Reverse Logistics Performance Indicators for the Construction Sector: A Building Project Case

While the performance evaluation of reverse logistics (RL) practices in the construction sector is crucial, it is seemingly limited compared to that in the manufacturing sector. As the project life cycle in the construction sector is typically long, effective coordination among the stakeholders is needed to integrate RL into each phase of the project life cycle. This paper proposes a new model of RL for the construction industry, incorporating the dimensions, elements, and, most importantly, indicators needed for the evaluation of RL performance. The model was initially derived from the extant literature. It was then refined through (1) focus group discussion, by which suggestions pertinent to the proposed model were collated from academics and practitioners, and (2) judgments by academics and practitioners to validate the model. The validated model includes 21 indicators to measure RL performance, spanned throughout the green initiation, green design, green material management, green construction, and green operation and maintenance phases. The paper offers a new method for how RL can be adopted in the construction industry by proposing an innovative model that will benefit stakeholders in the construction industry.

The Inventory Control System of Reverse Logistics for E-Commerce Packaging Recovery Based on BP Neural Network

The paper combines BP neural network to optimize the control system of e-commerce packaging and reverse logistics inventory. Through improving the hardware configuration structure of the system, the system can be improved and the operation effect of the system can be improved. The software flow and operation algorithm of the storage control system of e-commerce packaging recycling reverse logistics are optimized step by step, and the logistics is delivered by following the vehicle on the spot and visiting the logistics The distribution personnel collect the relevant data and data in the process of logistics and transportation, draw the reverse logistics business flow chart, point out the situation of reverse logistics before and after the goods distribution and distribution due to the cancellation of orders or transactions by customers, and the application for return of goods after the transaction. Meanwhile, it points out that the sales return operation site in the reverse logistics management process is chaotic and not formed the clear business process specification and other problems can effectively control the reverse logistics inventory of e-commerce packaging recovery. Finally, the experiment proves that the e-commerce packaging recycling reverse logistics inventory control system is more practical in the practical application process, and fully meets the research requirements.

Customer Satisfaction Towards Online Shopping by Empirical Validation of Self-Determination Theory

The chapter aims at understanding the predictors of customer satisfaction with online shopping in India by using self-determination theory. This research validates perceived enjoyment, social influence, social media interactions, reverse logistics, and pay-on-delivery (POD) mode of payment as new predictors of customer satisfaction in online shopping. Data was collected through a self-administered and structured questionnaire targeting online shoppers in North Indian states. A sample of 424 online shoppers was considered in this research. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to evaluate the constructs. CFA was applied to calculate validity and composite reliability. To examine the hypothesized relationships, path analysis was carried out. The findings of the chapter revealed that social influence, reverse logistics, and POD mode of payment had a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction. Perceived enjoyment emerged as the strongest predictor of online shopping satisfaction. In contrast, social media interactions emerged as non-significant.

Simulation optimization of an inventory control model for a reverse logistics system

Nowadays, companies are recognizing their primordial roles and responsibilities towards the protection of the environment and save the natural resources. They are focusing on some contemporary activities such as Reverse Logistics which is economically and environmentally viable. However, the integration of such an initiative needs flows restructuring and supply chain management in order to increase sustainability and maximize profits. Under this background, this paper addresses an inventory control model for a reverse logistics system that deals with two separated types of demand, for new products and remanufactured products, with different selling prices. The model consists of a single shared machine between production and remanufacturing operations, while the machine is subject to random failures and repairs. Three stock points respectively for returns, new products and remanufactured products are investigated. Meanwhile, in this paper, a modeling of the problem with Discrete-Event simulation using Arena® was conducted. Regarding the purpose of finding, a near-optimal inventory control policy that minimizes the total cost, an optimization of the model based on Tabu Search and Genetic Algorithms was established. Computational examples and sensitivity analysis were performed in order to compare the results and the robustness of each proposed algorithm. Then the results of the two methods were compared with those of OptQuest® optimization tool.

Investigating the Drivers and Barriers of Reverse Logistics Practices in the Pharmaceuticals Supply Chain

This empirical research investigates the reverse logistics practices adopted by a leading pharmaceutical company in Egypt, the drivers behind the applied reverse logistics activities, and the barriers affecting the application of reverse logistics. The methodological approach of interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is applied to study the mutual influences across barriers listed by a preliminary case analysis, and to identify the “driving” barriers which may worsen other barriers, and “dependent” barriers influenced by the driving barriers. A key finding of the analysis is that lack of regulation enforcement and lack of public awareness regarding the importance of reverse logistics are the most driving barriers influencing the rest of the identified barriers.

Increasing sustainability through reverse logistics a study on expired and waste medicines in Pakistani pharma industry

Increasing sustainability is the objective in all manufacturing and service sectors. For the increasing sustainability via circular economy, the research at hand reviews reverse logistics within the pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan. It proposes a recommendation to improve the current process of recycling medicines. The methodology is a qualitative method comprising unstructured interviews with an esteemed organization and observations to understand the dynamics of recycling and reverse logistics in drugs. The study helps develop and illustrates a framework divided into three stages (Distributor/Hospitals in 1st Tier, Whole sellers in 2nd Tier, Retailers and Customer in 3rd Tier) to target the customers and bring them into reverse logistics. The paper recommends policy implications to help improve the situation and initiate a sustainable practice for the environment and cost-efficient, including steps wise phases to gauge consumers for recycling medicines.

A Review on Remanufacturing Reverse Logistics Network Design and Model Optimization

Remanufacturing has gained great recognition in recent years due to its economic and environmental benefits and effectiveness in the value retention of waste products. Many studies on reverse logistics have considered remanufacturing as a key node for network optimization, but few literature reviews have explicitly mentioned remanufacturing as a main feature in their analysis. The aim of this review is to bridge this gap. In total, 125 papers on remanufacturing reverse logistics network design have been reviewed and conclusions have been drawn from four aspects: (1) in terms of network structure, the functional nodes of new hybrid facilities and the network structure combined with the remanufacturing technologies of products are the key points in the research. (2) In the mathematical model, the multi-objective function considered from different aspects, the uncertainty of recovery time and recovery channel in addition to quantity and quality, and the selection of appropriate algorithms are worth studying. (3) While considering product types, the research of a reverse logistics network of some products is urgently needed but inadequate, such as medical and furniture products. (4) As for cutting-edge technologies, the application of new technologies, such as intelligent remanufacturing technology and big data, will have a huge impact on the remanufacturing of a reverse logistics network and needs to be considered in our research.

STREAMLINING PACKAGING AS PART OF SUSTAINABLE REVERSE LOGISTICS PROCESSES

The aim of the article is to present streamlining reverse logistics challenging the trends of increased amount costs of packaging and a need to meet sustainable development goals. Analysis of the packaging process has identified increased costs for the purchase of packaging, increased volume of imported and produced packaging material, increased volume of packaging waste and thus high recycling fees (related to producer responsibility). A proposed solution for streamlining reverse logistics processes have been introduced, including workflow of the packaging process, a new packaging registration system and measures for standardisation of the packaging process. The solution's main benefits are economical and ecological: first, cost reduction for purchasing new packaging materials and cost reduction for recycling fees, the second elimination of negative influence on the environment by respecting the waste management hierarchy and principles of the circular economy. Other benefits expected for the company are shorter, more informative, and practical training of new employees, reduced time for packaging process through its standardisation and visualisation, and more efficient separation of reusable packaging.

The future role of reverse logistics as a tool for sustainability in food supply chains: a Delphi-based scenario study

Purpose The importance of integrating sustainability into business activities rises continuously. In addition to an established focus on forward logistics, there is a growing awareness of reverse logistics. Reverse logistics ensures sustainable practices and increases competitiveness for companies, but it also comes with challenges. Therefore, the implementation of reverse logistics is associated with uncertainties. This paper aims to fill this gap by analyzing the development and comprehensive potential of reverse logistics as a sustainability tool. Design/methodology/approach To bridge the research gap, a real-time Delphi study was conducted. Through an extensive desk research, semi-structured interviews and an expert workshop, 14 projections for the German food sector of 2040 were created. A total of 49 experts in the field of logistics, reverse logistics and food logistics assessed the future projections concerning estimated probability, impact and desirability of occurrence. Findings The findings derived lead to three possible future scenarios as well as potential drivers and barriers that food companies, the government and society need to consider to enable a successful transition toward implementing reverse logistics in food supply chains. Originality/value The study examined the future role of reverse logistics as a sustainability tool in food supply chains. The results serve as a framework for decision-making on the sustainable orientation of business practices, leading to increased competitiveness and resilient business strategy. Several implications are derived for practitioners, policymakers and society to promote reverse logistics. Methodologically, this study extends existing Delphi methods by conducting a quantitative dissent and sentiment analysis, considering various surface-level and deep-level diversity characteristics.