Concepts for Sustainable End Consumer Movements in City Supply Chains

Traffic chaos, stress, congestion, environmental pollution, as well as the social problems resulting from the uncoordinated shopping trips of private citizens and companies and online deliveries represent key problems of the modern cities. In our opinion, their solving requires an intelligent coordination of the end-consumer supply-chain-related actions and movements, which should be based on mutual visibility, self-organization, and cooperation of the involved actors. This chapter presents and comments from a sustainability perspective several IT concepts that can optimize the modern ECM (end-consumer movements) related logistics. They rely on the intelligent coordination of end-consumers demands (ranging from short-term to long-term), the resulting reduction of supply-chain-related traffic, and the networking of social resources involved in such city supply chains. The focus is placed on the creation of multidimensional synergies among the involved actors on all scales and the support of the participative supply-chain networks, which are driven by end-users.

Transport Optimization and Estimation of Reduced CO2 Emissions

The chapter deals with the road transport optimization and estimation of reduced CO2 emissions. To reduce the latter, several approaches were adopted, like alternative technologies, sustainable community changes, and changes in driving behavior. Another possible approach is to reduce the vehicle miles of traveled (VMT) by the means of transport optimization. In this chapter, the heuristic optimization approach for VMT reduction is firstly presented and tested for the case of School Bus Routing Problem. Afterwards, main focus is dedicated to the models for estimation of reduced CO2 emissions. Herein, MEET emission model is integrated into the Monte Carlo based scenario playing algorithm, which calculates the total CO2 emissions in the dependence of the randomly independently changing average speeds of the vehicles of the driving fleet. This algorithm is applied to the optimized situation, and the calculated results are compared with the unoptimized case. Results show that the applied optimization concept can significantly reduce the CO2 emissions compared to unoptimized conditions.

Transport Costs in a Shrinking World

Logistics is about reducing costs in freight transport and removing virtual (rather than physical) obstacles in the event. Reports dwell on the quest for efficiency and show ways to remove bottlenecks and costs. The reduction of these costs was instrumental to an ever increasing exchange notably of finished goods between the countries of the World. The cost elements of transportation de-pend on the nature of the goods to be transported as well as the topography, the distance to overcome and the modal choice. But day-to-day reality seems to paint a totally different picture to the economic analyst. Does it still make sense to apply or even study the theories of the classical and neo-classical transportation geography which allocate the spheres of production and of consumption according to costs in space. This paper dwells on two diverging opinions. The combination of two sets of models, one coming out of the classic methodologies and one from modern marketing concepts, leads to an explanative approach which reconciles both model builders and empirical analysts.

Efficiency and Travel Agencies

The chapter deals with Bayesian structural equation modeling (SEM) for the case of travel agencies. The focus of research is the investigation of possible impacts of external integration with transport suppliers on the efficiency of travel agencies. In order to calculate the efficiency, the data envelopment analysis was used. For the construction of the measurement part of the model, the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, while its structural part was developed by the means of SEM procedure. When conducting the CFA and SEM procedures, the Bayesian estimation method was employed. Its performance was also compared with the maximum likelihood method and the fit indices of both methods were inspected. The results show that the derived model fits well to the real data. The study confirms certain positive effects of the external integration on the efficiency. This finding could represent an important guideline for the managers of the travel agencies.

A Game-Based Approach for Simulation and Design of Supply Chains

This chapter reviews the potential benefits and challenges of knowledge-based computer game simulation as means of understanding the dynamics of global procurement and manufacturing supply chains. In particular the chapter focuses on the use of software agents to assist decision making across the supply chain, for example in raw material procurement. The chapter describes a framework for supply chain scenarios in multi-agent based simulation games. The agents' behaviour is governed by business rules, based on the concept of normative knowledge representation and its reasoning mechanism (known as rule-based reasoning, RBR) and that also come closer to the task that confronts the supply chain operational manager – the analysis of current case in hand in terms of previously decided business problem solutions, known as case-based reasoning (CBR). The aim is to introduce more realistic behavior of the supply chain actors and improve understanding in operational management of supply chains.

Delivering Major Infrastructure Projects with Predictable Success

The inconvenient truth is that metro development, that is the focus of this paper, with some notable exceptions, fails to deliver the outcomes promised when implementation was committed. This fact undermines the confidence city leaders and national treasuries have in supporting metro development in furtherance of public policy. This matters because metros can become the catalytic centre-piece of sustainable development for some cities, and because the cost of failure is so large. There are exemplars of good practice worldwide and a strong evidence base on which to determine what is needed to improve success. This paper reviews the evidence and presents new research findings to recommend an Agenda for Change. This can practically be implemented and lead to progressive improvement.

Creating a Sustainable Supply Chain in Response to Unstable Market Expectations

This paper aims to indicate a possible development direction for enterprises and sustainable supply chains under circumstances of uncertain economic situation in the world. On the basis of their own research and descriptions of specific examples, the authors think that future strategies will be more oriented on the use of “soft” competences of employees. This direction is confirmed by the quoted research conducted by independent companies. For the purposes of building the strategy of sustainable supply chains it is necessary to engage appropriate leaders who, to a larger degree than previously, will be able to motivate and encourage employees to creative thinking. An additional challenge is presented by generation Y and Z entering the labour market and their co-operation with generation X or even Baby Boomer. The challenged is met, in the authors' opinion, by consistent implementation of the CSR concept providing the basis for creating Lean Management model.

Beyond the Horizon of Supply Chain Security Performance Measurement

This chapter introduces a methodology on how to define a complex Security Index (SI) that brings the ability to measure the strength and the efficiency of the business entity´s security system. It describes how to provide an approach to the security performance measurement. In order to get SI it is necessary to develop a systematization of Security Index Determination Model (SIDM). SI describes Supply Chain Security Management (SCSM) performance. SCSM implements, facilitates and maintains Security barriers, which are formed by a confluence of properly chosen and efficiently implemented security measures. The presented methodology is based on the General Model developed by Gutiérrez and Hintsa that was expanded according to research needs. The expansion was based on adding the specified barriers for each of the Sub-categories stated in the previously mentioned General Model. For this purpose different security initiatives such as AEO, C-TPAT and TAPA were analysed. SIDM is based on Objectivized Methodology for Technical Systems Conditions Assessment developed by Lansky.

Using a Supply Chain Improvement System (SCIS) to Increase Supply Chain Efficiency

Because of the reduced vertical range of manufacturing in recent decades, the complexity of supply chain relationships has increased dramatically. To address this complexity, and with the current pressure of competition in today's business environment, improving process efficiency has become an objective for companies and supply chains. Currently, there are no concepts available that enable evaluating and improving efficiency along entire supply chains. Based on this deficit, the authors developed the Supply Chain Improvement System (SCIS). This chapter will present the theoretical concept of the SCIS and provide the reader with two case studies that consider how to apply it in entrepreneurial practice. Beginning with offering some background information, current deficits in evaluating the efficiency of supply chains will be noted. Proceeding with the principles, the chapter will give a deeper insight into the structure of the concept.

The Role of Capacity and Traffic Uncertainty in Hinterland Connections

Ports are crucial links in supply chains, creating wealth for adjacent regions. Concerning port competitiveness, it is indicated in literature that good hinterland connections are crucial. Therefore, this chapter offers a framework to make decisions about hinterland connections. To do this, analysis of scientific studies and consulting reports was conducted in combination with discussions with experts. Last, the structure of analysis is applied upon the Port of Zeebruges, which features a strong imbalance between its strong maritime potential, and the relatively weak hinterland connections. The analysis results in strategies of optimizing the strategic decision making. From the real option theory, it is clear that a phased strategy is most suitable. The integrated analysis provides a framework to make investment decisions about port investments in general and hinterland connections in particular, and a pathway solution to a concrete case. Therefore, the study is relevant for policy makers and scientific researchers.