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Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains
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Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2019) | Viewed by 75941

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juarez 32310, Chihuahua, Mexico
Interests: lean manufacturing; supply chain optimization; lean supply chain; sustainable supply chain; environmental impact
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Supply Chains and production systems, nowadays, are globalized and are distributed geographically around the world, since currently it is possible that, for a product, the raw materials are extracted in a country, processed in a second country, assembled or converted into final product in a third and distributed and marketed in other countries (Jean, Kim, and Bello, 2017). Some authors indicate that, for some products, 60% of the total cost thereof is associated with supply chain and logistics (Wang, Guo, Yan, and Wang, 2018). This Special Issue is aimed to identify different, tools, methodologies and techniques that managers are managing to improve supply chain sustainability and that allow them to generate a competitive advantage to keep their company in the globalized market with low-cost products and being a socially responsible company.

All the selected papers must help to understand the application of tools, methodologies and techniques in the supply chain, illustrating how managers are focused on cost reduction, partner integration, use of information and communication technologies, algorithms that seek to optimize resources, human resources involvement, information flow among partners, etc. The examples can come from sectors such as automotive, aerospace, agricultural, healthcare, tourism, mining, forest, to mention a few. The Special Issue is open to receive theoretical, case studies and real-world contributions in different topics and aspects related with supply chain sustainability.

References:

Jean, R. J. B., Kim, D., & Bello, D. C. (2017). Relationship-based product innovations: Evidence from the global supply chain. Journal of Business Research, 80, 127-140. doi:https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.jbusres.2017.07.008

Wang, X., Guo, H., Yan, R., & Wang, X. (2018). Achieving optimal performance of supply chain under cost information asymmetry. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 53, 523-539. doi:https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1016/j.apm.2017.09.002

Prof. Jorge Luis García Alcaraz
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Green supplier selection problem and relationship
  • Reverse logistics and collection of used products
  • Optimal plant location
  • Routes optimization
  • Infrastructure for procurement and distribution
  • Software in sustainable supply chain
  • Software and hardware integration in supply chain
  • 100% open platform for supply chain
  • Techniques and methodologies for sustainable production
  • ICT in Sustainable supply chain
  • Government regulations in supply chain
  • Risk with hazardous materials
  • Green procurement
  • Green layout
  • Green production process
  • Green distribution

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

10 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Implementation of a Mathematical Model to Improve Sustainability in the Handling of Transport Costs in a Distribution Network
by José Manuel Velarde, Susana García, Mauricio López and Alfredo Bueno-Solano
Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 63; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su12010063 - 19 Dec 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2348
Abstract
This work considers the application of a mathematical model using mixed-integer linear programming for the vehicle routing problem. The model aims at establishing the distribution routes departing from a distribution center to each customer in order to reduce the transport cost associated with [...] Read more.
This work considers the application of a mathematical model using mixed-integer linear programming for the vehicle routing problem. The model aims at establishing the distribution routes departing from a distribution center to each customer in order to reduce the transport cost associated with these routes. The study considers the use of a fleet of different capacities in the distribution network, which presents the special characteristic of a star network and which must meet different efficiency criteria, such as the fulfillment of each customer’s demand, the vehicle carrying capacity, work schedule, and sustainable use of resources. The intention is to find the amount of equipment suitable to satisfy the demand, thus improving the level of customer service, optimizing the use of both human and economic resources in the distribution area, and leveraging maximum vehicle capacity usage. The MILP mixed-integer linear programming mathematical model of the case study is presented, as well as the corresponding numerical study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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13 pages, 1409 KiB  
Article
A Systems Thinking Model to Support Long-Term Bearability of the Healthcare System: The Case of the Province of Quebec
by Ernesto A. Lagarda-Leyva and Angel Ruiz
Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7028; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11247028 - 09 Dec 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4718
Abstract
This paper describes the modeling efforts devoted by the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Québec, Canada (MSSS), to ensure the long-term bearability of their care system. To this end, it studies the relationships between four entities that self-regulate and interact to [...] Read more.
This paper describes the modeling efforts devoted by the Ministry of Health and Social Services of Québec, Canada (MSSS), to ensure the long-term bearability of their care system. To this end, it studies the relationships between four entities that self-regulate and interact to form the complex care-providing system: (1) universities; (2) hospitals and doctors; (3) the ministry; and (4) society. The first phase of this research focuses on modeling such relationships and relies on the system dynamics methodology to adequately capture the long-term dynamics of the system. The methodology encompasses three phases: (a) determination of the critical variables and parameters of each entity; (b) development of the causal diagram of each entity; and (c) integration of the individual causal diagrams to form the global system diagram. The final casual model illustrates and explains the relationships between all the entities and constitutes an excellent tool to support experts during discussions or focus groups where critical variables that positively or negatively affect the system can be evaluated. We intend to enrich this casual model in a further phase of the project, which will hopefully lead to a simulation and scenario analysis tool that can be used to support managers in their long-term decision-making process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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19 pages, 1866 KiB  
Article
Green Supplier Selection in the Agro-Food Industry with Contract Farming: A Multi-Objective Optimization Approach
by Marco A. Miranda-Ackerman, Catherine Azzaro-Pantel, Alberto A. Aguilar-Lasserre, Alfredo Bueno-Solano and Karina C. Arredondo-Soto
Sustainability 2019, 11(24), 7017; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11247017 - 09 Dec 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3762
Abstract
An important contribution to the environmental impact of agro-food supply chains is related to the agricultural technology and practices used in the fields during raw material production. This problem can be framed from the point of view of the Focal Company (FC) as [...] Read more.
An important contribution to the environmental impact of agro-food supply chains is related to the agricultural technology and practices used in the fields during raw material production. This problem can be framed from the point of view of the Focal Company (FC) as a raw material Green Supplier Selection Problem (GSSP). This paper describes an extension of the GSSP methodology that integrates life cycle assessment, environmental collaborations, and contract farming in order to gain social and environmental benefits. In this approach, risk and gains are shared by both parties, as well as information related to agricultural practices through which the FC can optimize global performance by deciding which suppliers to contract, capacity and which practices to use at each supplying field in order to optimize economic performance and environmental impact. The FC provides the knowledge and technology needed by the supplier to reach these objectives via a contract farming scheme. A case study is developed in order to illustrate and a step-by-step methodology is described. A multi-objective optimization strategy based on Genetic Algorithms linked to a MCDM approach to the solution selection step is proposed. Scenarios of optimization of the selection process are studied to demonstrate the potential improvement gains in performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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18 pages, 2407 KiB  
Article
A Linear Programming Model with Fuzzy Arc for Route Optimization in the Urban Road Network
by Elías Escobar-Gómez, J.L. Camas-Anzueto, Sabino Velázquez-Trujillo, Héctor Hernández-de-León, Rubén Grajales-Coutiño, Eduardo Chandomí-Castellanos and Héctor Guerra-Crespo
Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6665; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11236665 - 25 Nov 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3651
Abstract
In the transport system, it is necessary to optimize routes to ensure that the distance, the amount of fuel used, and travel times are minimized. A classical problem in network optimization is the shortest path problem (SPP), which is used widely in many [...] Read more.
In the transport system, it is necessary to optimize routes to ensure that the distance, the amount of fuel used, and travel times are minimized. A classical problem in network optimization is the shortest path problem (SPP), which is used widely in many optimization problems. However, the uncertainty that exists regarding real network problems makes it difficult to determine the exact arc lengths. In this study, we analyzed the problem of route optimization when delivering urban road network products while using fuzzy logic to include factors which are difficult to consider in classical models (e.g., traffic). Our approach consisted of two phases. In the first phase, we calculated a fuzzy coefficient to consider the uncertainty, and in the second phase, we used fuzzy linear programming to compute the optimal route. This approach was applied to a real network problem (a portion of the distribution area of a delivery company in the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico) by comparing the travel times between the proposed model and a classical model. The proposed model was shown to predict travel time better than the classical model in this study, reducing the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) by 25.60%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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15 pages, 1094 KiB  
Article
Supply Chain Optimization for Energy Cogeneration Using Sugarcane Crop Residues (SCR)
by Leonardo Rivera-Cadavid, Pablo Cesar Manyoma-Velásquez and Diego F. Manotas-Duque
Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6565; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11236565 - 21 Nov 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4579
Abstract
Access to clean and non-polluting energy has been defined as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). In this context, countries such as Colombia have promoted policies and incentives for the implementation of energy projects with non-conventional sources of energy. One of the main energy [...] Read more.
Access to clean and non-polluting energy has been defined as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). In this context, countries such as Colombia have promoted policies and incentives for the implementation of energy projects with non-conventional sources of energy. One of the main energy alternatives available is related to the use of residual biomass left by agribusiness supply chains, such as sugarcane. In Colombia, sugar cane is grown and harvested all year round, due to the local tropical climate. The model we propose addresses the question of the selection of the plots whose crop residue will be transported for energy production on a given day. We built a Mixed-Integer Programming model to decide which plots to harvest on a given day. Although no additional energy is generated in the model, the results show that it is feasible to replace all coal used in the boilers with sugarcane crop residues (SCRs) for power cogeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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15 pages, 2143 KiB  
Article
Collection of Solid Waste in Municipal Areas: Urban Logistics
by Jania Astrid Saucedo Martinez, Abraham Mendoza and Maria del Rosario Alvarado Vazquez
Sustainability 2019, 11(19), 5442; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11195442 - 01 Oct 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3700
Abstract
A sustainable process satisfies the current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs; that is, it must have a triple impact (sustainability): social, economic, and environmental. In México, there are several services that the government must provide [...] Read more.
A sustainable process satisfies the current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to satisfy their own needs; that is, it must have a triple impact (sustainability): social, economic, and environmental. In México, there are several services that the government must provide to society for its proper development, for example, the collection of solid waste. Urban logistics include all the processes and operations that provide a service to the community, such as water, safety, health, waste collection, etc., providing the service with the lowest possible cost (economic, social, and environmental) that contributes to the sustainability of the city. Due to the accelerated growth of the world population, several environmental problems have arisen, among them, the generation of solid waste in important quantities; their proper management is relevant for adequate development of the population. The collection of solid waste in municipal areas aims to grant green spaces and recreation areas for the citizens. Although an outstanding effort has been made by the government to provide an adequate service, there are still gaps in the application of correct tools that guarantee efficiency in operations and continuity in services. This article presents a proposal to improve the planning of the design of territories for the cleaning, weeding, and collection of solid waste in municipal areas, using two MILP (Mixed Integer Linear Programming) models. The main contribution of the adaptation of this model is the application to the weeding and waste collection service municipality of the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, which considers important factors among which are the amount of waste, frequency, and service coverage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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14 pages, 3619 KiB  
Article
Prices of Mexican Wholesale Electricity Market: An Application of Alpha-Stable Regression
by Roman Rodriguez-Aguilar, Jose Antonio Marmolejo-Saucedo and Brenda Retana-Blanco
Sustainability 2019, 11(11), 3185; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11113185 - 06 Jun 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2902
Abstract
This paper presents a proposal to estimate prices in the Mexican Wholesale Electric Market, which began operations in February 2016, which is why it moves from a scheme with a single bidder to a competitive market. There are particularities in the case of [...] Read more.
This paper presents a proposal to estimate prices in the Mexican Wholesale Electric Market, which began operations in February 2016, which is why it moves from a scheme with a single bidder to a competitive market. There are particularities in the case of the Mexican market, the main one being the gradual increase in the number of competitors observed until now and, on the other hand, the geographic and technical characteristics of the electric power generation. The observed prices to date show great fluctuations in the observed data due to diverse aspects; among the stems we can mention the own seasonality of the demand of electrical energy, the availability of fuel, the problems of congestion in the electrical network, as well as other risks such as natural hazards. For the above, it is relevant in a market context to have a price estimation as accurate as possible for the decision-making of supply and demand. This paper proposes a methodology for the generation of electricity price estimation through the application of stable alpha regressions, since the behavior of the electric market has shown the presence of heavy tails in its price distribution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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13 pages, 4408 KiB  
Article
Environmental Impacts of Reusable Transport Items: A Case Study of Pallet Pooling in a Retailer Supply Chain
by Riccardo Accorsi, Giulia Baruffaldi, Riccardo Manzini and Chiara Pini
Sustainability 2019, 11(11), 3147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11113147 - 04 Jun 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5147
Abstract
Manufacturing, storage, and transportation processes are typically facilitated by pallets, containers, and other reusable transport items (RTIs) designed to guarantee many cycles along a lifespan of several years. As a consequence, both supply and reverse transportation of RTIs need to be managed to [...] Read more.
Manufacturing, storage, and transportation processes are typically facilitated by pallets, containers, and other reusable transport items (RTIs) designed to guarantee many cycles along a lifespan of several years. As a consequence, both supply and reverse transportation of RTIs need to be managed to avoid stockout along the supply chain and the unsustainable production of new tools from virgin materials. This paper focuses on the business of pallet management by analyzing the transport operations of a pallet pooling network serving a large-scale nationwide retailer. The pooler is responsible for supplying, collecting, and refurbishing pallets. The combination of the pooler’s management strategies with different retailer network configurations results in different pooling scenarios, which are assessed and compared in this paper through a what-if analysis. The logistical and environmental impacts generated by the pallet distribution activities are quantified per each scenario through a tailored software incorporating Geographic Information System (GIS) and routing functionalities. Findings from this analysis suggest how to reduce vehicle distance traveled (vehicles-km) by 65% and pollutant emissions by 60% by combining network infrastructures and pooling management strategies—identifying an empirical best practice for managers of pallet businesses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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19 pages, 3495 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Four Environmental Assessment Tools in Swedish Manufacturing: A Case Study
by Sasha Shahbazi, Martin Kurdve, Mats Zackrisson, Christina Jönsson and Anna Runa Kristinsdottir
Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 2173; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11072173 - 11 Apr 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4796
Abstract
To achieve sustainable development goals, it is essential to include the industrial system. There are sufficient numbers of tools and methods for measuring, assessing and improving the quality, productivity and efficiency of production, but the number of tools and methods for environmental initiatives [...] Read more.
To achieve sustainable development goals, it is essential to include the industrial system. There are sufficient numbers of tools and methods for measuring, assessing and improving the quality, productivity and efficiency of production, but the number of tools and methods for environmental initiatives on the shop floor is rather low. Incorporating environmental considerations into production and performance management systems still generally involves a top-down approach aggregated for an entire manufacturing plant. Green lean studies have been attempting to fill this gap to some extent, but the lack of detailed methodologies and practical tools for environmental manufacturing improvement on the shop floor is still evident. This paper reports on the application of four environmental assessment tools commonly used among Swedish manufacturing companies—Green Performance Map (GPM), Environmental Value Stream Mapping (EVSM), Waste Flow Mapping (WFM), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)—to help practitioners and scholars to understand the different features of each tool, so in turn the right tool(s) can be selected according to particular questions and the industrial settings. Because there are some overlap and differences between the tools and a given tool may be more appropriate to a situation depending on the question posed, a combination of tools is suggested to embrace different types of data collection and analysis to include different environmental impacts for better prioritization and decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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26 pages, 4956 KiB  
Article
Parameter Setting for a Genetic Algorithm Layout Planner as a Toll of Sustainable Manufacturing
by Martin Krajčovič, Viktor Hančinský, Ľuboslav Dulina, Patrik Grznár, Martin Gašo and Juraj Vaculík
Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 2083; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11072083 - 08 Apr 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4152
Abstract
The long-term sustainability of the enterprise requires constant attention to the continuous improvement of business processes and systems so that the enterprise is still competitive in a dynamic and turbulent market environment. Improvement of processes must lead to the ability of the enterprise [...] Read more.
The long-term sustainability of the enterprise requires constant attention to the continuous improvement of business processes and systems so that the enterprise is still competitive in a dynamic and turbulent market environment. Improvement of processes must lead to the ability of the enterprise to increase production performance, the quality of provided services on a constantly increasing level of productivity and decreasing level of cost. One of the most important potentials for sustainability competitiveness of an enterprise is the continuous restructuring of production and logistics systems to continuously optimize material flows in the enterprise in terms of the changing requirements of customers and the behavior of enterprise system surroundings. Increasing pressure has been applied to projecting manufacturing and logistics systems due to labor intensity, time consumption, and costs for the whole technological projecting process. Moreover, it is also due to quality growth, complexity, and information ability of outputs generated from this process. One option is the use of evolution algorithms for space solution optimization for manufacturing and logistics systems. This method has higher quality results compared to classical heuristic methods. The advantage is the ability to leave specific local extremes. Classical heuristics are unable to do so. Genetic algorithms belong to this group. This article presents a unique genetic algorithm layout planner (GALP) that uses a genetic algorithm to optimize the spatial arrangement. In the first part of this article, there is a description of a framework of the current state of layout planning and genetic algorithms used in manufacturing and logistics system design, methods for layout design, and basic characteristics of genetic algorithms. The second part of the article introduces its own GALP algorithm. It is a structure which is integrated into the design process of manufacturing systems. The core of the article are parameters setting and experimental verification of the proposed algorithm. The final part of the article is a discussion about the results of the GALP application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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23 pages, 1118 KiB  
Article
The Role of Green Attributes in Production Processes as Well as Their Impact on Operational, Commercial, and Economic Benefits
by José Roberto Mendoza-Fong, Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz, José Roberto Díaz-Reza, Emilio Jiménez-Macías and Julio Blanco-Fernández
Sustainability 2019, 11(5), 1294; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11051294 - 01 Mar 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2967
Abstract
This paper reports a second-order structural equation model composed of four variables: the green attributes before and after an industrial production process, the operating benefits, the commercial benefits, and the economic benefits. The variables are related by means of five hypotheses and are [...] Read more.
This paper reports a second-order structural equation model composed of four variables: the green attributes before and after an industrial production process, the operating benefits, the commercial benefits, and the economic benefits. The variables are related by means of five hypotheses and are validated statistically with information obtained from 559 responses to a questionnaire applied to the Mexican maquila industry. The model is evaluated using the technique of partial least squares and the results obtained indicate that the green attributes before and after the production process have a direct and positive effect on the obtained benefits, mostly on the operational ones. It is concluded that companies that are focused on increasing their greenness level must monitor and evaluate the existence of green attributes in their production process to guarantee benefits and make fast decisions if required due to deviations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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12 pages, 760 KiB  
Article
Supply Chain Innovation in Scientific Research Collaboration
by Chih-Hung Yuan, Yenchun Jim Wu and Kune-muh Tsai
Sustainability 2019, 11(3), 753; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11030753 - 31 Jan 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4430
Abstract
Innovations in supply chains and logistics, which help businesses reduce their costs and meet customer needs, have become increasingly vital. In this study, we first conducted a content analysis followed by a social network analysis to systematically review 104 research papers on supply [...] Read more.
Innovations in supply chains and logistics, which help businesses reduce their costs and meet customer needs, have become increasingly vital. In this study, we first conducted a content analysis followed by a social network analysis to systematically review 104 research papers on supply chain innovation (SCI) that were published between 1987 and 2018. The results suggest that SCI research was originally concentrated in the United States and did not receive much attention in Europe and Asia, until more recently. An analysis of collaboration networks indicates that an SCI research community has just started to form, with the United Kingdom at the center of the international collaborative network. Implications of the study and directions for future research are summarized in detail, based on the systematic literature review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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21 pages, 457 KiB  
Article
Warranty Decision Model and Remanufacturing Coordination Mechanism in Closed-Loop Supply Chain: View from a Consumer Behavior Perspective
by Xiaodong Zhu, Lingfei Yu, Ji Zhang, Chenliang Li and Yizhao Zhao
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4738; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10124738 - 12 Dec 2018
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3409
Abstract
The remanufacturing warranty strategy has become an effective mechanism for reducing consumer risk and stimulating market demand in closed-loop supply chain management. Based on the characteristics of consumers’ behavior of purchase decisions, this paper studies the warranty decision model of remanufacturing closed-loop supply [...] Read more.
The remanufacturing warranty strategy has become an effective mechanism for reducing consumer risk and stimulating market demand in closed-loop supply chain management. Based on the characteristics of consumers’ behavior of purchase decisions, this paper studies the warranty decision model of remanufacturing closed-loop supply chain under the Stackelberg game model. The present study discussed and compared the decision variables, including remanufacturing product pricing, extended warranty service pricing, warranty period and supply chain system profit. The research shows that consumers’ decision-making significantly affirms the dual marginalization effect of the supply chain system while significantly affecting the supply chain warranty decision; the improved revenue sharing contract and the two charge contracts respectively coordinates the manufacturer-led and retail-oriented closed-loop supply chain system, which effectively implements the Pareto improvement of the closed-loop supply chain system with warranty services. In the present study, the model is verified and analyzed by numerical simulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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25 pages, 391 KiB  
Article
Reverse Logistic Strategy for the Management of Tire Waste in Mexico and Russia: Review and Conceptual Model
by Maria-Lizbeth Uriarte-Miranda, Santiago-Omar Caballero-Morales, Jose-Luis Martinez-Flores, Patricia Cano-Olivos and Anastasia-Alexandrovna Akulova
Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3398; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su10103398 - 25 Sep 2018
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8509
Abstract
Management of tire waste is an important aspect of sustainable development due to its environmental, economical and social impacts. Key aspects of Reverse Logistics (RL) and Green Logistics (GL), such as recycling, re-manufacturing and reusable packaging, can improve the management of tire waste [...] Read more.
Management of tire waste is an important aspect of sustainable development due to its environmental, economical and social impacts. Key aspects of Reverse Logistics (RL) and Green Logistics (GL), such as recycling, re-manufacturing and reusable packaging, can improve the management of tire waste and support sustainability. Although these processes have been performed with a high degree of efficiency in other countries such as Japan, Spain and Germany, the application in Mexico and Russia has faced setbacks due to the absence of guidelines regarding legislation, RL processes, and social responsibility. Within this context, the present work aims to develop an integrated RL model to improve on these processes by considering the RL models from Russia and Mexico. For this, a review focused on RL in Mexico, Russia, Japan and the European Union (EU) was performed. Hence, the integrated model considers regulations and policies performed in each country to assign responsibilities regarding RL processes for the management of tire waste. As discussed, the implementation of efficient RL processes for the management of tire waste depends of different social entities such as the user (customer), private and public companies, and manufacturing and state-of-the-art approaches to transform waste into different products (diversification) to consider the RL scheme as a total economic system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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Review

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30 pages, 5337 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices and Sustainable Performance in Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Integrative Framework
by Verónica Duque-Uribe, William Sarache and Elena Valentina Gutiérrez
Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 5949; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su11215949 - 25 Oct 2019
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 15416
Abstract
Hospital supply chains are responsible for several economic inefficiencies, negative environmental impacts, and social concerns. However, a lack of research on sustainable supply chain management specific to this sector is identified. Existing studies do not analyze supply chain management practices in an integrated [...] Read more.
Hospital supply chains are responsible for several economic inefficiencies, negative environmental impacts, and social concerns. However, a lack of research on sustainable supply chain management specific to this sector is identified. Existing studies do not analyze supply chain management practices in an integrated and detailed manner, and do not consider all sustainable performance dimensions. To address these gaps, this paper presents a systematic literature review and develops a framework for identifying the supply chain management practices that may contribute to sustainable performance in hospitals. The proposed framework is composed of 12 categories of management practices, which include strategic management and leadership, supplier management, purchasing, warehousing and inventory, transportation and distribution, information and technology, energy, water, food, hospital design, waste, and customer relationship management. On the other side, performance categories include economic, environmental, and social factors. Moreover, illustrative effects of practices on performance are discussed. The novelty of this document lies in its focus on hospital settings, as well as on its comprehensiveness regarding the operationalization of practices and performance dimensions. In addition, a future research agenda is provided, which emphasizes the need for improved research generalizability, empirical validation, integrative addressing, and deeper analysis of relationships between practices and performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tools, Methodologies and Techniques Applied to Sustainable Supply Chains)
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