Business logistics encompasses the intricate planning, seamless implementation, and precise control of the efficient and effective movement and storage of goods, services, and associated information from their origin to their final consumption point. The strategic placement of facilities is intricately intertwined with business logistics, exerting a direct influence on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of supply chain operations. In the realm of business logistics, decisions regarding the location of facilities, including warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants, assume a pivotal role in shaping the overarching logistics strategy. Warehouses, serving as pivotal nodes in the supply chain network, establish crucial links at both local and global markets. They serve as the nexus connecting suppliers and customers across the entire supply chain, thus constituting indispensable elements that significantly impact the overall performance of the supply chain. The optimal location of warehouses is paramount for efficient supply chains, ensuring minimized costs and bigger profits. The decision on warehouse location exerts a profound influence on investment costs, operational expenses, and the distribution strategy of a company, thereby playing a substantial role in elevating customer service levels. Hence, the primary objective of this paper is to propose a novel methodology grounded in the application of the Improved Fuzzy Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA)-Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) methods for determining warehouse locations tailored to a logistics service provider (LSP) operating in the Serbian market. Through the definition of seven evaluation criteria based on a comprehensive literature review and expert insights, this study aims to assess five potential locations. The findings suggest that the proposed model offers great decision support for effectively addressing challenges akin to the one presented in this study.
26 March 2024 in Journal of Organizations, Technology and Entrepreneurship
The accelerating process of globalization has led to an increase in freight transport volumes, exacerbated road congestion, and heightened environmental concerns, underscoring the imperative for sustainable and alternative transport solutions. Intermodal transport, which amalgamates the benefits of various modes of transportation, emerges as a paramount solution to these challenges. At the core of intermodal transport lies the intermodal terminal, whose efficiency and efficacy are critically contingent upon the transshipment technology employed. This investigation is dedicated to the evaluation of transshipment technologies within intermodal terminals. It is recognized that the selection of transshipment technology necessitates consideration of diverse criteria, mandating the application of appropriate multi-criteria decision-making methodologies. To address this complexity, a novel hybrid model, integrating Fuzzy Step-Wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (FSWARA) with Axial-Distance-Based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM), is proposed. The efficacy of this model is demonstrated through its application in assessing various transshipment technologies, with an emphasis on optimizing the decision-making process in the selection of the most appropriate technology. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of transshipment technologies in intermodal terminals, facilitating enhanced decision-making in the context of sustainable and efficient intermodal transport systems.
14 March 2025 in Journal of Green Economy and Low-Carbon Development
The European Union has actively promoted the development of intermodal transport as a response to the ecological and safety challenges posed by global transportation flows. Through projects such as Customer-driven Rail-freight services on a European mega-corridor based on Advanced business and operating Models (CREAM) and Reorganization of Transport Networks through Advanced Rail Freight Concepts (RETRAC), substantial improvements in rail freight transport on European mega-corridors have been achieved. These initiatives aim to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and improve safety. The proximity of Serbia to these key corridors, coupled with its involvement in these projects, presents an opportunity for the country to enhance its infrastructure, expand its business prospects, and increase its global market competitiveness. Furthermore, such developments will contribute significantly to Serbia's economic growth and its integration into European transportation networks. This study evaluates the CREAM and RETRAC corridors by examining their effects on environmental sustainability, transportation safety, and economic development. The paper also assesses their overall efficiency and sustainability, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Given the complex nature of intermodal freight corridors, the evaluation process incorporates Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques, considering a variety of performance indicators. Specifically, the hybrid model combining the Fuzzy Aggregated Distance-Based Measurement (FADAM) method and the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (FBWM) is applied to offer a comprehensive analysis. This approach allows for the systematic assessment of the two corridors, supporting the development of strategies aimed at optimizing their performance and sustainability.