Search Results (18)

In the context of increasingly complex and dynamic maritime logistics, seaports serve as critical nodes for intermodal transport, energy distribution, and global trade. Ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of port infrastructure—particularly berths—is vital for maintaining supply chain resilience. This study explores the impact of multiple risk categories on berth efficiency in a seaport, aligning with the growing emphasis on maritime safety and risk-informed decision-making. A two-stage methodology is adopted. In the first phase, the DEA CCR input-oriented model is employed to assess the efficiency of selected berths considered as Decision Making Units (DMUs). In the second phase, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to categorize and quantify the impact of four major risk classes—operational, technical, safety, and environmental—on berth efficiency. The results demonstrate that operational and safety risks contribute 63.91% of the composite weight in the AHP risk assessment hierarchy. These findings are highly relevant to contemporary efforts in maritime risk modeling, especially for individual ports and port systems with high berth utilization and vulnerability to system disruptions. The proposed integrated approach offers a scalable and replicable decision-support tool for port authorities, port operators, planners, and maritime safety stakeholders, enabling proactive risk mitigation, optimal utilization of available resources in a port, and improved berth performance. Its methodological design is appropriately suited to support further applications in port resilience frameworks and maritime safety strategies, being one of the bases for establishing collision avoidance strategies related to an individual port and/or port system, too. Full article

This study presents a systematic literature review on the mathematical modeling of resilient and viable supply chains, grounded in the PRISMA methodology and applied to a curated corpus of 235 peer-reviewed scientific articles published between 2011 and 2025. The search strategy was implemented across four major academic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) using Boolean operators to capture intersections among the core concepts of supply chains, resilience, viability, and advanced optimization techniques. The screening process involved a double manual assessment of titles, abstracts, and full texts, based on inclusion criteria centered on the presence of formal mathematical models, computational approaches, and thematic relevance. As a result of the selection process, six thematic categories were identified, clustering the literature according to their analytical objectives and methodological approaches: viability-oriented modeling, resilient supply chain optimization, agile and digitally enabled supply chains, logistics optimization and network configuration, uncertainty modeling, and immune system-inspired approaches. These categories were validated through a bibliometric analysis and a thematic map that visually represents the density and centrality of core research topics. Descriptive analysis revealed a significant increase in scientific output starting in 2020, driven by post-pandemic concerns and the accelerated digitalization of logistics operations. At the methodological level, a high degree of diversity in modeling techniques was observed, with an emphasis on mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), robust optimization, multi-objective modeling, and the increasing use of bio-inspired algorithms, artificial intelligence, and simulation frameworks. The results confirm a paradigm shift toward integrative frameworks that combine robustness, adaptability, and Industry 4.0 technologies, as well as a growing interest in biological metaphors applied to resilient system design. Finally, the review identifies research gaps related to the formal integration of viability under disruptive scenarios, the operationalization of immune-inspired models in logistics environments, and the need for hybrid approaches that jointly address resilience, agility, and sustainability. Full article

Fresh produce, as a primary source of nutrition, plays a pivotal role in daily life. However, the unique characteristics of fresh produce—such as perishability, widespread production, short shelf life, long distribution cycles, and high volatility in both supply and demand—render the fresh produce supply chain particularly vulnerable to disruptions. These vulnerabilities not only impact daily consumption but also pose significant challenges to the operational efficiency of enterprises. Enhancing the fresh produce supply chain resilience is crucial for businesses to effectively mitigate risks, ensure consistent product quality, and maintain overall supply chain stability. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of clear, process-oriented guidance for developing resilience improvement strategies within the fresh agricultural product sector. Specifically, there is insufficient clarity regarding which elements should be prioritized for investment in resilience strategies, how these strategies should be formulated, and the absence of a theoretically sound framework to guide the strategic development of supply chain resilience improvements. To address the lack of scientific, quantitative, efficient, and specific processes for generating supply chain resilience improvement strategies in fresh agricultural product enterprises, this study adopts the framework of extensible primitive theory. Initially, an evaluation index system for the fresh produce supply chain is constructed, and the extendable evaluation method is employed to assess the resilience level of fresh agricultural product enterprises. This approach facilitates the identification of the key challenges that must be addressed to enhance supply chain resilience and helps generate strategies that reconcile previously incompatible issues. Next, the core objectives and conditions underlying the resilience incompatibilities in fresh agricultural product enterprises are quantitatively analyzed. Finally, the expansion transformation of both target and condition primitives is carried out to derive the optimal strategy for improving supply chain resilience. The study uses company M as a case example, where the evaluation results indicate that the company’s supply chain resilience is rated as “good”. However, several issues were identified, including inefficiencies in product supply, limited financing capacity, low enterprise visibility, and inadequate production and processing equipment. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a series of optimization strategies aimed at improving the fresh produce supply chain resilience through extension transformation. Full article

The aim of this position paper is to identify a specific focus and the major challenges related to the human-centered artificial intelligence (HCAI) approach in the field of Industry 5.0 and the circular economy. A first step towards the opening of a line of research is necessary to aggregate multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary skills to promote and take into consideration the different aspects related to this topic, from the more technical and engineering aspects to the social ones and the repercussions in terms of sustainability. The proposal and vision of this preliminary work is to identify and discuss a suitable field for such interaction. This field has been identified, specifically, within additive manufacturing (AM) in the context of Industry 5.0. Additive manufacturing (AM), is a disruptive opportunity for more sustainable production systems that can be better optimized with AI, becoming an ideal platform for interconnection between different levels of application and integration of HCAI concepts, and at the same time able to prove them. In this context, two prospective areas with a high application impact of HCAI are those of AM-oriented supply chain and product customization in the AM field, enabled by a plethora of recently emerging technologies such as the internet of things, cloud and edge computing, and next-generation networks (5G). The paper concludes with the challenges HCAI poses to public policymakers, who face significant policy challenges in regulating artificial intelligence, and addressing the socioeconomic and technological impacts. Decision-makers are required to address these challenges by adopting some tentative policy recommendations. Full article

This study develops and tests an integrated model based on the Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV) to empirically examine how dynamic capabilities influence the operational performance of hotel food supply chains through the mediating role of supply chain resilience and the moderating influences of environmental uncertainty and disruption orientation. The model is tested using survey data from 160 five- and four-star hotel managers in Egypt and the findings of structural equation modeling. The findings support the proposed model and reveal a positive effect of total dynamic capabilities and the four dynamic capabilities (i.e., collaboration, integration, agility, and reconfiguration) on the operational performance of hotel food supply chains through the mediating role of supply chain resilience. The results affirm that supply chain resilience mediates the relationship between dynamic capabilities (in total) and operational performance. Furthermore, the results show that environmental uncertainty moderates the above linkage, whereas disruption orientation does not do that. With the extension of DCV, our findings contribute to deepening our understanding of the dynamic capabilities contributing to the development of hotel food supply chain performance. These findings hold crucial implications for academics, managers, and policymakers. They also provide valuable insights on how to effectively control operational performance during disruptions. Full article

Economic crises stress trade-offs between costs and sustainability for environmentally orientated firms impacting supply-chain management decisions. Inspired by the disruption to supply caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we explore supplier selection during a financial crisis, studying the impact of psychological distance on the cost–environmental performance trade-off. Across three experiments (N = 420), we examine the choice between a low-cost and an environmental supplier at close and far psychological distances. Study 1 and Study 2 demonstrate that closer spatial and social distances, respectively, increase the preference for the environmental supplier. Study 3 extends these studies by showing that distance influences perceptions of the firm’s objectives, mediating supplier preference. In contrast, Study 4 shows that a far temporal distance increases the preference for selecting the environmental supplier, differing from spatial distance, due to a reversal in the appraisal of the firm’s objectives. Taken together, our results provide a greater understanding of the cognitive influences on sustainable procurement decision-making during the COVID-19 crisis. Full article

Four companies in Europe were chosen as case studies using an information-oriented selection procedure on the basis of their location, processing equipment and size, and through the adoption of a “maximum variation” approach. The purpose was to investigate how legume processors of various sizes and in different locations in the European protein legume market are working to increase their market share within the paradigm of efficiency gains from agricultural specialisation and trade in order to improve both food availability and security. After identifying company typologies and characteristics, the company case studies along the legume value chain were investigated. The analysis revealed that the supply market for grain legumes is expected to grow rapidly, and the various processors are increasing their market shares in terms of product type and geography. Based on the principles of agroecology and levels of food system change, the companies were found to be adopting promising business strategies, but are not disrupting the competitive patterns among existing European legume supply companies and food consumers that dominate the current regime. System change is far from taking place. However, conventional perspectives are being challenged and new ways of operating are being developed, indicating that a significant transition can be initiated that would move legumes away from being a niche sector, demonstrating to legume processors and consumers in the regime that there is an alternative and more sustainable pathway for the future, possibly stimulating larger-scale initiatives. Full article

The global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of reflecting on the essential resources and capabilities that enable companies to react to disruptions. In this regard, studies have shown that social sustainability is a crucial resource for the operational performance of supply chains in emerging contexts. Although the literature has responded to the call for research on the social dimension of sustainability in emerging economies, most research has focused on emerging Asia, leaving a void in Latin America. Two socially focused frameworks are used to address the ontological challenge of defining sustainable human well-being around the firm. Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach and the theoretical extension of the Social-Resource-Based View (SRBV) are appropriate to address social sustainability under two essential aspects: (1) the firm as a generator of social performance and (2) social sustainability as a generator of firm performance. This paper aims to analyze the predictive capacity of Social Sustainability Orientation on social performance and supply chain operational performance in the context of emerging Latin America, with representative cases from Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. The methodology was empirical–statistical and based on a structured questionnaire applied to 217 purchasing managers of large multisector companies (Mx n = 64, Co n = 100, and Cl n = 53). Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show the intrasample and extrasample predictive ability of Social Sustainability Orientation on social and Supply Chain Performance. It is concluded that socially sustainable culture and investment orientation is a valuable resource that provides the capability for Latin supply chain welfare and operational performance. A call is made to procurement and public policy managers to disseminate and care for the social aspects of sustainability as a resource that enhances business competitiveness and social justice in the Latin American region. Full article

This article presents a research model that defines how external drivers impact financial performance outcomes, and the role played by strategic practices (especially CSR) in reducing the negative impact of such external influences. Applying strategic orientation theory, risk management theory, and CSR theory as the encompassing theoretical rationale, the conceptual framework defines the research idea and the research model provides the empirically testable model that identifies key variables with valid instrument measures. The results indicate that although external supply chain risk drivers do negatively impact a firm’s financial performance, the influence of these risk events can be mitigated if firms adopt focused strategic practices. The results highlight the significant role played by CSR strategic practices in enabling firms to develop resilience from disruption events. In our research model, CSR, as an organizational linkage practice, is positioned in between upfront strategic flow and back-end performance flow. It suggests that CSR success is only possible when CSR is implemented broadly throughout organizational processes. Based on the empirical results, lessons and implications are presented for theoretical and managerial insights and future research. Full article

The disruption of fossil fuel supply chains due to the war in Ukraine has resulted in the need for an urgent reorganisation of the energy supply system, the cost of which has created a substantial increase in electricity prices in many markets. In light of the above, the need for the development of a renewable energy market has become stronger than ever; hence, the authors of this study have oriented their efforts towards investigating the development of the renewable energy market in countries bordering the line of armed conflict in Ukraine, i.e., Poland—strongly dependent on traditional forms of energy production—and Lithuania. The primary objective of the paper is to review the literature on wind energy, which is necessary to establish the current role of this energy dimension in the renewable energy market in the energy systems of Poland and Lithuania. Therefore, this review paper is oriented towards a review and evaluation of the available thematic literature and industry studies, as well as conclusions related to the number and direction of research topics in the area of the explored issues. The basic finding of this review is that the reviewed literature and studies are most strongly oriented towards a general assessment of the ongoing energy transition in the world, in which the thread of the assessment of the energy situation in Poland and Lithuania, including the thread of the analysis of wind energy, is part of broader assessments, most often regarding EU countries. The wind energy of the countries included in the scope of the review is not discussed comprehensively. The gap identified in this respect relates in particular to the aspect of wind energy development potential concerning solutions targeted at the individual consumer. In quantitative terms, studies addressing wind energy in Lithuania represent a lower percentage of the thematic literature acquired for the review. In the area of noted niches, the need for research and analysis is recommended to increase the information supply for developing the renewable energy market in Poland and Lithuania. In doing so, it is important to explore the technical and technological solutions (with a focus on the individual customer) and the economic aspects of wind installations from a micro and macro perspective. In addition, there is a lack of sufficient studies revealing the position of public opinion regarding the development of this dimension of the RES market and the direction of its changes. This is an important problem—particularly in Poland, where the so-called distance law constantly blocks the development of this dimension of RES and where the need to develop energy from renewable sources is particularly urgent. Full article

Since 2020, supply chain disruptions have emerged as an ever-present challenge. This research provides a glimpse into the organizational structures that develop supply chain resilience and market performance amid continuous supply chain disruptions. Utilizing psychosomatic variables and empirical modeling, a model was constructed through a review of extant literature and tested with PLS-SEM analysis. Uniquely, this research model is framed with the stimulus–organism–response model; thus, placing a firm within the context of a tumultuous environment where stimuli elicit responses from an organization that behaves as an organism. Results demonstrate that organizational culture plays a critical role in developing supply chain resilience amid supply chain dynamism. Market performance was also developed but only through supply chain resilience; supply chain disruption orientation alone did not improve market performance. Mediation effects highlight the importance of supply chain disruption orientation, a strategic orientation that cements an organization’s ability to develop supply chain resilience. Full article

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM) applications in producing spare parts are increasing day by day. AM is bridging the digital and physical world as a 3D computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) method. The usage of AM has made the supply chain of the aviation spare parts industry simpler, more effective, and efficient. Methods: This paper demonstrates the impacts of AM on the supply chain of the aircraft spare parts industry following a systematic literature review. Hence, centralized and decentralized structures of AM supply chains have been evaluated. Additionally, the attention has been oriented towards the supply chain with AM technologies and industry 4.0, which can support maintenance tasks and the production of spare parts in the aerospace industry. Results: This review article summarizes the interconnection of the industry findings on spare parts. It evaluates the potentiality and capability of AM in conceptualizing the overall supply chain. Moreover, MROs can adopt the proposed framework technologies to assist decision-makers in deciding whether the logistics hub with AM facilities is centralized or decentralized. Conclusions: Finally, this review provides an overall view to make critical decisions on the supply chain design of spare parts driven by new and disruptive technologies of industry 4.0. The next-generation supply chain may replace the logistics barriers by reducing waste and improving capability and sustainability by implementing AM technologies. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chain operations globally. Nevertheless, resilient firms have the capacity to combat an unprecedented situation with the right strategic approach. The current research has developed an integrated research model that combines factors such as supply chain intelligence, supply chain communication, leadership commitment, risk management orientation, supply chain capability and network complexity to investigate supply chain resilience. The research model of this study was empirically tested with 309 responses collected from supply chain managers. Results revealed that supply chain resilience is measured with supply chain intelligence, supply chain communication, leadership commitment, risk management orientation, supply chain capability and network complexity and demonstrated a substantial variance $R^2$ of 0.548% towards supply chain resilience. Practically, this study suggests that supply chain managers should focus on factors such as big data analytics, risk management orientation,1 supply chain communication and leadership commitment to enhance supply chain resilience and sustainable supply chain performance. Full article

The novel, yet disruptive blockchain technology has witnessed growing attention, due to its intrinsic potential. Besides the conventional domains that benefit from such potential, such as finance, supply chain and healthcare, blockchain use cases in software engineering have emerged recently. In this study, we aim to contribute to the body of knowledge of blockchain-oriented software engineering by providing an adequate overview of the software engineering applications enabled by blockchain technology. To do so, we carried out a systematic mapping study and identified 22 primary studies. Then, we extracted data within the research type, research topic and contribution type facets. Findings suggest an increasing trend of studies since 2018. Additionally, findings reveal the potential of using blockchain technologies as an alternative to centralized systems, such as GitHub, Travis CI, and cloud-based package managers, and also to establish trust between parties in collaborative software development. We also found out that smart contracts can enable the automation of a variety of software engineering activities that usually require human reasoning, such as the acceptance phase, payments to software engineers, and compliance adherence. In spite of the fact that the field is not yet mature, we believe that this systematic mapping study provides a holistic overview that may benefit researchers interested in bringing blockchain to the software industry, and practitioners willing to understand how blockchain can transform the software development industry. Full article

Disruptions in the global market are influencing value and supply chains reminding businesses and industries that variability and diversity of supply chains may be essential for surviving and sustainability. Operations management of any business has to address these challenges in order to avoid any serious interruptions in supply of materials in production industries by seeking substitute inputs. At the same time, the technological development offers new materials with similar quality properties, making thereby the substitute material search more difficult in terms of selecting appropriate materials with a level of quality which is similar enough. Another aspect in shifting can be found in more social-related reasons addressing changes in the value chains like traceability, low carbonization, and a more customer-oriented approach, because of moving towards green digital business. In this sense the intention of this work was to propose an algorithm for customizing the process of identifying appropriate materials in production by relying on existing algorithms i.e., the Ashby mapping, big data, applying algorithms of data analysis based on exclusion criteria embracing transformation paradigms, for enabling customization of the material selection process. The proposed algorithm was applied on two case examples, demonstrating that diversity of materials plays an important role in addressing customization requests from customers. Consequently, understanding and implementing a customer-centric approach in various phases of the product life cycle contributes to a better response by businesses faced with issuing customized offerings. Full article