Supply Chain Insider | ISSN: 2617-7420 (Print), 2617-7420 (Online)

Optimization of rice supply chain through multivariate forecasting using ensemble learning models

Faiyaz Bin Mahmud — 2024-10-02

Accurate forecasting of crop yields and production levels is critical for optimizing agricultural supply chains and enhancing food security. This study evaluates six ensemble learning techniques for simultaneously forecasting the yield rate and production of rice utilizing historical data of several features from various districts in Bangladesh. The models are assessed based on five performance metrics. Among the models, Gradient Boosting (GB) demonstrated superior performance, achieving the lowest mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), median absolute error (MeAE), and the highest R2 score of 0.9943. Category Boosting (CatBoost) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models also performed strongly, with R² values of 0.9917 and 0.9892, respectively. These findings offer significant contributions to enhancing supply chain efficiency by enabling better resource allocation, demand planning, and distribution strategies. Furthermore, the outcomes have extensive implications for policymakers, stakeholders, and food security initiatives, supporting informed decision-making in the face of growing demand and environmental challenges.

THE ROLE OF LOGISTICS IN DRIVING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION IN BANGLADESH

Imran Ahmed — 2024-10-02

Consumer expectations and behaviors have been substantially altered by the rapid increase in e-commerce worldwide, including in Bangladesh. Logistics has emerged as a critical determinant of consumer satisfaction as online shopping become more popular due to its convenience, variety, and competitive pricing.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of logistics on the contentment of Bangladeshi online shoppers, with a particular emphasis on the quality of service, timing, accuracy, and overall convenience of delivery.

Methodology/design/approach: A structured survey was implemented to collect data from 430 respondents in Bangladesh, representing a variety of demographics, by a quantitative research methodology. SPSS version 27 was employed to analyze the collected data, and descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests were implemented to assess the hypotheses.

Findings: Logistics elements including prompt delivery, secure and intact delivery, customer service efficiency in addressing delivery issues, order tracking, and convenient payment alternatives significantly affect customer satisfaction. Bangladeshi customers value logistics service reliability and efficiency, with delivery convenience being a key driver of satisfaction, according to the report. Online shoppers also benefit from reliable product information, order status, and customer service.

Research limitations/implications: Several limitations must be addressed in this study. Due to its local availability, its use may be limited. Self-reported data may be biased and inaccurate. The cross-sectional study collects data at one time. Despite these restrictions, Bangladeshi e-commerce companies benefit from this research. It shows how logistics can exceed customer expectations and build loyalty. Bangladeshi e-commerce enterprises can strengthen their logistics operations to compete and satisfy customers. Future research should examine how logistics technology affects consumer happiness in the ever-changing e-commerce market.

Value/originality: This study enhances the current body of literature by identifying and analyzing the precise logistics factors that influence customer satisfaction in the context of Bangladeshi online purchasing. This theoretical framework is based on the Resource-Based View (RBV), Supply Chain Integration (SCI), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Lean Supply Chain Management, and Agile Supply Chain Management, all of which emphasize the significance of customer-centric logistics strategies and efficient resource management.

Leveraging AI to Overcome Key Challenges in Last-Mile Delivery: Enhancing Customer Experience and Operational Efficiency in E-commerce

Mohammad Shihabul Islam — 2024-10-01

This study explores the potential of leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address key challenges in last-mile delivery (LMD) within the e-commerce sector, with a focus on enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. The research investigates the primary obstacles in LMD, such as high delivery costs, delays, and package handling issues, which contribute to customer dissatisfaction and operational inefficiencies. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 42 respondents, encompassing a diverse group of e-commerce users. The study examines the correlation between AI adoption and customer satisfaction, revealing a weak negative relationship, suggesting that factors beyond customer satisfaction, such as perceived operational efficiency and environmental impact awareness, may significantly influence AI adoption decisions. Key findings indicate that while customer satisfaction does not strongly predict AI adoption, there is a notable positive correlation between AI awareness, environmental impact awareness, and the intention to adopt AI-driven LMD solutions. The study highlights the importance of enhancing consumer understanding of AI's benefits and promoting sustainable delivery practices to increase AI adoption. Multiple AI solutions can address real-time last-mile delivery issues which can assist firms to design a more sustainable & customer-centric supply chain. Future research should focus on exploring additional determinants of AI adoption and the integration of AI with sustainable initiatives to further improve LMD services in e-commerce.

Do Sustainable Supply Chain Practices Really Matter to the Environment? An Empirical Investigation in the Context of Bangladesh

Fardin Helal — 2024-10-01

Sustainability in supply chain management is getting more and more global attention due to the increasing concern over the environment and the future. Sufficient empirical study in the context of Bangladesh does not exist to measure the impact of sustainable supply chain practices on the environmental welfare. The main objective of this paper is to test a theoretical model on the relationship between sustainable supply chain management practices and environmental performance. Based on 196 responses from different supply chain professionals in the manufacturing industries of Bangladesh, the study found that green purchasing and green manufacturing, two sustainable supply chain management practices positively affect the environment. This study has contributed to the sustainable supply chain management literature and has theoretical implications for the stakeholder theory, the natural resource-based view theory, and the three zero theory.

Transforming Bangladesh's Traditional Textile and Apparel Industry: A Sustainable Future with Green Supply Chain Management

Md. Fahad Hasan Fahim — 2024-10-02

: Bangladesh's Apparel industry, a global leader in apparel exports, faces significant environmental challenges. Amid rising global competition, stricter environmental regulations, and growing sustainability demands, there is a pressing need for the industry to adopt more sustainable practices. This research explores the potential transformation of the traditional textile and apparel industry in Bangladesh through the implementation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). GSCM presents a strategic approach to enhance environmental performance while maintaining economic growth by integrating sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. The paper examines current practices within the industry, highlighting both the successes and shortcomings in adopting green initiatives. It identifies key barriers to GSCM implementation, such as high initial costs, lack of awareness and expertise, resistance to change, and insufficient infrastructure by considering chi square analysis. Additionally, the paper explores the drivers that can facilitate this transformation, including regulatory pressure, market demand for sustainable products, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and technological advancements. Actionable strategies for integrating GSCM in Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector are proposed. These strategies encompass the adoption of sustainable raw materials, investment in green innovation, development of eco-friendly infrastructure, and implementation of comprehensive waste management systems. By focusing on these areas, the RMG sector can mitigate its environmental impact, enhance resource efficiency, and improve its economic and social outcomes. This research underscores the necessity of a collaborative approach involving policy support, capacity building, technological innovation, and market incentives to achieve a sustainable future for Bangladesh's textile and apparel industry.

The Influence of Key Supply Chain Factors on Customer Retention Among Facebook-Based Homemade Food Businesses

Md. Tanvir Ahmed Limon — 2024-10-01

This study synthesizes the influences of key supply chain dynamics on customer retention among Facebook-based homemade food businesses. The research specifically analyses how macro factors, such as food inflation and operational aspects, including product quality, delivery timeliness, packaging standards, professional communication, and eco-friendly practices, impact on customer retention. Aligning with the hypotheses, a survey consisting of self-constructed questions has been conducted incorporating a 5-point Likert Scale. The survey results are based on cross-sectional data collected from 187 completed responses through social media and personal networks featuring diverse demographic profiles. However, a selective demographic profile has been disproportionately higher than the other groups representing a focused discussion in the study. Data analysis was performed using STATA and Microsoft Excel, using techniques like descriptive statistics, linear regression, variance inflation factor test, etc. The statistical findings reveal the positive correlation between the independent and dependent variables, "Customer Retention", although the magnitude of impact differs. As evidenced by hypothesis testing, product quality is the most substantial factor driving a business's ability to retain customers, followed by communication professionalism, packaging quality, and order convenience. While sustainability practices subtly influence customers' repurchase decisions, food inflation exerts a non-monotonic impact depending on customers' sensitivity to quantity and price changes. A prominent feature of this research paper is that the key takeaways will facilitate future research endeavors and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of homemade food businesses on social platforms. As per the discussion, specifically for entrepreneurs, this study will serve as a fusion of knowledge of both key economic and operational factors to comprehend their sway over customers' repetitive purchasing attitudes and future trends.

Assessment of External Vulnerability of Rice Supply Chain Using FMEA, Bishwanath Upazila, Sylhet, Bangladesh

Tasin A. Nahin — 2024-10-02

The supply chain is a complex system that flows from raw materials into an end product and service through multiple stages including production, manufacturing, distribution etc. Rice is a staple crop with high per capita consumption in Bangladesh. As the country experiences rapid economic growth, the socioeconomic and environmental conditions require effective management of the rice supply chain to ensure economic stability and food security. However, severe flooding and challenges related to environmental variability as well as complex chain systems worsen chain vulnerability. This study focuses on the Bishwanath upazila in the Sylhet district heavily impacted by recent floods. A field survey was conducted along with 167 randomly selected household surveys along with Key Informant Interviews (KII) and in-depth Interviews (IDIs), as well as three Focused Group Discussions (FGDs). The study employed Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) to identify and mitigate risks. In accordance with the FMEA approach, vulnerable modes across 7 stages including production, harvesting, processing, transportation, storage, distribution, and consumption were observed. The approach found that flooding, pest infestations, and drought were major issues with flooding having the most severe impact on crop production. On the other hand, consumption was the least impacted stage among the 7. The local adaptive measures were found to be insufficient leading to the development of a resilience framework. The framework recommended flood-tolerant rice varieties like Swarna Sub1 and Ciherang SUB1 which can improve yields by up to 19%. Moreover, the resilience framework focused on applying technology and using renewable energy.

Reimagining Last-Mile Delivery: Assessing the Feasibility, Cost-Reduction, and Efficiency of a University-Centric Gig Economy Model in Bangladesh

Ishmam Jawad — 2024-10-02

The current conventional courier service industry of Bangladesh has the problem of high operating costs and complexities, ingrained inflexibilities, and so on. This paper aims to establish whether it is possible to adopt the gig economy-based delivery method using university students as the delivery channels and adopting university based distribution outlets. The paper goes on to uncover and evaluate the modern problems and expenses concerning the existing courier service in regional Bangladesh. It then goes further to establish a full model of a delivery framework for a gig economy which is anchored on the use of university students. The cost-reduction potentiality of this model that is proposed here is calculated in how much the traditional courier system might be expensive when adding to it the expenses on vehicle maintenance, fixed worker, and fuel that are not involved here. In addition, the study looks at the implications of this model on the students’ performance, workload, and satisfaction level by nurturing the pros and cons of their engagement within the delivery network. The strategy also outlines a clear vision for the initiation and scaling of the gig economy-based delivery system, which will help ease the transition from the traditional courier delivery system to one that is more flexible, cost-effective, and focused on students.