Modelling environmental and economic sustainability of logistics

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-94
Author(s):  
Pragya Arya ◽  
Manoj Kumar Srivastava ◽  
Mahadeo P. Jaiswal
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Economic Performance ◽  
Economic Sustainability ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Model Based

Purpose Research on sustainability has progressed from a singular focus on one aspect to a simultaneous focus on more than one aspect of the triple bottom line. However, there is a dearth of research that explains why sustainability-related decisions in business often do not bear the expected results. Research that provides managers with a tool to achieve environmental sustainability of logistics without compromising the economic sustainability is scarce. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to bridge the above gaps and to explore the factors that affect investment in technology to balance environmental and economic sustainability of logistics. A model based on system dynamics approach explains the simultaneous interplay of these factors. Simulating the model helps the managers of logistics function decide the size of investment in technology, to achieve environmental efficiency without negatively influencing the economic performance. Design/methodology/approach A model based on system dynamics approach explains the simultaneous interplay of these factors. Simulating the model helps the managers of logistics function decide the size of investment in technology, to achieve ecological efficiency without compromising with the economic performance. Findings Collaboration with regulatory authorities and with players within the same industry and across industries is a must so that eco-logistics does not become an economic burden for businesses. The decision to invest in technology for eco-logistics is further accentuated if the technology promises some added economic benefits. Research limitations/implications From a theoretical perspective, the research has added to the less extensive literature on system dynamics modelling, which is a mixed methodology, combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research is also one of the few attempts that have attempted to simultaneously study more than one aspects of sustainability in business, quantitatively through simulation. Simulation was demonstrated through a single case study, Future works can aim to apply the causal loop diagram to firms in varied sectors. Practical implications The managers can use the causal loop diagram to assess the environmental performance of logistics and decide on appropriate level of investment to balance ecological and economic performance of logistics. Originality/value The causal loop diagram has been developed through primary data collection via semi-structured interviews. The results were validated by presenting them to respondents to ensure they represent their view points. The results are, therefore, practical and original. This research does not build upon an existing data set or aims to test the applicability of any existing model. The model for this research has been developed from the grass-roots level.

scholarly journals An analysis of compounding factors of epidemics in complex emergencies: a system dynamics approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Harpring ◽  
Amin Maghsoudi ◽  
Christian Fikar ◽  
Wojciech D. Piotrowicz ◽  
Graham Heaslip
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
System Dynamics ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Cholera Outbreak ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Internal And External Factors ◽  
And Control

PurposeThis study aims to describe the compounding factors in a complex emergency, which exacerbate a cholera epidemic among vulnerable populations due to supply chain disruptions. Basic needs such as food, medicine, water, sanitation and hygiene commodities are critical to reduce the incidence rate of cholera and control the spread of infection. Conflicts cause damage to infrastructure, displace vulnerable populations and restrict the flow of goods from both commercial and humanitarian organizations. This study assesses the underlying internal and external factors that either aggravate or mitigate the risk of a cholera outbreak in such settings, using Yemen as a case study.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a system dynamics methodology to analyze factors that influence cholera outbreaks in the context of the Yemeni Civil War. A causal loop diagram with multiple components was constructed to represent the complexities of humanitarian situations that require critical decision-making. The model was built using data from humanitarian organizations, non-governmental organizations and practitioners, along with literature from academic sources. Variables in the model were confirmed through semi-structured interviews with a field expert.FindingsCompounding factors that influenced the cholera outbreak in Yemen are visualized in a causal loop diagram, which can improve the understanding of relationships where numerous uncertainties exist. A strong link exists between humanitarian response and the level of infrastructure development in a country. Supply chains are affected by constraints deriving from the Yemeni conflict, further inhibiting the use of infrastructure, which limits access to basic goods and services. Aligning long-term development objectives with short-term humanitarian response efforts can create more flexible modes of assistance to prevent and control future outbreaks.Research limitations/implicationsThe model focuses on the qualitative aspects of system dynamics to visualize the logistics and supply chain-related constraints that impact cholera prevention, treatment and control through humanitarian interventions. The resulting causal loop diagram is bounded by the Yemen context; thus, an extension of the model adapted for other contexts is recommended for further study.Practical implicationsThis study presents a systematic view of dynamic factors existing in complex emergencies that have cause-and-effect relationships. Several models of cholera outbreaks have been used in previous studies, primarily focusing on the modes and mechanisms of transmission throughout a population. However, such models typically do not include other internal and external factors that influence the population and context at the site of an outbreak. This model incorporates those factors from a logistics perspective to address the distribution of in-kind goods and cash and voucher assistance.Social implicationsThis study has been aligned with six of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using their associated targets in the model as variables that influence the cholera incidence rate. Recognizing that the SDGs are interlinked, as are the dynamic factors in complex humanitarian emergencies, the authors have chosen to take an interdisciplinary approach to consider social, economic and environmental factors that may be impacted by this research.Originality/valueThis paper provides an insight into the underlying inter-relations of internal and external factors present in the context of a cholera outbreak in a complex crisis. Supply chains for food; water, sanitation and hygiene; and health products are crucial to help prevent, control and treat an outbreak. The model exposes vulnerabilities in the supply chain, which may offer guidance for decision makers to improve resilience, reduce disruptions and decrease the severity of cholera outbreaks.

Analysis of crowd stampede risk mechanism

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xie Kefan ◽  
Yu Song ◽  
Sishi Liu ◽  
Jia Liu
Keyword(s):  
Deep Level ◽  
Fundamental Solutions ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Critical Data ◽  
Systemic Analysis ◽  
Linkage Effect ◽  
A Chain

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the crowd stampede risk mechanism from the perspective of systems thinking. Design/methodology/approach Causal loop diagram is drawn to outline the non-linear interactions among complex factors across the whole system and dissect the contributory factors of crowd stampede accident. To systematically construct the theoretical framework and find fundamental solutions, co-word analysis with Citespace is used to get the critical data. An agent-based simulation using Pathfinder is conducted to develop a spatial model for the Shanghai Stampede Accident that happened in 2014. Findings The causal loop diagram is formed to not only illustrate the symptomatic solutions with a quick fix but also dissect the fundamental solutions through an underlying systemic analysis. The simulation shows that crowd stampede experiences an interactive process of accumulation, trigger, delay, break and diffusion of risk factors within the crowd system. A linkage effect among the multidimensional characters of individuals and the system accelerates the stampede risk deterioration. There exists delay of the result of effect from the deep-level measure. Practical implications A top-down approach is offered to policymakers for crowd stampede risk protocol design and synergic emergency control that may reduce the risk of the stampede. Originality/value In this study, SDFT paradigm is proposed as the critical solution for the crowd stampede accident. In addition, a chain effect of energy and a linkage effect within the crowd system is illustrated for in-depth understanding of crowd stampede risk.

scholarly journals DINAMIKA SISTEM EKONOMI SIRKULAR BERBASIS MASYARAKAT METODE CAUSAL LOOP DIAGRAM KOTA BENGKAYANG

Sebatik ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aloysius Hari Kristianto ◽  
Jones Parlindungan Nadapdap
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Delay Time ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Change Behavior

Ekonomi sirkular merupakan sebuah konsep ekonomi yang mengimplementasikan tujuan pembangunan berkelanjutan yang terkait dengan tingkat konsumsi dan produksi yang bertanggung jawab dan berkelanjutan. Konsep ekonomi ini memberikan sebuah solusi dari permasalahan sampah yang diproduksi oleh masyarakat, dengan tujuan membuat produk baru dari sumber daya sampah yang bermanfaat dan bernilai ekonomi. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengidentifikasi permasalahan tata kelola sampah dalam kontribusinya terhadap perekonomian daerah dan lingkungan hidup. Metode penelitian yang dipergunakan adalah metode kualitatif dinamika sistem (system dynamics) pendekatan Causal Loop Diagram. Teknik analisa data dengan menggunakan metode triangulasi yaitu wawancara mendalam dengan key informan, observasi partisipatif dan dokumentasi. Masih perlunya waktu secara bertahap (delay time) dalam mengimplementasikan konsep ekonomi sirkular berbasis masyarakat di kota Bengkayang terutama terkait dengan change behavior. Perlu adanya tindakan kolaboratif antar stakeholder seperti masyarakat umum, pemerintah daerah, pengusaha dan aktifis lingkungan hidup dalam mengimplementasikan sistem ekonomi sirkular. Program yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan membentuk bank sampah pada setiap desa dan bank sampah induk dari Dinas Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan, menerapkan konsep 3R ( reduce-reuse-recycle ) untuk setiap rumah tangga serta pendampingan dan pelatihan mengenai tata kelola sampah yang bertanggung jawab di setiap desa, sekolah dasar hingga SMA/SMK. Pentingnya keterlibatan para stakeholder dalam membentuk partisipasi masyarakat untuk menerapkan sistem ekonomi sirkular hingga masyarakat mampu secara mandiri.

scholarly journals Systems Approach to Tourism: A Methodology for Defining Complex Tourism System

Organizacija ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadeja Jere Jakulin
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
System Dynamics ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Market Area ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop

Abstract Background and Purpose: The complexity of the tourism system, as well as modelling in a frame of system dynamics, will be discussed in this paper. The phaenomenon of tourism, which possesses the typical properties of global and local organisations, will be presented as an open complex system with all its elements, and an optimal methodology to explain the relations among them. The approach we want to present is due to its transparency an excellent tool for searching systems solutions and serves also as a strategic decision-making assessment. We will present systems complexity and develop three models of a complex tourism system: the first one will present tourism as an open complex system with its elements, which operate inside of a tourism market area. The elements of this system present subsystems, which relations and interdependencies will be explained with two models: causal-loop diagram and a simulation model in frame of systems dynamics. Design/methodology/approach: Systems methodology will be shown as the appropriate one, when we discuss complex systems challenges. For illustration, systems approach and systems methodology will be applied to tourism models. With building a qualitative causal-loop diagram we will describe the tourism system complexity in forms of system’s elements relations. Mutual influences among the elements will be presented with positive and negative loops, which forms circles of reinforcement and balance. This will help us to discuss the problem categorically. The final model will follow the causal-loop diagram. This will be a simulation model in a frame of system dynamics as an illustration of the discussed methodology. Results: The methodology offers the solution of effective and holistic promotion of complex tourism system transformation, which has the potential to go beyond the myth of sustainable tourism and create significant shifts in the approach and acting of the participants (elements of the system) involved. Systems approach brings to tourism and the society, in general, broader dimensions of thinking, the awareness interdependency, interconnectivity, and responsibility for the behaviour of a system, which can be observed by feedback loops. Conclusions: Findings about meaningfulness of systems thinking presented in the paper, are rarely presented to tourism society systemically and with the aim of designing sustainable complex tourism system. They show new approach, systems awareness and teaches thinking “out of the box”. Consequently, the sustainable behaviour is achieved: tourism supply and demand meet on responsible base and they connect to responsible stakeholders.

scholarly journals TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A PERSPECTIVE WITH CYCLIC CONDITIONS

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Pretorius ◽  
Vida Davidavičienė
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Conceptual System ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Business Statistics

In this paper aspects of technology and entrepreneurship interaction are considered. Firstly some dy-namic aspects of technology are presented from a brief literature perspective. This is then contrasted to and integrated with some elements of entrepreneurship where cyclic aspects are influenced by un-employment in the business and possibly technology environment. This work is built on some views presented by previous authors such as Faria and others. Their work is extended to a conceptual sys-tems thinking model representing cyclic factors in entrepreneurship using a causal loop diagram (CLD) approach. Some business statistics from databases are gathered and analysed for entrepre-neurship to show and support some arguments of Faria and others about cyclic nature of entrepre-neurship. A conceptual system dynamics approach for the entrepreneurship dynamics is presented based on previous research.

scholarly journals Close the Loop! System Dynamics Modelling in Service Design

Systems ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Eva Svirakova
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Grounded Theory Method ◽  
Innovative Solution ◽  
Axial Coding

Service design is a thought process using creativity, empathy in responding to a customer’s need and rationality in an analysis of a recommended, innovative solution. In this paper, we propose a research methods system which enables designers to integrate design and systems thinking into a system dynamics model of a creative project. Based on these research methods, topics and problems can be detected, and solutions can be proposed. The communicative game “Close the Loop!” which uses elements of visual language, and modifies the Grounded Theory method and its three processes: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The aim of the game is to create a Causal Loop Diagram which expresses a dynamic hypothesis, a Stock and Flow Diagram, which solves the problem visually and follows the Causal Loop Diagram. The accuracy of this set of method is demonstrated by its application in a case study from the service area. The article is intended for researchers who endeavour to use research methods in order to improve their services and meet a customer’s requirements.

Nuclear Penetration for a Deregulated Electricity Market for Peninsula Malaysia: A Systemic Feasibility Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-18
Author(s):  
TANG Suet Yee ◽  
TAN Andrew Huey Ping ◽  
YAP Eng Hwa
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Electricity Market ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Deregulated Electricity Market ◽  
Business As Usual

Objective - This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of employing nuclear power in peninsula Malaysia, within the context of a deregulated electricity market framework. Methodology/Technique - System dynamics modelling and simulation has been adopted in this research. A qualitative causal loop diagram, which represent the relationships of key factors in the dynamics of nuclear power in peninsula Malaysia's electricity market, was first constructed. It is divided into three sections: (1) investment decisions, (2) power generation, and (3) maintaining business as usual. The causal loop diagram is converted into stock and flow diagram, where variables are quantified by input values and equation before simulated for a set period of 38 years. Three scenarios were designed to facilitate the research: (A) business, as usual, (B) nuclear power expansion, and (C) renewable energy expansion. Findings - Simulations showed that scenario B can potentially strengthen the region's energy security under specific conditions in addressing capacity redundancy and emissions reduction. Also, having a diverse market is paramount in contributing to the responsiveness of the market. Novelty - A systemic and dynamic understanding of the implications of two energy scenarios on the country has been established. Type of Paper: Empirical Keywords: Energy Security; Electricity Market; Deregulation; System Dynamics; Nuclear Power.

Integrating a rich picture diagram and causal loop diagram to model stakeholder engagement in building refurbishment projects

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Seki ◽  
Monty Sutrisna ◽  
Ayokunle Olubunmi Olanipekun
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
Higher Education ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Dynamic Behaviour ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
End User ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Rich Picture

PurposeThe more contemporary views on managing projects recommend stakeholder engagement as an important part of the process. Challenges have been reported when attempting to involve project stakeholders in a construction project due to the complexity of the processes. In projects such as refurbishment projects, the efforts to incorporate end users' needs and preferences into spatial environmental functions increase the complexity of stakeholder engagement during the journey of the project. This paper presents a unique technique used to integrate different tools within the system enquiry methodology in modelling the project stakeholder engagement process for refurbishment projects.Design/methodology/approachAiming to address the problem, system dynamics (SD) has been selected as the most suitable method for modelling the dynamic behaviour of this complex system over time. A tool known as a rich picture diagram (RPD) is proposed as the precursor of the development of a causal loop diagram (CLD) to facilitate a more holistic abstraction for applicable solutions. An example of a single case study involving the refurbishment of a higher education building project is presented to explain the analysis undertaken in the process of developing the CLD that models the dynamic behaviour within end-user stakeholder engagement.FindingsThis paper demonstrates the complementarity capabilities of the soft and hard systems of enquiry in modelling stakeholder's dynamics within the refurbishment construction contexts. The RPD soft system tool was found useful to congregate diverse stakeholder expressions and experiences of a complex system in a holistic manner. Subsequently, the development of the CLD was fully guided by the information and relationship captured and presented in the RPD to yield a representative system model. Furthermore, this paper also reports the dynamics of the actors, situations, events and their inter-relationship found in the presented refurbishment project.Originality/valueThis paper enriches the techniques within the system enquiry methodology by integrating hard and soft system tools for dynamic process modelling purposes. This is particularly achieved by utilizing the RPD as the precursor of SD that provides a useful way for researchers and stakeholders to fully understand the dynamics and develop robust systemic interventions to optimize end-user stakeholder engagement during the journey of refurbishment projects, particularly of higher education buildings.

scholarly journals A System Dynamics Model for Ecological Environmental Management in Coal Mining Areas in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 2115
Author(s):  
Fulei Shi ◽  
Haiqing Cao ◽  
Chuansheng Wang ◽  
Cuiyou Yao
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
System Dynamics ◽  
Coal Mining ◽  
Environmental Quality ◽  
General System ◽  
Causal Loop Diagram ◽  
Loop Diagram ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Mining Areas ◽  
Green Vegetation

In recent years, mounting attention has been paid to ecological environmental management in coal mining areas in China. This paper conducts a system dynamics (SD) model for ecological environmental management in coal mining areas. Firstly, the whole causal loop diagram of the system is built to illustrate the general system. Secondly, five subsystems are presented according to the causal loop diagram. Then, given the stable investment for ecological environmental management in coal mining areas, our objective is to find a better allocation that can get the best ecological environmental quality in coal mining areas. Notably, we present six allocations of the investment for ecological environmental management in coal mining areas. The results show that, in allocation 4, we can get the best ecological environmental quality in coal mining areas. That is, the best improvement of mining environment can be achieved by distributing the treatment cost highly on the proportion of investment in green vegetation.

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