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Title Sustainability assessment of last-mile logistics and distribution strategies: The case of local food networks
ID_Doc 19342
Authors Melkonyan, A; Gruchmann, T; Lohmar, F; Kamath, V; Spinler, S
Title Sustainability assessment of last-mile logistics and distribution strategies: The case of local food networks
Year 2020
Published
DOI 10.1016/j.ijpe.2020.107746
Abstract Current trends related to increased sustainability requirements, the application of new digital technologies, and changes in consumer behavior have disrupted conventional food supply chains, entailing challenges for the last mile logistics and distribution of food products. The main aim of this study is to develop a toolset for exploring the sustainability potential of last mile logistics and distribution strategies, employing (1) a centralized distribution network with a click & collect option, (2) a decentralized distribution network with a home-delivery option, and (3) a distributed network based on a crowd logistics concept. For this, a system dynamics (SD) simulation and a multi-criteria decision aid (MCDA) were applied to assess the sustainability performance of these distribution channel options for a case study of a local food cooperative and a logistics service provider in Austria. The sustainability potential of developing a new logistics system in collaboration with these players has been estimated for the first time, while considering the dynamic interplay of all relevant sustainability elements within operational, tactical, and strategic planning. The results show that an integration of the two players into a distributed network strategy based on a crowd logistics concept is the most viable and sustainable option. This highlights the significant role of the logistics sector in proactively innovating services to make sustainable choices easier for the customer.
Author Keywords Local food; Distribution; Last mile logistics; System dynamics; Multi-criteria decision aid
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000572384700010
WoS Category Engineering, Industrial; Engineering, Manufacturing; Operations Research & Management Science
Research Area Engineering; Operations Research & Management Science
PDF http://manuscript.elsevier.com/S0925527320301328/pdf/S0925527320301328.pdf
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