Grocery retailers often face the decision of whether to allow freshness-based demand substitution by offering the same product with differing shelf lives. Offering both "new" and ''old" units simultaneously enhances market penetration but also cannibalizes demand for new units, as old units are typically sold at a discount. This paper develops an analytical framework that extends the classical Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model to explicitly capture intra-cycle competition between old and new units of a perishable product with a fixed shelf life (e.g., a carton of milk). We derive optimal policies under single-batch (no competition) and double-batch (competition within each cycle) replenishment strategies and characterize the conditions under which each policy is profit-maximizing. Accordingly, there exists a shelf-life threshold below which the single-batch policy is optimal, whereas a longer shelf life may justify adopting the double-batch policy. Interestingly, under the double-batch policy, both the optimal cycle length and order quantity are smaller, implying that a longer shelf life does not necessarily increase inventory levels. Partial competition, where intra-cycle competition is shorter than the cycle length, is rarely optimal and yields marginal profit improvement. We further extend the model by proposing a pricing-EOQ formulation, where markdown depth is endogenously determined, to assess the robustness of the findings and highlight the role of markdowns. The central findings remain true and the firm makes a deep markdown only when market expansion is limited. Our results identify when freshness-based competition should be avoided or strategically embraced.

Transportation is vital for access to essential services such as healthcare and education. However, rural communities often struggle with inadequate transportation systems due to low population density, forcing individuals to depend on personal vehicles or transport modes that may pose safety risks, such as walking or hitchhiking. To address these challenges, we propose implementing an integrated passenger and freight transportation (IPFT) system, which transports people and goods on the same vehicle with dedicated capacities, utilizing public transportation and parcel lockers. Given that public transport vehicles are less occupied in rural areas than in urban areas, utilizing the free space in the vehicle for carrying small parcels presents a resource-efficient solution. To that end, we develop two models: While the first model determines the optimal number and location of bus stops and parcel lockers, the second one establishes public transport’s route, schedule, and capacity allocations. Then, we compare our IPFT network optimization model with another model where passenger and freight services operate independently to demonstrate the added value of freight integration. The results indicate that the proposed model reduces the total operational cost and carbon emissions. Hence, by providing this service, rural residents may enjoy enhanced accessibility to essential services. Further, in the context of cultural sustainability, we delineate our findings and offer venues for future research.

This review highlights the urgent need for sustainable operational efficiency (SOE) in the mining industry (MI) as it confronts escalating environmental, social, and economic pressures. Although considerable progress has been achieved in areas such as life cycle assessment, renewable energy integration, and data-driven decision-making, significant gaps persist, particularly in integrating cultural sustainability, stakeholder participation, and dynamic operational frameworks. This shift to quadruple bottom line (QBL) thinking provides a more inclusive and holistic approach for aligning mining operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The SWOT analysis and scientometric insights reveal that technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and circular economy models, hold transformative potential. However, their practical implementation remains hindered by infrastructural, financial, and institutional barriers. Addressing these challenges requires not only the development of sector-specific eco-efficiency models and context-sensitive LCA tools but also the adoption of participatory governance frameworks that embed community trust and cultural relevance into operational planning. To advance SOE in the mining industry, future research should focus on interdisciplinary, adaptive strategies that bridge technological innovation with inclusive policy design. By operationalizing the QBL approach, fostering stakeholder engagement, and scaling renewable integration in remote contexts, the mining industry can transition from reactive compliance to proactive leadership in sustainability. This review provides a critical foundation for that transition, guiding academia, industry, and policymakers toward a more equitable and resilient future for the mining sector.

The mining industry (MI), one of the largest energy consumers globally, is under increasing pressure to transition towards more sustainable energy systems. This paper explores the current trends in sustainable energy transition (SET) in mining operations, focusing on integrating renewable energy, decarbonization efforts, economic and technological enablers, and sustainability frameworks. Through a systematic literature review utilizing bibliometric tools such as Scopus and VOSviewer 1.6.20, this study identifies key themes, trends, and challenges shaping the future of energy transition in mining. Despite advancements in renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, the MI faces significant barriers, including high upfront costs, logistical challenges in remote operations, and inconsistent regional decarbonization policies. The review highlights the importance of global regulatory alignment, technological innovation, and financial mechanisms to overcome these challenges and accelerate the industry’s shift towards clean energy. Future research directions address gaps in renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, and sustainability practices in the mining sector. This study aims to contribute to the academic discourse and provide actionable insights for industry stakeholders striving to achieve a SET.

Prevailing and exacerbating impacts of climate change call for robust and resilient humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). To that end, intelligent technologies that brought about the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) revolution, such as the Internet of Things, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, may tremendously impact the optimal design and effective management of HSCs. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature network analysis and identify trends in I4.0 and HSCs. We posit the need to instill into current HSC efforts the quadruple bottom-line (cultural, economic, environmental, and social) pillars of sustainability and define a Sustainable Humanitarian Supply Chain (SHSC). Based on the extant literature and ongoing practice, we highlight how I4.0 technologies can aid SHSC stages from disaster risk assessment to preparedness to response to relief. The complex nature of SHSCs requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach and collaboration by scholars, policymakers, and industry practitioners to pool solution resources. We offer future research venues in this fledgling but life-saving scientific discipline. SHSCs can be empowered with I4.0 technologies, a much needed direction in our climate-changed world.

The impacts of climate change (CC) are intensifying and becoming more widespread. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) significantly contribute to CC and are primarily generated by transportation—a dominant segment of supply chains. City logistics is responsible for a significant portion of GHGs, as conventional vehicles are the primary mode of transportation in logistical operations. Nonetheless, city logistics is vital for urban areas’ economy and quality of life. Therefore, decarbonizing city logistics (DCL) is crucial to promote green cities and sustainable urban living and mitigate the impacts of CC. However, sustainability encompasses the environment, economy, society, and culture, collectively called the quadruple bottom line (QBL) pillars of sustainability. This research uses the QBL approach to review the extant literature on DCL. We searched for articles on SCOPUS, focusing on analytical scholarly studies published in the past two decades. By analyzing publication years, journals, countries, and keyword occurrences, we present an overview of the current state of DCL research. Additionally, we examine the methods and proposals outlined in the reviewed articles, along with the QBL aspects they address. Finally, we discuss the evolution of DCL research and provide directions for future research. The results indicate that optimization is the predominant solution approach among the analytical papers in the DCL literature. Our analysis reveals a lack of consideration for the cultural aspect of QBL, which is essential for the applicability of any proposed solution. We also note the integration of innovative solutions, such as crowdsourcing, electric and hydrogen vehicles, and drones in city logistics, indicating a promising research area that can contribute to developing sustainable cities and mitigating CC.

Background: An alternative to unsustainable urban developments, rural living is on the rise, but it already has its challenges. To that end, rural logistics and transportation (RLT) calls for a comprehensive analysis of its context, especially in a climate-changed and socially turbulent world. Unlike urban logistics, there is limited focus on RLT in academic literature. However, rural areas’ lack of transportation and limited logistics operations negatively affect rural residents’ daily lives, especially socially disadvantaged groups such as older people, children, women, and low-income households. Methods: This study first identifies the key literature on RLT and sustainability using a systematic literature review. Then, it synthesizes from the extant literature the challenges in RLT and proposed solutions to understand how to improve accessibility and address some barriers to implementation, all through the perspective of quadruple bottom line (QBL) sustainability pillars. Results: The lack of opportunities presented to rural residents due to limited RLT leads to inequality between rural and urban populations, requiring academic attention. Moreover, despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in academic literature, there is a noticeable lack of attention to sustainability in RLT. Conclusions: This study leads policymakers toward a better understanding of rural communities’ complexities, directs practitioners to adopt the QBL perspective in decision-making, and aims to stipulate innovative RLT topics for further research for academicians.

The shipping industry is the cornerstone that facilitates the movement of approximately 90% of international commercial goods. However, environmental challenges, particularly in the ship recycling (SR) industry, have become increasingly evident. Via closed-loop production patterns within an economic system, a circular economy aims to improve resource-use efficiency by focusing on urban and industrial waste to achieve better balance and harmony between the economy, environment, and society. A key element in this process is a well-executed disassembly that enables reuse, remanufacturing, high-value recycling, and implementing other circular strategies. Based on a systematic literature review, this paper delineates the SR process, identifies influential scholarly works on recycling end-of-life ships, discusses factors affecting shipowners’ decision to recycle, and opportunities for sustainability and circularity in SR processes. The results confirm the increasing need for green SR to reduce shipbreaking waste. Also discussed is how greening SR could be integrated into sustainable development goals under proper environmental and safety regulations and an aligned cultural mindset for stakeholders.

Sustainability has garnered significant attention from both academia and practice in recent decades. While the term "sustainable supply chain" (SSC) was uncommon in the early 2000s, there has been a surge in literature on SSC since 2010. This study aims to review critical concepts of sustainable supply chain coordination (SSCC) problems, identify research gaps, and highlight main research streams and future directions. Recent studies in SSCC can be categorized into five areas: (1) consumer environmental awareness, (2) corporate social responsibility, (3) carbon legislation, (4) coordination of reverse and closed-loop supply chains, and (5) governmental intervention in SSCC. The existing literature is analyzed and evaluated based on the triple bottom line of sustainability to provide a comprehensive critical survey of the problem. While the existing literature primarily focuses on the economic aspect of sustainability, current review of SSCC drivers and barriers reveals an increasing trend in the application of different coordination mechanisms and contracts. Such strategies aim to enhance supply chain profitability while promoting environmental and social performance improvement. This review presents an up-to-date overview of recent progresses, emerging trends, and research gaps in the area of SSCC. Finally, it explores future research avenues by focusing on emerging topics, novel theoretical approaches, and multidisciplinary perspectives.

We study a multimodal logistics network for a multi-echelon supply chain (SC) with multiple products, considering economic and environmental sustainability and shipment consolidation (ShC). The SC logistics network is modelled as a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) and then tested on randomly generated but realistic test instances. The effects of ShC in SC network design on economic and environmental costs are analyzed, showing that consolidation decreases the SC cost, especially when the distance between the shipper and receiver is significant. Moreover, machine learning (ML) approaches for predicting stochastic parameters using historical data are evaluated compared to the more traditional stochastic programming approaches over multiple prediction periods. The three ML models utilized; namely, Attention CNN-LSTM, Attention ConvLSTM and an ensemble of both models using Support Vector Regression, performed significantly better than the stochastic programming approaches considered (simple recourse and chance-constrained) in all scenarios. The numerical examples show that the MILP models using the predictions from the ML algorithms provide the highest value of the stochastic solution and the lowest expected value of perfect information. This study makes a case for the continued integration of ML prediction methodologies into stochastic optimization modelling in the setting of sustainable SC logistics design problems.

This study explores the complex decision-making (DM) dynamics between clients and consultants, a crucial area often neglected in existing research. Utilizing a Multi-Perspective Approach combined with Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, we examine DM challenges such as cost overruns, project delays, and compromised work quality stemming from ineffective DM practices. Key findings highlight the pervasive fear of financial repercussions from poor decisions, which impedes decisive and transparent DM. We offer practical recommendations for managers, propose strategies to strengthen DM processes, enhance project execution frameworks and insights to improve operational efficiency and competitive advantages for Ghanaian mining construction sector stakeholders. This study significantly contributes to the literature on project management by offering targeted solutions and advancing knowledge on DM practices. Cette & eacute;tude explore la dynamique complexe de prise de d & eacute;cision (PD) entre les clients et les consultants, un domaine crucial souvent n & eacute;glig & eacute; dans les recherches existantes. En utilisant une approche multi-perspective combin & eacute;e avec une analyse d & eacute;cisionnelle multicrit & egrave;res, nous examinons les d & eacute;fis du PD tels que les d & eacute;passements de co & ucirc;ts, les retards des projets, et la qualit & eacute; du travail compromise r & eacute;sultant de pratiques de PD inefficaces. Les principales conclusions mettent en & eacute;vidence la peur omnipr & eacute;sente des r & eacute;percussions financi & egrave;res de mauvaises d & eacute;cisions, qui emp & ecirc;che une gestion des risques d & eacute;cisive et transparente. Nous proposons des recommandations pratiques aux gestionnaires, proposons des strat & eacute;gies pour renforcer les processus de PD, am & eacute;liorant les cadres d'ex & eacute;cution des projets et des informations pour am & eacute;liorer l'efficacit & eacute; op & eacute;rationnelle et les avantages concurrentiels des parties prenantes du secteur de la construction mini & egrave;re ghan & eacute;enne. Cette & eacute;tude contribue de mani & egrave;re significative & agrave; la litt & eacute;rature sur la gestion de projet en proposant des solutions cibl & eacute;es et en faisant progresser les connaissances sur les pratiques de PD.

Background: The ramifications of climate change are rampant: All stakeholders must act effectively and swiftly. Unsustainable and increased urbanization adds additional strain on combatting environmental degradation. Since the last decade, urban distribution centers (UDCs) have emerged in response to the steep rise in urban freight transportation and its negative impact on city congestion and air quality. Methods: In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive review of the performance of UDCs and investigate its alignment with the corporate governance (CG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including the shareholders' governance strategies and policies, as well as environmental, social, and economic measures. Our systematic literature review consists of multiple phases: In the first one, we utilize bibliometric tools to implement a quantitative analysis of the extant literature. Next, a cluster-based network analysis complements this analysis to describe the evolution of research in this area. Results: Our descriptive analysis categorizes existing research on UDCs based on CG- and CSR-compliant themes. We classify pertinent peer-reviewed articles into topical clusters and offer research opportunities related to improving the performance of UDCs. Conclusions: This study aims to stimulate further scholarly inquiry into sustainable city logistics and provides a knowledge-based guide for academicians and practitioners, logistics service providers, policymakers, and customers.

In the face of climate change (CC), “business as usual” is futile. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (e.g., hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves) have hurt lives, displaced communities, destroyed logistics networks, disrupted the flow of goods and services, and caused delays, capacity failures, and immense costs. This study presents a strategic approach we term “Climate-Change Resilient, Sustainable Supply Chain Risk Management” (CCR-SSCRM) to address CC risks in supply chain management (SCM) pervading today’s business world. This approach ensures supply chain sustainability by balancing the quadruple bottom line pillars of economy, environment, society, and culture. A sustainable supply chain analytics perspective was employed to support these goals, along with a systematic literature network analysis of 699 publications (2003–2022) from the SCOPUS database. The analysis revealed a growing interest in CC and supply chain risk management, emphasizing the need for CCR-SSCRM as a theoretical guiding framework. The findings and recommendations may help to guide researchers, policymakers, and businesses. We provide insights on constructing and managing sustainable SCs that account for the accelerating impacts of CC, emphasizing the importance of a proactive and comprehensive approach to supply chain risk management in the face of CC. We then offer directions for future research on CCR-SSCRM and conclude by underlining the urgency of interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of climate considerations into SCM for enhanced resilience and sustainability.

Rampant disruptions have probed the fragility of supply chains: Renewed perspectives and comprehensive operational models are needed to enhance resiliency and sustainability in business. This paper proposes a new inventory management model that explicitly integrates process improvement efforts to improve supply chain sustainability through the better use of capital (materials, assets, and technology) and labor (workforce and know-how). Under a desired service-level constraint, we study reducing setup (fixed) costs when they are expressed in terms of economic production functions of two (input) decision variables: the level of capital (e.g., process change, and technology investments) and the level of labor required. This research is motivated by lean manufacturing practices, which rely on shaping the operating environment and operating optimally within that business environment. Based on mathematical modeling and analysis, we provide closed-form optimality expressions and structural results that lend themselves to decision insights. In particular, we provide, along with illustrative numerical examples, results on the sensitivity of setup-reduction efforts to demand rates, variability, and explicit expressions for determining the required labor and capital resources. A generalization of the model for carbon emissions is also presented.

The earth’s carrying capacity cannot withstand the pace of consumption resulting from current economic models, mainly the linear economy (LE) built on a throwaway culture. In the last few decades, the concept of a circular economy (CE), aiming to design waste out of the economy and mimic ecosystems, emerged as a strong alternative to LE. Being at the heart of the economic landscape, supply chains (SCs) need to respond to the necessary shift to CE. In so doing, the planning and execution of circular supply chains (CSCs) require a broader comprehension of CE and more sophisticated and large-scale analytical decision models. This chapter surveys extant literature on available best practices and quantitative models for sustainable supply chains (SSCs) and offers a new definition of CSC. Mapping on the knowledge extracted from this classification, potential gaps and strengths in the literature are identified. Key research papers on the “closed-loop” and “open-loop” ends of CSCs are highlighted. Challenges in developing CSC performance indicators and prescriptive models are emphasized.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can improve operational processes by utilizing faster computational capabilities, data, and innovative algorithms. This article reviews the latest research on the applications of AI technology to sustainable humanitarian logistics (SHL) through the sustainability lens. In a broad sense, the cultural, economic, environmental, and societal pillars of the quadruple bottom line (QBL) are covered. Examples of AI-based logistics and supply chain tools already in use in non-profit, humanitarian organizations are emphasized. The authors then conclude that AI can assist SHL in its goal of saving as many lives as possible during disasters while embracing the QBL pillars. As for all emerging technologies, smoothening the collaboration between humans and AI during operations requires a fundamental change in mindset and culture. Moreover, all stakeholders involved in SHL (e.g., public, government, help organizations, the environment, cultures) are affected. There is therefore room for future research on why, when, where, and how to better utilize AI within SHL contexts.

Climate change is everywhere, and the Arctic is no exception. The melting sea ice has caused renewed interest in expanding maritime shipping for potentially more accessible ocean routes. Canada emerges as a natural land bridge for trade between Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Plausibly, it is not a choice but an imperative to properly integrate the stakeholders (the environment, countries, remote communities, industrial partners) in opening the Arctic Circle to the global economy while considering the challenges. Keeping sustainability front and center and drawing on the extant literature and government policies, this interdisciplinary study offers a Canadian perspective on Arctic transportation routes over tribal lands and their quadruple bottom line (QBL) impacts on the environment, economy, society, and Indigenous cultures. Unlike the arguable premise that new transport corridors will increase trade traffic and enhance the economy in Northern Canada, the QBL approach enables a more holistic and realistic strategy for the Arctic region’s sustainable development regarding regional economies, rural logistics, supply chain efficiency, and social licensing. Drawing on an integrative literature review as methodology, we highlight the QBL framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as crucial policy tools. Such a holistic perspective helps stakeholders and decision makers frame better policies in identifying, assessing, adapting, and mitigating risks for transportation infrastructure exposed to climate change. We recap the impacts of Arctic Shipping (ArSh) on QBL pillars in an interaction matrix and emphasize that while ArSh may be complementary to economic development, it poses threats to the viability of the Indigenous cultures.

In compliance with environmental and emerging international imperatives, promoting sustainable consumption and production is far due and pivotal for greening supply chains. Rampant demand for environmentally-friendly products and regulatory changes have pressured manufacturing companies to reassess their products and processes. Yet, the cost of greening and its allocation remain challenging tasks. This study investigates government subsidy strategies to encourage firms to transition to green production strategies and improve environmental quality when heterogeneous consumers are sensitive to sustainability. We consider a leader-follower Stackelberg game between two profit-maximizing firms with different green technologies (the followers) and a government (the leader). Those two competing firms sell two differentiated products to a price- and pollution-sensitive market. We first discuss the target level of greenness that can improve the environmental quality and then design the appropriate subsidy rate. We show that the government subsidy can decrease the selling price, increase the market share and the profit from greener products, and positively affect EQ. Contrary to some findings in the literature, we find that a higher subsidy rate may not always simultaneously benefit the environment, social welfare, and social surplus. Finally, we validate our structural results with various numerical examples and sensitivity analyses.

Socially aware consumers care about giving to a good cause through their purchases. In reality, though, while some consumers respond favourably to companies' social responsibility initiatives, others apprehend because they do not trust the company or the effectiveness of the cause. That variability in consumers' perceptions and purchase decisions inevitably adds to demand uncertainty. This paper studies the optimal design of a coordination mechanism for a socially responsible dyadic supply chain (SC) with a manufacturer supporting a cause-related marketing campaign (CMC) and a retailer selling to socially aware consumers. Unlike in pertinent literature, we take demand as uncertain due to consumers' diverse and unpredictable responses to announced CMC. In a Stackelberg game setting, we determine the optimal donation size (a percentage of the selling price) for the manufacturer and the retailer's optimal order size. We show that a two-part tariff (TPT) contract coordinates the SC. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed TPT contract incentivizes the manufacturer to reach out to socially aware consumers by pledging to a charity. We also show that the proposed coordination model can achieve a Pareto-improving solution.