This paper studies a container slot allocation problem with dynamic pricing for time-sensitive cargo considering port congestion. Time-sensitive cargo calls for express delivery as soon as possible, and hence a new pricing pattern is proposed considering port congestion. To solve the slot allocation with dynamic pricing issue, a one-phase allocation model which is from different points of view on slot allocation strategy is proposed to formulate this problem. Finally, numerical examples are carried out to test the applicability of the proposed model and solution algorithm.

At present, China regards supply chain innovation and application as a new national strategy, which leads to a large demand for applied supply chain professionals. In order to provide useful references for applied universities that have already set up the supply chain management (SCM) program and promote the healthy development of Chinaʼs application-oriented SCM for undergraduates, this paper discussed the necessity and feasibility of setting up the SCM program in Chinese universities. In addition, it analyzes the current situation of SCM programs from three aspects involving approval, type of universities, and issues of application-oriented undergraduate. Based on practical experience in specialty development, in this paper, specific measures were shown from three dimensions: requirements of knowledge, ability, and quality, curriculum setting, and teaching material design.

As e-commerce competition intensifies, brand companies face challenges such as product homogenization, consumer trust erosion, and price wars. Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged as a solution to enhance transparency and optimize competitive strategies. In this study, the adoption of BCT and pricing decisions between weak and strong brand companies is analyzed in an asymmetric competitive environment. A game-theoretic framework is developed to analyze whether each company should adopt BCT. The results show that when the difference in brand awareness is small, BCT adoption allows pricing advantages to be shifted between weak and strong brands. As the difference in brand awareness increases, both types of brands reduce their BCT investments. Moreover, when one brand adopts BCT, the other often follows suit to maintain competitiveness. Three equilibrium scenarios are identified based on consumer privacy concerns and differences in brand awareness. Interestingly, the strategy where only the weak brand adopts BCT does not constitute an equilibrium in any scenario. Finally, when the difference in brand awareness is significant and price competition is high, either both brands adopt BCT or neither does. This paper provides strategic insights into BCT adoption and its implications for competitive behavior in asymmetric markets.