Browsing by Author "Kumar, Vikas"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Additive manufacturing integration in E-commerce supply chain network to improve resilience and competitiveness
    (Elsevier, 2022-10-27) Yetkin Ekren, Banu; Stylos, Nikolaos; Zwiegelaar, Jeremy; Eroğlu Turhanlar, Ecem; Kumar, Vikas
    In light of recently increased e-commerce, also a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines how additive manufacturing (AM) can contribute to e-commerce supply chain network resilience, profitability and competitiveness. With the recent competitive supply chain challenges, companies aim to decrease cost performance metrics and increase responsiveness. In this work, we aim to establish utilisation policies for AM in a supply chain network so that companies can simultaneously improve their total network cost and response time performance metrics. We propose three different utilisation policies, i.e. reactive, proactive – both with 3D printing support – and a policy excluding AM usage in the system. A simulation optimisation process for 136 experiments under various input design factors for an (s, S) inventory control policy is carried out. We also completed a statistical analysis to identify significant factors (i.e. AM, holding cost, lead time, response time, demand amount, etc.) affecting the performance of the studied retailer supply chain. Results show that utilising AM in such a network can prove beneficial, and where the reactive policy contributes significantly to the network performance metrics. Practically, this work has important managerial implications in defining the most appropriate policies to achieve optimisation of supply network operations and resilience with the aid of AM, especially in times of turbulence and uncertainty.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Adopting Industry 4.0 by leveraging organisational factors
    (Elsevier, 2021-12-21) Kumar Srivastava, Deepak; Kumar, Vikas; Yetkin Ekren, Banu; Upadhyay, Arvind; Tyagi, Mrinal; Kumari, Archana
    The manufacturing sector needs to focus on social, environmental and technological factors to integrate Industry 4.0 in production planning, logistics and supply chains. Technical Education Institutes (TEIs) can play a key role in achieving this ambition as they are responsible for the workforce of the digital future. To this end, a learning factory is often referred to as a realistic manufacturing environment. However, the existing research regarding the successful adoption of a learning factory based on Industry 4.0 is scant in the literature. We, therefore, aim to address this research gap by examining key factors that affect the decision to adopt Industry 4.0 in technical education institutes. We have adopted the theoretical lens of the Technology-Organisation-Environment (T-O-E) framework to study industry 4.0 adoption in TEIs. The findings based on 134 valid responses from TEIs in India indicate that the organisational dimension is critical in determining whether or not to adopt Industry 4.0. Our study shows that top management support, internal resources, and the capabilities of the teaching staff are vital for the adoption of Industry 4.0. Additionally, our findings indicate that significant differences exist between public and private TEIs concerning the adoption of Industry 4.0.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on sustainable food supply chains
    (MDPI, 2021-12-23) Kazancoglu, Yigit; Ozbiltekin-Pala, Melisa; Deniz Sezer, Muruvvet; Yetkin Ekren, Banu; Kumar, Vikas
    Recently, it has become an important issue to ensure sustainability, especially in food supply chains, against the rapidly growing population, increasing demand, and sudden disruptions caused by uncertain times such as that caused by COVID-19. Since food supply chains has vulnerable products and processes, it is critical to understand the sustainability factors of food supply chains especially in uncertain times such during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine sustainability factors of food supply chains. An Interpretive Structural Modelling method is used to state the relations between sustainability factors of food supply chains. As a result of the study, Information Sharing and Managerial Approaches are classified as driving factors; Food Safety and Security, Know-How Transfer, Logistics Networking, Risk Mitigation, Employee Commitment, Innovation, Traceability and Responsiveness are categorized as linkage factors. This article will be beneficial for managers in helping them develop sustainable food supply chains during uncertain times by focusing on traceability, information sharing, know-how transfer, food safety and security.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemEmbargo
    Blockchain-based traceability framework for agri-food supply chain: a proof-of-concept
    (Springer, 2024-12-31) Vern, Priyanka; Panghal, Anupama; Mor, Rahul S; Kumar, Vikas; Jagtap, Sandeep
    This paper outlines the integration of blockchain technology (BCT) into agri-food supply chains (AFSC) and provides a comprehensive framework for organisations interested in adopting Blockchain (BC)-enabled traceability. Collaborating with an agri-food-based use-case organisation and a technology provider, the authors present a use case for the deployment of BCT in honey and coriander powder supply chains. The proof-of-concept (POC) for the BC-based traceability framework was developed with inputs from both the use-case organisation and the technology provider. The findings suggest that the demand for improved traceability may incentivise adoption within specific operations of the agri-food business despite existing challenges. Additionally, the pilot study introduces a cost framework, delving into the developmental and operational costs associated with the developed POC. Furthermore, the paper discusses stakeholders’ perspectives by exploring challenges faced during the implementation phase and highlighting the perceived benefits of adoption. Positioned at the intersection of the agri-food sector, digitalisation, and the growing demand for information and product integrity, this research emphasises the unique potential of BCT. In practical terms, this study can serve as a valuable step-by-step guide for managers seeking to understand the process of BCT implementation in AFSC, offering insights into the operational and strategic aspects of adopting BCT.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on sustainable food supply chains
    (Emerald, 2022-10-20) Kumar, Vikas; Yetkin Ekren, Banu; Wang, Jiayan; Shah, Bhavin; Frederico, Guilherme Francisco
    Purpose- The ongoing pandemic has gravely affected different facets of society and economic trades worldwide. During the outbreak, most manufacturing and service sectors were closed across the globe except for essential commodities such as food and medicines. Consequently, recent literature has focused on studying supply chain resilience and sustainability in different pandemic contexts. This research adds to the existing literature by exploring the economic, environmental and societal aspects affecting the food supply chain and assessing the impact of COVID-19 on food sustainability. Design/methodology/approach- A survey method has been adopted with a questionnaire instrument investigating the role of technology, government policies, geopolitics and intermediaries on sustainable organisational management. A five-point Likert scale (i.e., 1: strongly disagree; 5: strongly agree) is used to evaluate the responses. The findings are based on 131 responses from entry-level workers and senior executives of different food supply chains across Asia and Europe. The data has been analysed to derive insights into the impacts of this pandemic. Findings- The survey concludes with the significant impact of COVID-19 on the three pillars of sustainability, i.e. economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The empirical analysis shows digitalization and its applications help mitigate the negative effect of COVID-19 on sustainability. In addition, the supportive government policies and intermediatory interventions were helpful in improving sustainability at each level. Social/Research/Practical Implications- The findings have implications for businesses and policymakers. Companies can learn from the advantages of digitalization to counter the challenges imposed by the pandemic or similar situations in the future in maintaining the sustainability of their supply chains. Managers can also learn the importance of effective organisational management in driving sustainability. Finally, policymakers can devise policies to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices in their supply chains. Originality/value- Our study adds to the limited literature exploring the impact of COVID-19 on food supply chain sustainability through the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) lens. This is also one of the first empirical studies to examine the effect of technology, government and organisational management practices on the sustainability of food supply chains.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    A multi-objective integrated optimisation model for facility location and order allocation problem in a two-level supply chain network
    (Springer, 2022-04-15) Amin-Tahmasbi, Hamzeh; Sadafi, Sina; Ekren, Banu Y.; Kumar, Vikas
    This study proposes a mixed-integer multi-objective integrated mathematical model solving facility location and order allocation optimisation problems simultaneously in a two-echelon supply chain network. The proposed problem is motivated by a factoryless concept and by providing a dynamic decision-making solution under a multi-period time horizon. Within the model, we also determine the optimal replenishment number of production facilities by the multi-objective functions. The multi-objective functions include minimisation of the total cost, rejected and late delivery units and, maximisation of the assessment score of the selected suppliers. The studied dynamic decision model is significant for the cost-efficient management of companies’ supply chain networks. The mixed-integer mathematical model is developed by the LP-metric method and it is solved by the GAMS optimisation software. Due to the NP-hard structure of the problem, for large-scale instances, we utilise the Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimisation (MOPSO) and Multi-Objective Vibration Damping Optimisation (MOVDO) heuristic solution approaches. Numerical results show that, for large-scale problems, the MOPSO method performs better in Pareto solutions and decreases run times. However, the MOVDO method performs better regarding the Mean Ideal Distance and the Number of Solutions Cover surface criterion. The developed solution approach by this paper is a generic model which can be applied for any two-level network for simultaneous optimisation of supplier selection, location determination of facilities and their replenishment amounts.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Multi-objective inventory optimization problem for a sustainable food supply network under lateral inventory share policy
    (Elsevier, 2022-10-26) Yetkin Ekren, Banu; Chattopadhyay, Ritwika; Kumar, Vikas
    This study dives deep into a lateral supply chain network for perishable food products and aims to determine optimal re-order and order up to levels for multiple e-groceries within a common network using a simulation-based optimization technique. The algorithm aims to minimize the average inventory carried within the network while accounting for parameters like reduced wastage, improved customer satisfaction level, and a limited number of replenishments.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    An overview for food loss and waste reduction in food supply chains
    (Emerald, 2022-03-28) Ekren, Banu Y.; Kumar, Vikas
    Creating systems designs by considering a balance between economic, environmental and social effects is significant in today’s sustainability concern. Sustainability has become an emerging topic, growing concerns and attention for companies. Especially companies operating on a global scale aim to develop strategies for sustainable supply chain management. When the supply chain is a food chain, that concern increases exponentially and sustainable management of the chain becomes a critical challenge requiring the development and implementation of innovative practices by all stages within value chains. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) one-third of all food produced in the world is lost or wasted from farm to fork. This waste has great negative impact on global economy, food availability, as well as environment. In this work, we focus on food loss and waste subject by searching how they could be reduced in throughout a supply chain network. We provide solution ways for the food waste/loss reduction obtained from current works in literature.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The role and significance of Magnesium in modern day research-A review
    (Elsevier, 2021-06-24) Satya Prasad, S. V.; Prasad, S. B.; Verma, Kartikey; Mishra, Raghvendra Kumar; Kumar, Vikas; Singh, Subhash
    Magnesium is one of the largely available elements in the earth's crust. It has a low structural density with high specific strength. This unique material property has forced an increase in the use of magnesium and its alloys in various applications pertaining to industrial sector, automobiles, aerospace and biomedical. Since magnesium is a highly reactive metal, it is prone to higher rate of corrosion as compared to its counterparts. Thus, it is essential to analyze the corrosion behavior of magnesium and its alloys in its applications. An appropriate process is to be followed in the design and development of magnesium alloys which overcome the limitations of magnesium and enhance the desired material properties in accordance to their applications. This review paper summarizes the importance of magnesium and its material properties. The influence of various alloying elements on the mechanical properties of magnesium is reviewed. The broad classification of Mg alloys and their behavioral trends are detailed. The corrosion behavior of magnesium and the influence of corrosion products on the material characteristics of magnesium, in aqueous medium, are discussed. The manufacturing techniques of magnesium alloys along with the secondary techniques are also covered. The various applications and the limitations of magnesium in these applications are covered. A complete section is dedicated towards detailing the recent trends of magnesium (Mg) alloys, i.e., the biodegradable nature and applications of Mg alloys. The influence of biocorrosion on Mg alloys and techniques to overcome it have been deliberated. This paper provides a thorough review on recent developments of magnesium with respect to engineering applications.