scholarly journals How to evaluate sustainability of supply chains? A dynamic network DEA approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (9) ◽  
pp. 1866-1889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vahid Shokri Kahi ◽  
Saeed Yousefi ◽  
Hadi Shabanpour ◽  
Reza Farzipoor Saen

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel network and dynamic data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for evaluating sustainability of supply chains. In the proposed model, all links can be considered in calculation of efficiency score. Design/methodology/approach A dynamic DEA model to evaluate sustainable supply chains in which networks have series structure is proposed. Nature of free links is defined and subsequently applied in calculating relative efficiency of supply chains. An additive network DEA model is developed to evaluate sustainability of supply chains in several periods. A case study demonstrates applicability of proposed approach. Findings This paper assists managers to identify inefficient supply chains and take proper remedial actions for performance optimization. Besides, overall efficiency scores of supply chains have less fluctuation. By utilizing the proposed model and determining dual-role factors, managers can plan their supply chains properly and more accurately. Research limitations/implications In real world, managers face with big data. Therefore, we need to develop an approach to deal with big data. Practical implications The proposed model offers useful managerial implications along with means for managers to monitor and measure efficiency of their production processes. The proposed model can be applied in real world problems in which decision makers are faced with multi-stage processes such as supply chains, production systems, etc. Originality/value For the first time, the authors present additive model of network-dynamic DEA. For the first time, the authors outline the links in a way that carry-overs of networks are connected in different periods and not in different stages.

2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shogo Mlozi

Purpose – This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature. Design/methodology/approach – This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature. Findings – The findings for overall model differed from the moderating factors of high risk, low risk, first-time visit and repeat visit. Also, the results are interesting when satisfaction is tested as a mediator. Practical implications – Practitioners could consider the fact that repeat visits may change tourists’ perceptions toward destination and may even increase their inclination to take on risks. This may impact innovation of consumer products in tourism. Also, policy makers could benefit on how loyalty programs can be developed to increase performance. Originality/value – The study offers specific strategic recommendations toward different groups of tourists (i.e. first-time, repeat visitors, risk averse, risk seeking) and proposes logic for setting up a loyalty program as a long-term strategy for success.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 804-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahmoures Samavati ◽  
Taliva Badiezadeh ◽  
Reza Farzipoor Saen

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingjie Yang ◽  
Sifeng Liu ◽  
Naiming Xie

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for data analytics where everything is grey in nature and the associated uncertainty is considered as an essential part in data collection, profiling, imputation, analysis and decision making. Design/methodology/approach A comparative study is conducted between the available uncertainty models and the feasibility of grey systems is highlighted. Furthermore, a general framework for the integration of grey systems and grey sets into data analytics is proposed. Findings Grey systems and grey sets are useful not only for small data, but also big data as well. It is complementary to other models and can play a significant role in data analytics. Research limitations/implications The proposed framework brings a radical change in data analytics. It may bring a fundamental change in our way to deal with uncertainties. Practical implications The proposed model has the potential to avoid the mistake from a misleading data imputation. Social implications The proposed model takes the philosophy of grey systems in recognising the limitation of our knowledge which has significant implications in our way to deal with our social life and relations. Originality/value This is the first time that the whole data analytics is considered from the point of view of grey systems.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoraya Roldán Rockow ◽  
Brandon E. Ross

PurposeThis paper aims to describe and demonstrate a quantitative areal openness model (AOM) for measuring the openness of floor plans. Creation of the model was motivated by the widely reported but rarely quantified link between openness and adaptability.Design/methodology/approachThe model calculates values for three indicators: openness score (OS), weighted OS (WOS) and openness potential (OP). OS measures the absence of obstructions (walls, chases, columns) that separate areas in a floor plan. WOS measures the number of obstructions while also accounting for the difficulty of removing them. OP measures the potential of a floor plan to become more open. Indicators were calculated for three demolished case study buildings and for three adapted buildings. The case study buildings were selected because openness – or lack thereof – contributed to the owners' decisions to demolish or adapt.FindingsOpenness indicators were consistent with the real-world outcomes (adaptation or demolition) of the case study buildings. This encouraging result suggests that the proposed model is a reasonable approach for comparing the openness of floor plans and evaluating them for possible adaptation or demolition.Originality/valueThe AOM is presented as a tool for facility managers to evaluate inventories of existing buildings, designers to compare alternative plan layouts and researchers to measure openness of case studies. It is intended to be sufficiently complex as to produce meaningful results, relatively simple to apply and readily modifiable to suit different situations. The model is the first to calculate floor plan openness within the context of adaptability.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiasen Sun ◽  
Shuqi Xu ◽  
Guo Li

PurposeThe power industry is the pillar industry of the Chinese economy, and also a major carbon emitter. The performances of both the production and operation of the power industry are crucial for a harmonious development of society. This study proposes an improved data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to analyze the sustainable performance of China's power supply chain (PSC).Design/methodology/approachTo analyze the sustainable performance of PSC systems in China's provincial regions, this study proposes a two-stage directional distance function (DDF) model. The proposed model not only considers the leader–follower game relationship between the power-generation system and the retail system, but also considers the factors that measure the sustainability level of the PSC.FindingsThe proposed model is applied to assess the sustainable performance of the PSCs of China's provincial regions. The findings are valuable and mainly include the following aspects: First, compared with other models, this study regards the intermediate variable of the power system as a freely disposable variable; therefore, the efficiency of the proposed model is more realistic. Second, the average efficiency of China's power retailing system is generally lower than the average efficiency of its power-generation system. Third, significant regional differences affect the power-generation efficiency, while the regional differences in power retail efficiency are not significant. The power-generation performances of PSCs in East China and Northeast China are generally higher than in other regions.Originality/valueThis study introduces the convex technique into a DEA model and thus proposes an improved two-stage DDF DEA model. In response to the game-theoretic inherent in power systems, this study also introduces the leader–follower game into the two-stage model. In addition to the theoretic novelty, all PSCs can be classified with this model. Moreover, specific recommendations for each type of PSCs are proposed based on the efficiency results, thus providing vital guidance for the practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Tavassoli ◽  
Amirali Fathi ◽  
Reza Farzipoor Saen

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a novel super-efficiency DEA model to appraise the relative efficiency of DMUs with zero data and stochastic data. Our model can work with both variable returns to scale (VRS) and constant returns to scale (CRS).Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a new stochastic super-efficiency DEA (SSDEA) model to assess the performance of airlines with stochastic and zero inputs and outputs.FindingsThis paper proposes a new analysis and contribution to the knowledge of efficiency assessment with stochastic super-efficiency DEA model by (1) using input saving and output surplus index for efficient DMUs to get the optimal solution; (2) obtaining efficiency scores from the proposed model that are equivalent to original stochastic super-efficiency model when feasible solutions exist. A case study is given to illustrate the applicability of our proposed model. Also, poor performance reasons are identified to improve the performance of inefficient airlines.Originality/valueFor the first time, a new SSDEA model for ranking DMUs is proposed. The introduced model produces a feasible solution when dealing with zero input or output. This paper applies the input saving and output surplus concept to rectify the infeasibility problem in the stochastic DEA model.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Azadi ◽  
Reza Farzipoor Saen ◽  
Kamyar Hosseinzadeh Zoroufchi

Purpose – In this paper, the authors extend the goal-directed benchmarking theory proposed by Stewart for benchmarking and selecting suppliers. This extension is in recognition of the fact that benchmarking for suppliers is more than a pure monitoring process and includes a component of future planning. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the proposed model utilizes a goal programming structure to find points on the efficient frontier which are realistically attainable by suppliers in the presence of undesirable outputs, but at the same time achieving a closer method to long-term organizational goals (as distinct from the local performance of individual suppliers). Findings – The contributions of the current paper are as follows: the proposed model considers undesirable outputs in the context of goal-directed benchmarking. The proposed model does not demand weights from the decision maker. The proposed model can be easily computerized, enabling it to serve as a decision making tool to assist decision makers. For the first time, the proposed model is applied for the supplier selection and benchmarking. Originality/value – To the best of knowledge of the authors, there is not any reference that discusses supplier selection problem and benchmarking in the presence of undesirable outputs in the context of goal-directed benchmarking.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1398-1422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Miguel D. F. Ferreira ◽  
Cristóvão Silva ◽  
Susana Garrido Azevedo

Purpose – Companies need to excel in many areas to achieve a competitive advantage. This, together with pressure imposed by regulators and customers regarding sustainability concerns, leads companies to address sustainability in an integrated fashion across all management processes. The purpose of this paper is to suggest a model for the assessment of the environmental performance of a supply chain, based on four perspectives used in the balanced scorecard. Performance indicators are proposed based on the literature, as well as on the ISO 14031 and GRI standards, and were validated by a panel of experts. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature review on models for environmental performance management a novel model to assess the environmental performance of the supply chains (Env_BSC_4_SCPM) is proposed. Data collected from the first tier suppliers of an automotive industry case study are used to test the proposed model. Findings – The model developed was tested in a case study company, showing it ability to benchmark the company first tiers suppliers and products. The model is also useful as a decision support tool to define actions to be taken in order to improve the global environment performance of the supply chain. Research limitations/implications – The proposed model was developed to evaluate the environmental performance of supply chains. Nevertheless, the case study only takes account of the first tier suppliers, due to difficulties associated to data collecting for the other elements in the supply chain. Widening the frontiers, the next phase may include the application of this model to second, third and lower tier suppliers, as well as the final customer. Improvements in the model could also include the construction of a composite index to measure the environmental supply chain performance. Practical implications – The paper provides a model that can be used by practitioners to evaluate the environmental performance of their supply chain and to decide on actions to be taken to improve it. Originality/value – As stated by several authors, there has been limited research conducted in the field of environmental evaluation of supply chains. This paper proposes a novel model for the environmental performance of the supply chain and tests it using industrial empirical data.


Kybernetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 525-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-Yu Chiang

Purpose The purpose of this study is to discover valuable customers for enterprises. The international market of Taiwan airlines can be enhanced; thus, this study aims at Taiwan’s airline market as a research area. Design/methodology/approach This research uses data mining technologies with a proposed model to analyse airline customer values for big data online marketing systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) system. The research applied supervised apriori algorithm, socio-economic variables and a proposed model to discover the rules/markets. Findings The results show that eight markets were discovered and three association rules were established for business systems of airlines. Originality/value The valuable travellers/markets can be discovered by this research. By collecting shoppers’ transactional data, global online CRM and point of sales (POS) systems can be big data marketing systems. The research framework can be easily applied in online CRM/POS or big data marketing systems for international airlines; however, it is for other global businesses as well.


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