VGTU Journals (Vilnius Gediminas Technical University - Vilnius Tech)
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Viability of automation, robotization and intelligent systems in the last-mile delivery: a roadmap for future research
No full textCutting-edge technologies in automation, robotization and intelligent systems are emerging in last-mile delivery. However, lacking knowledge on viability is limiting the application and transformation in the final stage of logistics chains. The aim of this article is to identify viable automation, robotization and intelligent solutions and discuss their association for last-mile delivery optimization. This article therefore presents a systematic review of automation, robotization and intelligent solutions, followed by empirical data collected from a workshop with practitioners and representatives of logistic companies, seeking to identify associated opportunities and challenges. The analysis resulted in 3 clusters of innovative solutions discerned upon functional characteristics. Furthermore, the acquired empirical data enabled co-relation from theory and practice to both ensuing opportunities and challenges. By analysing the input by practitioners in the field, we propose internal development and spillover effects as deriving opportunities, technical requirements, and societal concerns as emanating challenges. Based on the diversity of opportunities and challenges associated to each solution, this study proposes a roadmap for future research
The operational resilience evaluation method as a tool for decision-making during traffic disruptions in the railway system
No full textBasically, node connections and arc capacity issues are taken into account for resilience evaluation. Then, resilience investigation is mainly limited to catastrophic events with focus on the system layer. Nevertheless, from the operation point of view it is not enough to keep the correct node connection of the system but also to keep the appropriate process schedules. Thus, it is important to go beside the classical network (system) resilience and to develop the concept of operational resilience. In the typical resilience analysis, the main function necessary for resilience evaluation is the performance or functionality in time. Normally it is defined by one criterion, for example available railway lines, or number of trains, or hardly ever also punctuality. Therefore, the 1st aim of this article is to propose a multi properties functionality function, that takes into account operation process parameters like punctuality, delay probability, number of launched trains, and correctly assigned resources. 2nd, the article shows a tree stage fuzzy model to calculate the performance function using the incoherent process parameters. The multidimensional character of the functionality function is well covered by the proposed 3 stage fuzzy model. It makes it possible to put together different measures, and to calculate in an effective way the synthetic functionality/performance value. The model is in detail described as well as its developed including theoretical works, operational data analysis, as well as the experience of experts. The model description is followed by a railway case study, where scenarios elaborated by Experts are evaluated and compared, looking for the best one in terms of resilience. A resilient solution will be that one with the smallest performance/functionality loss in time. Basing on the case it can be concluded that the method is a step forward in resilience research. It has also a high practical potential due to simplification of very complex prediction issues. For example, possible further lack of crews or vehicles is represented as negative influence on the functionality function, without the need to make in short decision time complicated and not maybe incomplete
Alignment of innovation diffusion and project management to increase logistics digitalization
No full textPurpose – This paper examines how integrating Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) with structured project management frameworks enhances digital technology adoption in logistics, addressing challenges in ineffective implementation.
Research methodology – A mixed-methods approach combines qualitative interviews with logistics executives and technology experts with quantitative analysis of adoption trends using case studies and industry data.
Findings – Results highlight the complexity of digital technologies and emphasize aligning decision-making frameworks – Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and Waterfall – with organizational goals to improve digital transformation. Structured project management methodologies help firms manage complexity, mitigate risks, and optimize project execution.
Research limitations – The study does not analyze all technology complexity levels or include all digital solutions in logistics. Additionally, not all technologies were linked to expert-identified success factors, limiting generalizability. Future research could use longitudinal or case-study approaches to explore long-term impacts.
Practical implications – Integrating IDT with project management frameworks and the Stacey Matrix helps logistics firms overcome adoption barriers and improve implementation success.
Originality/Value – This research provides empirical evidence on structured decision-making in digital adoption. By integrating expert insights and correlation analysis, it offers practical recommendations for optimizing innovation diffusion, mitigating risks, and aligning technology implementation with strategic goals in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
Integrated index analysis for monitoring urban growth based on GIS and remote sensing data in Karbala province, Iraq
No full textRemote sensing techniques and GIS were used in this study to monitor urban growth in Karbala Governorate, Iraq. A compiled database was created from available Multi-temporal Landsat (TM, ETM+ and OLI) data from 2000 to 2018. The near infrared (NIR), visible red (R), and short infrared (SWIR) wavelength areas covered by Landsat bands have been used to generate spectral indices known as the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalized Difference Salinity Index (NDSI). Images of the Landsat 7 and 8 satellites that were free to download from the USGS website between the years of 2000 and 2018 were the data used in this study. The layers were classified and merged to reveal the dynamic changes of land cover in the study area. The result shows that the built-up area increased from 264.75 km2 in 2000 to 391.23 km2 in 2018, indicating an increase over 18 years, but over the same period, the amount of water decreased
Lithuania’s economic trajectory in the shadow of the Ukraine conflict
No full textThe ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine has sent shockwaves through Europe, impacting the economies of nearby nations like Lithuania. Lithuania, a member of the European Union, finds itself in a complicated position due to its historical and political connections to Russia and Ukraine. Using such methodology as literature review, correlation, and regression analysis, structural equation modelling this research dives into how war is affecting Lithuania’s economy, including changes in trade, energy security, and relocation of investments. Because of the sanctions against Russia, an important trading partner for Lithuania, their usual trade routes have been thrown off. This has forced Lithuania to look for new markets and other places to get energy. At the same time, Lithuania has had to spend more on its military and faces greater uncertainty because of the conflict, which has changed fiscal policies and investor confidence. The conflict has also sped up Lithuania’s move towards Western markets and strengthened its employment market. This paper takes a deep dive into Lithuania’s economic journey within the changing landscape of security, economic indicators, and policy reactions. The results emphasize both the weaknesses and strengths of Lithuania’s economy in the face of ongoing geopolitical conflict.
Article in English.
Lietuvos ekonominė trajektorija Ukrainos konflikto šešėlyje
Santrauka
Šiuo metu vykstanti situacija tarp Rusijos ir Ukrainos sukėlė didelį atgarsį Europoje, paveikdama ir netoliese esančių šalių, tokių kaip Lietuva, ekonomikas. Lietuva, kaip Europos Sąjungos narė, atsidūrė sudėtingoje padėtyje dėl savo istorinių ir politinių ryšių su Rusija ir Ukraina. Taikant tokius metodus kaip literatūros apžvalga, koreliacijos ir regresinė analizė, struktūrinių lygčių modeliavimas, šiame tyrime gilinamasi į tai, kaip karas veikia Lietuvos ekonomiką – įskaitant prekybos pokyčius, energetinį saugumą ir investicijų perskirstymą. Dėl sankcijų Rusijai, kuri yra svarbi Lietuvos prekybos partnerė, buvo sutrikdyti įprasti prekybos keliai. Tai privertė Lietuvą ieškoti naujų rinkų ir alternatyvių energijos šaltinių. Tuo pačiu metu Lietuva buvo priversta didinti karines išlaidas ir susiduria su didesniu neapibrėžtumu dėl konflikto, kuris paveikė fiskalinę politiką bei investuotojų pasitikėjimą. Konfliktas taip pat paspartino Lietuvos orientaciją į Vakarų rinkas ir sustiprino darbo rinką. Šiame darbe nuodugniai nagrinėjama Lietuvos ekonominė kelionė kintančiame saugumo, ekonominių rodiklių ir politikos atsako kontekste. Rezultatai pabrėžia tiek Lietuvos ekonomikos silpnąsias, tiek stipriąsias puses nuolatinio geopolitinio konflikto akivaizdoje.
Reikšminiai žodžiai: geopolitinis konfliktas, ekonomikos augimas, karas, ekonominis stabilumas
R&D impact in the changes of economic structure of population
No full textResearch and Development (R&D) plays crucial role in the technological progress, and thus it can be seen as facilitator of the economic development. It is widely known that the importance of the research is not only in economic aspect but also in the technologic aspect. On the other hand, not all of countries have possibility to develop such researches, as it requires huge financial support, and professional human capital. As a result of these investments and technological developments, changes on the employment rate in each sector are evident. The study is focused on measuring the impact of R&D in the changes of the economic structure of population. In the study are included thirty world countries divided in three groups: ten countries with largest GDP, ten with largest GDP per capita and ten Balkan countries. Structural Equation Model is used to measure the impact of almost three decades until pandemic COVID-19. From the analysis conducted, the results show that, investments in research and development and innovation have positive impact on the economic structural of population
Entrepreneurial determinants of Moroccan business failure: entrepreneurial behaviors and attitudes
No full textThe main objective of this article is to determine the entrepreneurial determinants of Moroccan business failures. To address our research problem, we employ multiple regression models. Entrepreneurial behaviors and attitudes are sourced from the dataset provided by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Additionally, we enhance our dataset by incorporating entrepreneurial variables from the World Bank entrepreneurship database and OMPIC. Applying variable selection techniques and models selection criteria, such as AIC and BIC, the main results indicate that the model composed of variables related to entrepreneurial behavior and attitudes variables, specifically fear of failure rate, perceived capabilities rate, and perceived opportunities rate, better explains bankruptcy rate. This empirical study represents the inaugural examination in Morocco employing entrepreneurial behaviors and attitudes variables to assess their impact on business failure. The findings from this article could open up new perspectives for identifying entrepreneurial variables that explain business failure in Morocco. To the best of our knowledge, our research is the first to explore this topic in this country
Uncertain new technologies – economics of ground effect vehicle operator
No full textNew technologies and vehicle types have become available for transportation and logistics in the recent decade. One of the such is Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV), which in new reinvented form is using electric propulsion, new lighter materials and could be without onboard pilots. These could be used in coastal and archipelago types of areas, where distances are relatively short. In this research is introduced economic and business case evaluation of GEV in the context of Canary Islands. Aim is to build understanding from financial success of GEV. Simulation model incorporates number of uncertainties, like usage life-cycle of fleet, fleet investment cost, interest rates, lower cargo volume development in the early years and possibility for passenger transports. Analysis shows that success depends quite much on cargo pricing, and the interest of customers to pay premiums from faster delivery. Being operator of GEV offers possibility for profitability, but if most of uncertainties take place, then investments might increase too much and result on significant losses. Research provides added value on discipline development and better alternative on spreadsheet and cost focused models
Quantitative assessment of human capital in Latvia
No full textThe importance of human capital has been a subject of discussion for several centuries. Over time, various methods for its quantitative assessment have been developed, each offering its own insights into the role of human capital in economic growth of a country. The study focuses on the case of Latvia by analyzing different types of quantitative human capital indicators. The study reviews existing methodologies used for a quantitative assessment of human capital, including indicator-based, cost-based and income-based methods, as well as six human capital indicators such as the human capital index by the World Bank, the human capital index by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, and the global human capital index by the World Economic Forum. The results show that, in five out of six indicators, Latvia ranks between the 21st and the 39th place in the world. However, some indexes offer outdated information or place a big focus only on one specific metric. Based on these findings, the authors of the paper propose a new quantitative approach for assessing human capital that integrates labour market, education and health indicators and metrics. The new approach shows that there is room for human capital potential in Latvia
Assessment of service quality of wholesale construction and finishing materials sales companies: case of Lithuania
No full textCustomer service is one of the main factors influencing the success of a company’s operations, as it directly determines customer satisfaction, loyalty and the company’s image. High-quality service encourages customers to return and strengthens long-term cooperation. This article analyses customer service principles and their significance, and service quality assessment methods that identify problem areas and ensure high service standards. The main criteria for assessing service quality are discussed, such as employee professionalism, speed of service, clear and polite communication, understanding customer needs and problem-solving effectiveness. The importance of feedback in improving service quality is emphasised, and customer satisfaction measurement methods are discussed, including surveys, feedback analysis and service quality methodologies. The article also underlines that continuous assessment of service quality and customer service improvement is essential to achieving long-term business growth, customer loyalty and competitive advantage. Therefore, this article aims to determine how customers assess the quality of service of wholesale construction and finishing materials sales companies, i.e., their expectations and the actual situation. A systematic analysis of scientific literature and the SERVQUAL method is used to achieve this goal. The results obtained show that companies in this sector, due to the specifics of their activities, pay little attention to meeting customer expectations. However, they still have to assess and consider customer expectations to achieve a high-quality service standard. This is the only way to adapt to market changes and ensure long-term success more effectively