1,720,983 research outputs found
The Value Proposition of innovative Last-Mile delivery services from the perspective of local retailers
Full text linkThe last-mile (LM) delivery is probably one of the most expensive and complex among global Supply Chain processes, and it suffers from problems such as road traffic congestion. On the other hand, urban goods delivery systems can be held accountable for the same negative externalities they suffer. The complexity of last-mile delivery systems arises from the heterogeneity of stakeholders and their objectives. In this context, local retailers might be called upon to adopt innovative last-mile delivery services offered by Logistics Service Providers (LSPs). The attractiveness of selected LM initiatives to local retailers has been explored by a stream of literature that focuses on the utility provided to the retailer by a sub-set of initiatives s, based on the retailers' preferred requirements. With this paper, we aim to build on this stream of literature by analyzing the perception of local retailers regarding the value proposition of a wider set of LM delivery innovations, including the ones that do not comprise retailers among their paying customers. To this end, a survey is submitted to retailers of different sizes and type located in the limited traffic zone (LTZ) of Turin (Italy). Through the survey, we aim to assess the relative importance of nine service requirements retrieved from literature, and cluster them into factors, i.e. value propositions, by means of a confirmatory factor analysis. Results show that retailers are able to accept higher costs for the delivery for deliveries that are more reliable and for the reduction of stock. Retailers also appear to correlate punctuality and flexibility of the LM delivery service, because flexible and on time deliveries allow for better inventory management, higher control and in turn improved customer service level by the retailer. The convenience of the delivery service is seen as correlated with its sustainability, because logistics activities can be carried out with small and low impact vehicles that allowing easier deliveries into the city center. The highlighted factors serve as a basis for the value propositions to be taken into account by practitioners in the design of LM innovations
City logistics policy evaluation with system dynamics
Full text linkIn City Logistics (CL) contexts, public stakeholders' goal is often to implement policies aimed at reducing the negative externalities generated by freight transportation activities, while at the same time maintain and foster the efficiency of the CL system without hindering the profitability of private operators. This task can become quite arduous because of the complexity of CL systems, which are composed by multiple actors with different objectives and driving factors. In this context, we argue that existing literature should explore more deeply the effects of public policies on operation and economic variables that shape the CL context. To this end, we propose a System Dynamics (SD) model that identifies the interconnections between those variables and helps assess the effects of public policies on the system
Modelling innovations in freight transport: A business ecosystem perspective
Full text linkTransport models are frequently applied in the context of policy analysis. Traditionally, the main purposes of application have been the prediction of future demand, policy appraisal and the design or optimization of policy interventions. A growing field of applications is the exploration of the impact of innovations. Typically, traditional transport models perform poorly when it comes to the complex dynamics of multi-actor economic processes, while these determine the adoption and scaling of innovations, to achieve societal impact at large. All too often, innovations are modelled as if they would leave routine transport processes untouched, usually as mere reductions in transport times or costs. This approach neglects the necessary reorganization of many processes in the transport system and often leads to exaggerated predictions of impacts. In this chapter we introduce a new modelling paradigm that aims to fill this gap, by representing transport systems as business ecosystems. Our scope of applications in this paper is limited to freight transport, but the reasoning is generic and can be extended to systems for passenger transport, or combined passenger/freight systems. We explain the antecedents of the paradigm, propose an approach for its implementation using agent based modelling, and demonstrate it with a practical application in the area of urban freight transport. The chapter is built up as follows. Section 1 introduces the topic, including the typical innovations in freight transport that are the subject of contemporary modelling studies. Section 2 describes the business ecosystems approach as positive lens for modelling innovations, also linking the approach to the normative theory of transition management. Section 3 operationalizes the approach for the domain of innovations in urban freight transport and provides examples of applications using agent based models. Section 4 discusses the implications for practitioners and researchers, in terms of a development agenda for models, data and the organization of impact assessment studies. Section 5 concludes the chapter by summarizing the main lines of our approach
Technological trends in last-mile contexts: A European perspective
Full text linkThis paper presents an empirical analysis on 65 European cities where different Last Mile technologies have been implemented by both private and public operators, aiming to assess the importance of each technology involved and identify adoption trends. Results show that parcel lockers and low emissions vehicles are the most adopted technologies, while the diffusion of Intelligent Transportation Systems and dynamic routing appears limited. Finally, crowd shipping services are still scattered but show medium level of adoption. Future research will extend the analysis to international projects and include external aspects to refine the understanding of technological adoption patterns
Modelling system dynamics as a socio-ecological perspective to support human-beaver interactions
Full text linkBeavers are semi-aquatic mammals that significantly impact on freshwater ecosystems, creating benefits and challenges, particularly in areas with close human interaction. Managing human-beaver interactions is a multifaceted issue due to the many variables involved, but the complexity of these interactions can be analysed effectively using system dynamics models. These models are used in many contexts, including wildlife management, to simulate a variety of management policies and assess their effects. The present study addressed gaps in the literature by developing a system dynamics model that examined both the benefits and conflicts that arise from human-beaver interactions. The model, implemented using Vensim PLE software, synthesised qualitative and quantitative data to simulate four simulation scenarios: ecological, social, economic, and policy making. The study examined the dynamics of beaver populations, ecosystem service provision, social perceptions, and management strategies in a case study of the Ivrea lakes area in the Piedmont region (Italy). Model predictions highlights that beaver populations stabilized logistically, influencing ecosystem services and residual capital, while social acceptance stongly reduced management costs and social pressure. Optimal budget allocation and combined strategies emerged as key to sustainable management and conflict mitigation. Overall, predictions suggest that an integrated approach that prioritises prevention and actively engages local communities can improve both ecological outcomes and social acceptance of beavers. The model is a useful decision and discussion tool for assessing management strategies and facilitating stakeholder involvement. Future studies should expand on these results by exploring additional beaver-related conflicts and benefits in diverse contexts
Digital Twin Applications for Intralogistics Processes: A Literature Review
No full textIntralogistics manages material and information flows within facilities, and Industry 4.0 has introduced digital twin (DT) technology as a tool for managing complex systems. Despite its transformative potential, DT adoption in intralogistics remains limited. Thus, this paper reviews literature to identify trends and challenges in this domain. Findings reveal increasing interest in DT applications for intralogistics, especially in laboratory environments, while the integration of digital models, optimisation algorithms, and machine learning remains underexplored. The study seeks to enhance theoretical understanding of DT's impact on intralogistics and offer practical insights to help managers implement effective strategies for optimising internal logistics processes
Home delivery services: innovations and emerging needs
No full textThe increasing amount of small-sized shipments and their frequency variation, due to the growth of e-commerce, pose a great challenge to logistics service providers. At the same time, new technologies and innovations are being developed with the aim of increasing the efficiency of logistics service provider, as much as foster the creation of new enterprises and business models in the home delivery sector. The aim of this paper is to provide an exploratory analysis of the fit between existing home delivery innovative services, requirements, and issues that users might have. To do so, we review the main features of innovative services and we compare them with the findings from an online survey. For each service, we identify the value propositions, and the issues the service aims to address. In particular, four innovative services are reviewed. Through the online survey, we identify user's habits, requirements and perceptions regarding the effectiveness and features of the innovative services
The dynamics of diffusion of an electronic platform supporting City Logistics services
Full text linkEmpirical Grounded Simulation Models for Make-To-Order (MTO) Supply Chains: An Application in the Furniture Industry
No full textThe Make-to-Order (MTO) supply chain seeks to balance cost reduction with satisfactory customer service, especially concerning order lead times. Simulation plays a vital role in this balance, identifying risks, analyzing scenarios, and evaluating key performance indicators. However, existing simulation models often overlook suppliers and inventory management, focusing more on production, sales, and distribution. To address this, a simulation model tailored for the furniture industry integrates supplier selection with inventory management strategies, considering geographical complexities. Through a case study, various scenarios are assessed, revealing a trade-off between lead times and costs. Close MTO suppliers decrease lead times but increase costs due to transportation expenses, while distant sourcing minimizes costs but extends lead times, challenging customer expectations. This simulation model offers insights for MTO companies navigating supplier selection and inventory management, enhancing decision-making and customer satisfaction. Future research aims to expand the model into a supply chain Digital Twin, incorporating resilience and risk management to tackle broader MTO supply chain challenges
Once concessioned, twice shy? Asymmetries of “reconcession” in national PPP programs
No full textIn Public-Private Partnerships, theoretically, once the concession period finishes, the infrastructure should be transferred back to the public sector. However, governments are prompt to promote reconcessions by rebidding PPPs. The implications of reconcessioning a PPP that has undergone a previous concession have not been thoroughly considered in the literature. This study develops a System Dynamics (SD) model to examine the implications of reconcession in a national user-pay PPP program over the last 30 years aiming to provide a tool for decision-makers to understand the interrelations between reconcessions and the main PPP outcomes. This model explores the implications of periodical reconcessions by unravelling five asymmetries derived from reconcessions and assesses their impacts on longer average concession periods, higher project expenditures, higher user fees, lower uncertainty and reduced demand volatility. Findings have important implications for PPP policymakers who should thoroughly consider reconcessions implications on PPP program expenses and reliance on user revenues that may trigger erosion of social legitimacy and potential program closure due to user fee increases, demand elasticity, and demand volatility when making decisions about reconcessions in PPP programs. The model’s reliability is tested based on a national toll road PPP program including more than 60 projects
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