Search Results (474)

This study examines the progress, challenges, and successes in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12), focusing on responsible consumption and production, using Qatar as a case study. The State has integrated Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) into national policies, established coordination mechanisms, and implemented action plans aligned with SDG12 targets. Achievements include renewable energy adoption, waste management reforms, and sustainable public procurement, though challenges persist in rationalizing fossil fuel subsidies, addressing data gaps, and enhancing corporate sustainability reporting. Efforts to reduce food loss and waste through redistribution programs highlight the country’s resilience, despite logistical obstacles. The nation has also advanced hazardous waste management, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism policies, though gaps in data systems and policy coherence remain. Qatar’s approach provides a valuable local-to-global example of balancing resource-dependent economies with sustainability goals. Its strategies and lessons offer potential adaptability for other nations, especially those facing similar challenges in achieving SDG12. By strengthening data systems, enhancing policy integration, and fostering regional and international cooperation, Qatar’s efforts underscore the importance of aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship, serving as a blueprint for global sustainability initiatives. Full article

The construction sector is responsible for over 40% of waste generated in Australia. Construction materials are responsible for around 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and a third of these materials can end up wasted on a construction site. Attention in research and industry has been directed towards waste management and recycling, resulting in 78% of construction and demolition waste being diverted from landfill. However, the waste hierarchy emphasises avoiding the generation of waste in the first place. In this paper, the PRISMA approach is used to conduct a systematic review with the objective of identifying waste reduction strategies employed across all stages of projects in the Australian construction industry. Scopus and Web of Science databases were used. The search returned 523 publications which were screened and reviewed; this resulted in 24 relevant publications from 1998 to 2025. Qualitative analysis identifies strategies categorised into five groupings: pre-demolition, design, culture, materials and procurement, and on-site activities. The review finds a distinct focus on strategies within the materials and procurement category. The reviewed literature includes fewer strategies for the avoidance of waste than for any of the other levels of the waste hierarchy, evidencing the need for further focus in this area. Full article

In today’s volatile supply chain environment, organizations require flexible and collaborative procurement strategies. Swap contracts, originally developed as financial instruments, have recently been adopted to address inventory imbalances—such as the 2021 COVID-19 vaccine swap between South Korea and Israel. Despite its increasing adoption in the real world, theoretical studies on swap-based procurement remain limited. This study proposes an integrated model that combines buyer-to-buyer swap agreements with long-term wholesale contracts under demand uncertainty. The model quantifies the expected swap quantity between parties and embeds it into the profit function to derive optimal order quantities. Numerical experiments are conducted to compare the performance of the proposed strategy with that of a baseline wholesale contract. Sensitivity analyses are performed on key parameters, including demand asymmetry and swap prices. The numerical analysis indicates that the swap-integrated procurement strategy consistently outperforms procurement based on long-term wholesale contracts. Moreover, the results reveal that under the swap-integrated strategy, the optimal order quantity must be adjusted—either increased or decreased—depending on the demand scale of the counterpart and the specified swap price, deviating from the optimal quantity under traditional long-term contracts. These findings highlight the potential of swap-integrated procurement strategies as practical coordination mechanisms across both private and public sectors, offering strategic value in contexts such as vaccine distribution, fresh produce, and other critical products. Full article

Risk management is crucial in engineering projects, especially in highly complex environments like petrochemical plants producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This study proposes a tailored risk management model, using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and linear regression analysis, alongside MS Excel and IBM SPSS^® version 23, to identify, assess, and prioritize key risks. Surveys and interviews revealed seven management factors (budget, schedule, safety, productivity, contracting, quality, and environment) and 18 critical risks, including design errors and procurement delays. The model quantifies risk impacts, provides a regression equation for risk classification, and supports effective mitigation strategies. Based on this model, decision-making can be facilitated for the implementation of effective mitigation strategies. It also promotes continuous improvement, optimizing economic resources and minimizing environmental impacts, addressing a research gap in Colombia’s petrochemical sector and paving the way for broader industrial applications. Full article

This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based approach to better manage supply chain uncertainty and improve decision-making flexibility. The developed framework categorizes supply chain activities into procurement, production, distribution and reverse logistics and integrates Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green (LARG) KPIs within a hierarchical structure. The tool was implemented using Microsoft Excel^TM to enhance usability for practitioners. To test its applicability, the model was applied to a real case study. The results show that lean and resilient practices are consistently well-established across all supply chain phases, while agility and green practices vary significantly depending on the operational area—particularly between internal function (i.e., production and reverse logistics) and external ones (i.e., procurement and distribution). These findings help to better understand how the LARG capabilities are distributed across the different operational areas of the supply chain and offer practical guidance for managers seeking targeted performance improvement. Although the numerical results are context-specific, the framework’s adaptability makes it suitable for diverse supply chain environments. Full article

As electric multiple unit (EMU) operations and maintenance demands have expanded, spare parts supply chain management has become increasingly crucial. This study emphasizes the supply challenges of EMU spare parts, including inadequate minimum inventory levels and prolonged response times. Redesigning the OEM–railway bureau vendor-managed inventory (VMI) model contract incentive and penalty system is the key goal. Connecting the spare parts supply system with its characteristics yields a game theory model. This study analyzes and compares the equilibrium strategies and profits of supply chain members under different mechanisms for managing critical spare parts. The findings demonstrate that mechanism contracts can enhance supply chain performance in a Pareto-improving manner. An in-depth analysis of downtime loss costs, procurement challenges, and order losses reveals their effects on supply chain coordination and profit allocation, providing railway bureaus and OEMs with a theoretical framework for supply chain decision-making. This study offers theoretical justification and a framework for decision-making on cooperation between OEMs and railroad bureaus in the management of spare parts supply chains, particularly for extensive EMU operations. Full article

This paper proposes a ladder carbon trading-based low-carbon economic dispatch model for integrated energy systems (IESs), incorporating flexible load optimization and hybrid energy storage systems consisting of battery and thermal energy storage. First, a ladder-type carbon trading mechanism is introduced, in which the carbon trading cost increases progressively with emission levels, thereby providing stronger incentives for emission reduction. Second, flexible loads are categorized and modeled as shiftable, transferable, and reducible types, each with distinct operational constraints and compensation mechanisms. Third, both battery and thermal energy storage systems are considered to improve system flexibility by storing excess energy and supplying it when needed. Finally, a unified optimization framework is developed to coordinate the dispatch of renewable generation, gas turbines, waste heat recovery units, and multi-energy storage devices while integrating flexible load flexibility. The objective is to minimize the total system cost, which includes energy procurement, carbon trading expenditures, and demand response compensation. Three comparative case studies are conducted to evaluate system performance under different operational configurations: the proposed comprehensive model, a carbon trading-only approach, and a conventional baseline scenario. Results demonstrate that the proposed framework effectively balances economic and environmental objectives through coordinated demand-side management, hybrid storage utilization, and the ladder-type carbon trading market mechanism. It reshapes the system load profile via peak shaving and valley filling, improves renewable energy integration, and enhances overall system efficiency. Full article

Production involves processes such as raw material extraction, energy consumption, and waste management, which can lead to significant environmental consequences. Therefore, supplier selection based not only on technical performance but also on environmental sustainability criteria has become a fundamental component of eco-friendly manufacturing strategies. Moreover, in the selection of electric vehicle batteries, it is essential to consider customer demands alongside environmental factors. Accordingly, selected suppliers should fulfill company expectations while also reflecting the “voice” of the customer. The objective of this study is to propose an integrated approach for green supplier selection by taking into account various environmental performance requirements and criteria. The proposed approach evaluates battery suppliers with respect to both customer requirements and green criteria. To construct the relational structure, the DEMATEL method was employed to analyze the interrelationships among customer requirements (CRs). Subsequently, the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) model was used to establish a central relational matrix that captures the degree of correlation between each pair of supplier selection criteria and CRs. Finally, to evaluate and rank alternative suppliers, the Interval Type-2 Fuzzy VIKOR (IT2 F-VIKOR) method was applied. The hybrid approach proposed by us, integrating DEMATEL, QFD, and IT2 F-VIKOR, offers significant improvements over traditional methods. Unlike previous approaches that focus independently on customer preferences or supplier criteria, our model provides a unified evaluation by considering both dimensions simultaneously. Furthermore, the use of Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Logic enables the model to better manage uncertainty and ambiguity in expert judgments, yielding more reliable results compared to conventional fuzzy approaches. Additionally, the applicability of the model has been demonstrated through a real-world case study, confirming its practical relevance and robustness in the selection of green suppliers for electric vehicle battery procurement. Full article

Rural road programs are essential for enhancing connectivity in remote areas, yet they frequently encounter schedule delays and budget overruns. This study explores the extent to which specific project characteristics influence these deviations in Colombian rural road contracts. A dataset comprising 229 projects was extracted from the national SECOP open-procurement platform and processed using the CRISP-DM protocol. Following the cleaning and coding of 14 project-level variables, statistical analyses were conducted using Spearman correlations, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and post-hoc Wilcoxon comparisons to identify significant bivariate relations I confirm I confirm I confirm hips. A Random Forest model was subsequently applied to determine the most influential multivariate predictors of cost and time deviations. In parallel, a directed content analysis of contract addenda reclassified 22 recorded deviation descriptors into ten internationally recognized categories of causality, enabling an integrated interpretation of both statistical and documentary evidence. The findings indicate that contract value, geographical region, and contractor configuration are significant determinants of cost and time performance. Additionally, project intensity and discrepancies between awarded and bid values emerged as key contributors to cost escalation. Scope changes and adverse weather conditions together accounted for 76% of all documented deviation triggers, underscoring the relevance of robust front-end planning and climate-risk considerations in rural infrastructure delivery. The findings provide information for stakeholders, policymakers, and professionals who aim to manage the risk of schedule and budget deviations in public infrastructure projects. Full article

Efficient procurement processes are pivotal for strategic performance in digital organizations, requiring continuous refinement driven by automation, integration, and performance monitoring. This research investigates and demonstrates the potential for synergies between RPA and BPM in procurement processes. The primary objective is to analyze and evaluate a manual procurement-intensive process to enhance efficiency, reduce time-consuming interventions, and ultimately diminish costs and cycle time. Employing Design Science Research Methodology, this research yields a practical artifact designed to streamline procurement processes. An artifact was created using BPM methods and RPA tools. The RPA was developed after applying BPM Redesign Heuristics to the current process. A mixed-methods approach was employed for its evaluation, combining quantitative analysis on cycle time reduction with a qualitative Confirmatory Focus Group of department experts. The analysis revealed that the synergy between BPM and RPAs can leverage procurement processes, decreasing cycle times and workload on intensive manual tasks and allowing employees time to focus on other functions. This research contributes valuable insights for organizations seeking to harness automation technologies for enhanced procurement operations, with the findings suggesting promising enduring benefits for both efficiency and accuracy in the procurement lifecycle. Full article

The disordered nature of electric vehicle (EV) charging and user electricity consumption behaviors has intensified the strain on the grid. Meanwhile, energy storage technologies and microgrid interconnections still lack effective supply–consumption regulations and cost–benefit optimization mechanisms. Therefore, the system’s operational efficiency holds significant potential for improvement. This paper proposes hierarchical optimization strategies for the multi-microgrid system to address these issues. In the lower layer, for the charging states of EVs in a single microgrid, an improved simulation method to enhance accuracy and a recursion mechanism of an energy storage margin band to facilitate intelligent EV-to-grid interaction are proposed. Additionally, in conjunction with demand management, an adaptive optimization method and a Pareto decision method are proposed to achieve optimal peak shaving and valley filling for both the EVs and load, yielding a 38.5% reduction in the total electricity procurement costs. The upper layer is built upon the EV–load management strategies of microgrids in the lower layers and evolves into a distributed interconnection structure. Furthermore, a dynamic optimization mechanism based on state mapping and a collaborative optimization method are proposed to improve storage benefits and energy synergies, achieving a 22.1% reduction in the total operating cost. The results provided demonstrate that the proposed strategy optimizes the operation of the multi-microgrid system, effectively enhancing the overall operational efficiency and economic performance. Full article

The concepts of sustainable development, triple bottom line, and ESG have a strong influence on the process of formation and operation of supply chains today. This requires the implementation of various green solutions and practices to improve supply chain sustainability. An analysis of supply chain research did not reveal a universally accepted methodology to systematize green solutions and practices for their effective use in chain management. It was revealed that there are many views on the content of green solutions, in addition to insufficient specificity of their description, as well as fragmentation of the use of green solutions in relation to the elements and functions of supply chains (procurement, production, warehousing, transportation, and distribution). This reduces the effectiveness of the implementation of green solutions. In this study, based on the literature review, a systematization of currently existing green solutions and practices was carried out. The systematization was performed according to the affiliation of supply chain elements and the functions performed by the elements to promote and process the material flow from supplier to consumer. The proposed system of methods (GLMs) and instruments (GLIs) of green logistics covers all known functional areas of logistics and includes 27 methods and 105 instruments. We performed a ranking of methods and instruments using TOPSIS, MABAC, and MARCOS methods. The most and least significant GLM and GLI for each element of the supply chain, as well as for chains of complex structure in general, were determined. The results of GLM and GLI ranking can be used as a basis for the implementation of management decisions to improve the sustainability of supply chains. Full article

Introduction: In 2008, Mexico initiated its national HPV vaccination program targeting adolescent girls. This study aims to evaluate the current status of the program, analyzing trends in vaccine acquisition, administration, and coverage over a 16-year period. Materials and Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using secondary data from 2008 to 2023. Official records from three major public health institutions—IMSS, ISSSTE, and SSA—were reviewed to assess HPV vaccine procurement and administration. Results: Significant fluctuations were identified in the number of doses acquired, administered, and the corresponding coverage rates. A marked decline was observed between 2019 and 2021, followed by a sharp increase in 2022 and 2023. Over the entire period, an estimated 6.8 million doses were not administered to the intended target population. Furthermore, 2.6 million doses were administered in excess of the number officially acquired, indicating possible discrepancies in data reporting or vaccine inventory management. Discussion: The findings revealed substantial inconsistencies in vaccine procurement, administration, and coverage across institutions. While IMSS and ISSSTE consistently reported coverage below the theoretical target, SSA occasionally exceeded expectations, potentially compensating for deficits elsewhere. Nevertheless, national coverage remained inadequate in several years, with notable disparities between institutions. These gaps highlight systemic weaknesses in program coordination, planning, and data transparency, contributing to millions of unvaccinated individuals. Conclusions: This study offers a comprehensive analysis of Mexico’s HPV vaccination program, uncovering critical irregularities in its implementation. Challenges include inaccurate target population estimation, inconsistencies between vaccine acquisition and administration, and limited data reliability. Despite some progress in recent years, particularly in the post-pandemic years, the program requires urgent restructuring. This includes implementing a national catch-up strategy, expanding vaccine eligibility, and strengthening surveillance systems to ensure equitable and effective coverage toward the elimination of cervical cancer. Full article

Background: In Engineer-to-Order (EtO) supply chains, managing supplier lead times is particularly challenging due to high customization and intensive customer involvement. This study addresses the critical need for more accurate and dynamic lead time prediction to enhance supply chain resilience and efficiency in EtO environments. Methods: We propose a novel approach that integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technologies with statistical modeling using the log-normal distribution to model and optimize supplier lead times, especially for customized raw materials. The model incorporates real-time data from IoT-enabled suppliers and considers long-term contractual relationships to reduce variability. Monte Carlo simulation is employed to validate the model’s predictive capabilities. Results: The results demonstrate significant improvements in predicting supplier performance and reducing uncertainty. Simulation outputs reveal reductions in lead times and enhanced reliability. Statistical metrics such as the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) confirm the robustness and accuracy of the predictions. Conclusions: The proposed methodology supports better decision-making in supplier selection and procurement planning by enabling effective risk management. It contributes to improved performance and greater resilience in Engineer-to-Order supply chains. Full article

This study assesses the performance impact of lean construction practices in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects in China. While lean methods have demonstrated substantial benefits in conventional construction, their implementation in the EPC context—characterized by higher complexity and integration—remains underexplored, particularly within the Chinese infrastructure sector. This research develops a structured framework that classifies lean practices into five functional categories: planning and scheduling (PS), process and workflow optimization (PWO), quality and safety enhancement (QSE), resource and maintenance (RM), and visualization and communication (VC). This study evaluates the influence of these practices on four key performance indicators: efficiency and resource management, quality and safety, stakeholder satisfaction, and organizational and market impact. Data were collected from 456 EPC stakeholders via a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that PS, PWO, and QSE exert the strongest positive effects on performance, while RM and VC contribute in more context-specific ways. The results highlight the value of lean practices for improving operational performance, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability in complex project delivery systems and underscore the need for policy support and digital integration to enhance lean adoption in Chinese EPC sector. Full article