managing DPP-related barriers. The insights gained in this regard support the design of collaborative governance mechanisms to create a more resilient, transparent, manageable, secure, and circular supply chain ecosystem. Full article

Against the backdrop of intensified global talent competition, the return of overseas talents has become a key engine driving the enhancement of core competitiveness in developing countries. Accurately identifying its critical driving factors is essential for China to address the challenges of talent introduction. This study constructs a hybrid multiple-criteria decision-making framework to systematically explore the influence mechanism of overseas talent return: first, a 15-criterion decision structure covering economic, policy, educational, technological, and social aspects is established via systematic literature review and two-round Delphi expert surveys; second, the grey DEMATEL-ANP technique is adopted to quantify the inter-relationships and relative weights of the criteria and screen and rank the critical driving factors accurately. Empirical results show that the six core driving factors ranked by importance are talent policy support, economic development level, scientific and technological development strength, public service quality, educational resource supply, and attention to science and technology, with significant synergistic interaction effects among these factors. This research provides a scientific decision-making framework and empirical support for developing countries to formulate targeted talent introduction policies and optimize the talent development ecosystem. Full article

Leading agribusiness firms are pivotal to modernizing agricultural supply chains, yet evidence on how digital transformation translates into high-quality development remains fragmented. Using a 2024 sample of 30 Chinese national agribusiness leaders and the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, we integrate grey relational analysis with DEMATEL to quantify interdependencies among conditions, and combine fuzzy-set QCA with necessary condition analysis to identify both configurational pathways and binding constraints. The results of the analysis indicate that high-quality development rarely stems from a single driver; it emerges from complementary bundles linking digital technologies and R&D investment with organizational readiness (e.g., talent and governance) under supportive external conditions (e.g., policy incentives and market pressure). The findings provide a configurational explanation of digital upgrading in agribusiness and inform differentiated digital strategies for managers and policymakers. Full article

While blockchain technology (BT) has gained attention in the construction industry, limited research has focused on its application in sustainable construction procurement management (SCPM). Addressing this gap, the present study investigates the key drivers influencing BT adoption in SCPM using a hybrid methodological approach. This study includes a systematic review of academic and grey literature, expert consultations, and quantitative analysis using advanced fuzzy-based algorithms, k-means clustering, and social network analysis (SNA). Data were collected through an online survey distributed to professionals experienced in SCPM and blockchain implementation. The Fuzzy DEMATEL results identify “high quality”, “decentralization and data security”, and “cost of the overall project” as the most critical drivers. Meanwhile, SNA highlights “stability of the system”, “overall performance of the project”, and “customer satisfaction” as the most influential nodes within the network. These insights provide actionable guidance for industry stakeholders aiming to advance SCPM through blockchain integration and contribute to theoretical advancements by proposing novel analytical frameworks. Full article

A reasonable water price for interbasin water transfer projects (IWTPs) is vital for solving the problem of unequal water use among different water users caused by different water source supply prices, promoting external water transfer consumption, and ensuring the stable and equitable project operation. However, the formulation of the water price is influenced by many factors, and it is necessary to identify the key factors and their interactions in the water prices formulation for IWTPs. In this study, we identified 15 factors that affect it. This paper used the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to analyze the causal relationships and importance levels among the influencing factors. A four-level hierarchical structural model was established using an interpretive structural model (ISM), which intuitively displayed the hierarchical structure and pathways of each factor. The role of each influencing factor was determined by using MICMAC. Finally, the grey relational analysis method was used to identify the top five key factors: the socioeconomic development level, diversification of water resources, water demand of water users, cost of the project’s water supply, and national policies and regulations. Strategies to improve the formulation of water prices have also been proposed. The results show that the top five factors influencing the water price for IWTPs are the socio-economic development level, diversification of water resources, water demand of water users, cost of the project’s water supply, and national policies and regulations. The water price should be formulated based on the water resource cost, supply–demand relationships of water resources, and policy objectives to ensure scientific and reasonable cost allocation and differentiated pricing. For water-transfer projects with strong public welfare, the government may lower water prices through financial subsidies to alleviate the burden on water users. Full article

This study investigates how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can successfully transform into high-tech, high-value-added companies within the aviation industry, considering the latest manufacturing, certification, and quality technologies. We identified critical factors through a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews, then analyzed the relationships between these factors using two complementary methodologies: grey DEMATEL (Decision Making and Trial Evaluation Laboratory) and ISM (Interpretive Structural Modeling). Our approach employed grey numbers to address individual uncertainty and utilized the Aczel–Alsina function to integrate expert opinions while accounting for inter-expert disagreements. The research focused on traditional machinery manufacturers in Taiwan transitioning to aviation manufacturing, the findings being applicable to enterprises in other countries with similar environments where small and medium-sized enterprises are the main players. The results revealed three critical factors determining successful transformation: organizational culture and workforce quality, aviation certification protocols, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) outsourcing policies and requirements. Based on these findings, the study provides strategic recommendations for government policymakers and business executives to facilitate the successful entry of traditional industrial enterprises into the aviation manufacturing sector. Full article

The utilization of hydrogen energy presents new opportunities for renewable energy integration, and the hybrid electricity–hydrogen synergy system exhibits significant potential for renewable energy accommodation and multi-scenario applications. To comprehensively explore the potential of such systems, this study proposes a two-stage design methodology that integrates HOMER simulation with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). Using Baotou, Inner Mongolia as a case study, HOMER is employed for simulation and optimization, and a comprehensive evaluation index system encompassing energy, economic, and environmental dimensions is established to assess the potential Cases and identify the optimal one. This study proposes an innovative weighting model combining CRITIC, Grey-DEMATEL, and Huber loss function. The model effectively resolves conventional methods’ deficiencies in balancing subjective–objective factors. Furthermore, an enhanced GRA-VIKOR model is developed to overcome the inherent constraints of conventional VIKOR approaches, particularly their excessive dependence on indicator weights and decision-maker preferences. The experimental results reveal that systems with 50% wind power integration demonstrate the optimal comprehensive development potential, while the developed MCDM framework successfully confines indicator weight deviations within the range of 0.016–0.019. Full article

With the acceleration of urbanization process, the number of elevators in China has surged. Concurrently, the prevalence of older elevators has increased, leading to a rise in frequent malfunctions. In recent years, there has been a troubling frequency of elevator accidents resulting in casualties, which has had a negative social impact. The elevator braking system is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of the elevator, and brake failure is a significant contributor to elevator accidents. The failure modes of elevator brakes are complex and diverse, and the failure risk factors are mixed, correlated and unknown. Therefore, this paper is based on the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), focusing on the structural characteristics of the elevator brake to determine the equipment failure risk factors. Based on the accident prevention theory model (24Model) for comprehensive analysis of internal and external causes, this study identifies the comprehensive failure risk factors for elevator brakes. The study employs affiliation function to build the failure risk factor indicator system, the use of the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) methods to analyze the hierarchical structure and internal relationship between the factors. Based on the research results, the factors contributing to the failure of elevator drum brakes can be identified and the interrelationships among these factors can be systematically elucidated. This analysis can serve as a valuable tool in pinpointing critical areas for routine elevator maintenance and upkeep, with the aim of minimizing the likelihood of drum brake malfunctions. Furthermore, the insights gained can inform the design and implementation of elevator monitoring and management systems, enabling a clearer focus on pertinent factors. Ultimately, this study furnishes a theoretical framework for the prevention and mitigation of such accidents. Full article

Industry 5.0 (I5.0) builds upon Industry 4.0 by emphasizing the role of workers in production processes and prioritizing socio-economic-environmental sustainability. It has been shown that I5.0 can enhance sustainability within supply chains (SCs). However, companies in emerging economies, especially small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to developing economies, face challenges in implementing these concepts. These SMEs are in the early stages of adopting I5.0 to foster sustainability in their SCs and require urgent identification of key I5.0 enablers. Unfortunately, the current literature lacks research on this topic specifically within the context of SMEs in emerging economies. To bridge this gap, this study identifies the enablers of I5.0 that promote sustainability diffusion in SCs, using China’s SME manufacturing sector as a case study. The integrated framework for applying multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques in this study aims to assist decision-makers in evaluating different options and making optimal choices in a systematic and structured manner when faced with complex situations. The study employs the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) to identify 15 key I5.0 enablers and categorize them into three clusters. Grey-DEMATEL is subsequently utilized to determine the causal relationships, rank the importance of the enablers, and construct an interrelationship diagram. This study found that ‘availability and functionality of resources’; ‘top management support, active participation, and effective governance’; ‘support from government, regulators, and financial resources’; and ‘introduction of safer and more efficient robotic systems for human–robot interaction and collaboration’ serve as the primary means of resolving issues. Overall, this study helps managers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in I5.0 applications to promote sustainability in the supply chain. Full article

Background: Green Public Procurement (GPP) is a sector that has been growing in recent years through policies encouraged by the European Union. In the Greek public sector, the respective National Action Plan (NAP), which sets specific targets for GPP, has very recently come into force. However, although the influencing factors that contribute to the success of the implementation of green procurement are a crucial element of this policy, they have not yet been explored for the Greek public sector. Methods: This study applied data collection and a combined qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The research was divided into two phases: (i) the identification of critical factors (CFs) based on the literature, and (ii) an analysis of fourteen experts’ insights into those factors employing the Grey DEMATEL approach. Results: Based on the surveyed literature, fourteen CFs that contribute to the successful implementation of GPP were identified. From the analysis of the experts’ views, the factors were classified into two groups. Each group contains seven CFs. The CFs in the first group (causes) affect the CFs in the second group (effects). Conclusions: This study of the success factors in implementing green procurement in Greek public organizations can be further improved by incorporating new factors, as well as by utilizing the presented results in the follow-up of the NAP. Full article

The terms “Industry 5.0” and “smart logistics” have recently emerged as key concepts within the field of logistics. Nevertheless, the interconnection between these two concepts has been less extensively examined in academic literature, particularly in the context of emerging economies. In the contemporary business context, the logistics industry is seeking to advance sustainable development through the implementation of Industry 5.0. However, the industry is still in its nascent stages of realizing the transformation of smart logistics. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to identify the key drivers of Industry 5.0 in relation to the advancement of smart logistics in the logistics industry in emerging economies. In this study, the initial screening and identification of 15 core drivers was conducted using the fuzzy Delphi method. This involved the collation of the relevant literature and the collection of opinions from experts in the field. The identified drivers were then classified into three groups: sustainability, people-centricity, and resilience. Subsequently, the study adopted the Grey-DEMATEL method, which combines grey system theory with the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technology. This approach enables the effective resolution of complex system issues characterized by uncertainty and incomplete information, facilitating the identification of causal relationships between the drivers and the construction of a centrality–causality outcome diagram. The study identified two key drivers: “government support policies” and “logistics standardization and infrastructure development”. This study represents a preliminary investigation into the ways managers, practitioners and policy makers can leverage Industry 5.0 to advance the field of smart logistics within the logistics industry. Full article

In the context of a burgeoning knowledge economy, enterprise intellectual capital has emerged as a pivotal asset for organizational growth. Evaluating it requires a comprehensive and robust index, yet there is no standard methodology for such assessments. Here, we propose an index for evaluating enterprise intellectual capital. We use the Delphi method to delineate a scientific decision structure. A grey-based decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is coupled with an analytic network process (ANP)—i.e., grey DEMATEL-based ANP (GDANP)—to determine the relative weight of indicators. Then, we use the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution to validate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed evaluation index based on data on thirty new-technology companies in China. This study bridges a critical gap in academic discourse, and we discuss the practical implications for the strategic management of intellectual capital in corporate settings. Full article

To effectively enhance the adaptability of earthquake rescue robots in dynamic environments and complex tasks, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive evaluation method that encompasses establishing an evaluation index system, testing performance indexes, and conducting performance evaluation. Firstly, four main criterion and twenty-three sub-criterion indexes are established by conducting a comprehensive review of existing assessment measures for rescue robots across diverse domains. These indexes are validated through test modules developed by the National Earthquake Response Support Service to obtain corresponding values for each criterion. Moreover, a method for establishing the index system is proposed based on the fuzzy clustering analysis and grey correlation analysis methods. This method effectively addresses issues related to excessive subjectivity, redundancy, and ambiguous stratification of indexes. Subsequently, the DEMATEL is employed to scrutinize the interrelationships and causal connections among each index within the established index system, leading to the identification of input and output indexes based on the analysis outcomes. Finally, as an empirical example, three earthquake rescue robots are comprehensively evaluated and ranked using the super efficiency DEA model. Alongside analyzing results regarding input redundancy and output deficiency, targeted improvement suggestions are provided for each earthquake rescue robot. Additionally, comparison analysis with the entropy weight method and VIKOR method verifies the effectiveness of our proposed method. Full article

To survive in highly competitive markets, industries focus on enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction. One specific iteration of this approach sees industries striving to optimize processes to improve product quality while generating minimum waste. This has encouraged companies to begin adopting management practices such as lean six sigma (LSS) and kaizen alongside their implementation of digital technologies of automating processing. This study aims to identify and analyze the barriers to integrating LSS practices with Industry 4.0 technologies for small and medium enterprises. Upon shortlisting fifteen barriers from an exhaustive literature review, the Grey-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology is used to analyze those shortlisted barriers and establish causal relations between barriers and outcomes. The findings identify the lack of available infrastructure, lack of training on LSS, and lack of consultants in the field as the most dominant barriers in the cause group. Furthermore, the influence map of barriers produced demonstrates the relationship between cause-and-effect barriers. This study’s findings will ensure that small and medium enterprises formulate business strategies that mitigate the barriers to integrating LSS with Industry 4.0. This study offers insights into overcoming the identified challenges by proposing strategies to enhance product quality and the accuracy of enterprise decision-making, thereby facilitating a successful integration and fostering sustainable growth in SMEs. Full article

Background: Although trust is a well-studied topic in supply chain management, the case of the wine supply chain has not been adequately investigated. Methods: A hybrid approach combining qualitative and quantitative data analysis was adopted. The research was divided into two phases: (i) identification of critical factors based on the literature, and (ii) analysis of eight experts’ insights on those factors by employing the grey DEMATEL approach. Results: Fourteen factors that affect trust in the wine supply chain were identified based on the academic literature. From the analysis of the experts’ views, with the use of the grey DEMATEL approach, the factors were classified into two groups. The first group (nine factors) concerns the factors that affect the rest and the second group (five factors) concerns those which are affected by the former factors. Conclusions: The study of trust in the supply chain can be further improved by monitoring the trends in the sector and by engaging a wider audience of stakeholders. This approach can be applied to various regions in order to examine whether the situation is different from country to country. Stakeholders will have the necessary information to support their decisions and prioritize their objectives, aiming at improving the whole supply chain. Full article