The main goal of this paper is to propose a Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach that will facilitate decision-making in the field of logistics—i.e., in the selection of the optimal equipment for performing a logistics activity. For defining the objective weights of the criteria, the correlation coefficient and the standard deviation (CCSD method) are applied. Furthermore, for determining the semi-objective weights of the considered criteria, the indifference threshold-based attribute ratio analysis method (ITARA) is used. In this way, by combining these two methods, the weights of the criteria are determined with a higher degree of reliability. For the final ranking of the alternatives, the measurement of alternatives and ranking according to the compromise solution method (MARCOS) is utilized. For demonstrating the applicability of the proposed approach, an illustrative case study pointing to the selection of the best manual stacker for a small warehouse is performed. The final results are compared with the ones obtained using the other proved MCDM methods that confirmed the reliability and stability of the proposed approach. The proposed integrated approach shows itself as a suitable technique for applying in the process of logistics equipment selection, because it defines the most influential criteria and the optimal choice with regard to all of them in a relatively easy and comprehensive way. Additionally, conceiving the determination of the criteria with the combination of objective and semi-objective methods enables defining the objective weights concerning the attitudes of the involved decision-makers, which finally leads to more reliable results.

The financial structure in the world has become more complex with the increase in global capital movements. For this reason, credit rating agencies have emerged as an important component of the financial structure. Standard and Poors, Moody's and Fitch are the three most important companies in this market. The grades given by these institutions highly affect the economic situation of the countries. In this study, information is given about credit rating agencies and it is aimed to measure the effect of the points given to countries by Standard and Poors, Moody's and Fitch, which are the most important of these institutions, on the economy. For this purpose, the effect of credit scores on the economic growth of Balkan countries except Kosovo was analyzed using panel data analysis method. In addition, unemployment, inflation, current account balance and budget balance data were included in the analysis. The findings obtained show that credit scores have an effect on the economic growth of countries.

The term "emerging markets" refers to countries that are undergoing economic and financial development. As financial development progresses in these nations, the capital available for international trade and the expansion of logistics infrastructure grows as well. This increased capital enables the financing of international trade activities and facilitates the execution of necessary logistics operations efficiently and effectively. Additionally, with enhanced financial development, it becomes easier to secure the capital required to improve logistics infrastructure and make it more functional. In this study, analyses are conducted using the Panel autoregressive distributed lag method in emerging market countries to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of financial development on logistics performance. The results reveal that increased access to financial institutions and markets positively affects logistics performance in both the short and long term. Among financial variables, the depth of financial institutions exhibits the strongest long-term influence, suggesting that a stable financial system is crucial for logistics efficiency. These insights provide valuable guidance for decision-makers aiming to strengthen logistics infrastructure and trade capabilities. By recognizing the role of financial development in supporting logistics performance, policymakers can craft strategies that support sustainable economic growth through improved logistics processes.

Although some of the resources required to meet human needs can be provided by a country, the rest must be supplied from other countries because not every country has all resources. Therefore, the demand for international trade emerges. A country earns incomes by selling its surplus and obtains scarce resources from other countries with these incomes. In this context, some political and economic initiatives have been established by countries, which work in harmony to facilitate and regulate international trade and create a common market. Two of them are Shanghai Pact and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, even if the initiatives meet certain common needs, it is very important to carry out logistics activities correctly in order to ensure effective and efficient foreign trade. If planned and correctly carried out, logistics activities are expected to make both import and export processes efficient and reduce resource usage. In this study, it is aimed to examine the effects of logistics performance in international trade in countries of Shanghai Pact and the BRI. In order to measure logistics performance in the research, two kinds of data are used, namely, the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) data, published by the World Bank every two years, and the import and export data, also published by the World Bank. With six sub-criteria of LPI modeled as independent variables and import and export as dependent variables, Tobit analysis is made by using EViews 10 software package. According to the analysis results, customs clearance, logistics quality and traceability have effects on export, and infrastructure, customs clearance and logistics quality have effects on import.

Lojistik performans endeksleri (LPI) dünya bankası tarafından her iki yılda bir ülkelere yapılan anketler sonucunda yayınlanmaktadır. LPI’leri 1 ile 5 arasında değerler alarak, skoru beşe yakın olan ülkenin performansının diğerlerine göre daha yüksek olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Lojistik performanslar, ülkeler için önemli bir yere sahiptir. Uluslararası sermayenin ülkeye çekilmesinde öne çıkan kriterlerden birisidir. Çok uluslu şirketler ülkelere yatırım yaparken LPI değerlerine bakarak yatırım kararı vermektedirler. Çalışmada Balkan ülkelerinin lojistik performans endeksleri analiz konusu yapılmıştır. Balkan ülkelerinin genel özelliği ise ticaretlerinin birbirleri arasında olmasıdır. Türkiye ile Balkan ülkelerinin ortak özelliklerinden biri ise Türkiye’nin bir bölümünün Balkan ülkeleri sınırlarında yer alması ve ticari partner olmasıdır. Ticaret partnerleri olan söz konusu ülkelerin lojistik performans endeksleri ÇKKV (çok kriterli karar verme) yöntemlerinden olan Entropi ve OCRA yöntemleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Entropi yöntemi ile kriterlerin ağırlıkları bulunurken, OCRA yöntemi ile ülkeler sıralanmıştır. Çalışmada kullanılan OCRA yöntemi, literatürde çok fazla kullanılmamıştır. Bundan dolayı bu çalışmada kullanılması tercih edilmiştir.