Outsourcing logistics operations is a common trend as businesses prioritize core activities. Establishing a sustainable partnership between businesses and logistics service providers requires a systematic approach. This study is needed to develop a more effective and adaptive framework for logistics service provider selection by integrating diverse criteria and decision-making methodologies, ultimately enhancing the precision and sustainability of procurement processes. This study advocate for leveraging industry-based knowledge in procurement, emphasizing the need to define decision-making elements. The research analyzes nearly 300 logistics procurement projects, using a neural network-based methodology to propose a model that aids businesses in identifying optimal criteria for evaluating logistics service providers based on extensive industry knowledge. The goal of this study is to develop and test a practical model that would support businesses in choosing most suitable criteria for selection of logistics service providers based on cumulative market patterns. The results of this study are as follows. It introduces novel elements by gathering and systematizing unique market data using developed data processing methodology. It innovatively classifies decision-making elements, allocating them into distinct groups for use as features in a neural network. The study further contributes by developing and training a predictive model based on a prepared dataset, addressing pre-defined goals, expectations related to green logistics, and specific requirements in the tendering process for selecting logistics service providers. Study is concluded by summarizing suggestions for future research in area of adopting neural networks for selection of logistics service providers.

The application of governance in recent years appears as a tool of entities that organize sport. Considering this aspect, it was observed that many sports entities present problems in following mechanisms to improve management, both in national and international contexts. Governance materializes with principles of transparency, accountability, equity, institutional integrity, and modernity, in order to aid sports entities. Thus, the development of sports entities could improve management, professionalization, and innovation. Based on the aforementioned, this article aims to demonstrate whether the principles of governance found in the literature are contemplated in Brazilian sports confederations, pointing to the possibility of finding distinct characteristics among the confederations, and the confederation with the highest index for Brazilian sports. The methodology is a longitudinal discursive analysis. The results use data from 2015 to 2022 from the Sou do Esporte Governance Awards and the analysis is based on five governance principles; transparency, equity, accountability, institutional integrity, and modernity. The confederations were found to have adopted the principles of governance to improve, professionalize, and optimize their sports management. The results suggest that the use of governance can enhance the confederations and improve the management, legitimacy, and development of sports in Brazil. The authors consider the nuances reported in the study as imperative to improve the progress of Brazilian sports, and the contribution made could generate other discussions in different contexts and countries.

Optimizing Storage Location Assignment (SLA) is essential for improving warehouse operations, reducing operational costs, travel distances and picking times. The effectiveness of the optimization process should be evaluated. This study introduces a novel, generalized objective function tailored to optimize SLA through integration with a Genetic Algorithm. The method incorporates key parameters such as item order frequency, storage grouping, and proximity of items frequently ordered together. Using simulation tools, this research models a picker-to-part system in a warehouse environment characterized by complex storage constraints, varying item demands and family-grouping criteria. The study explores four scenarios with distinct parameter weightings to analyze their impact on SLA. Contrary to other research that focuses on frequency-based assignment, this article presents a novel framework for designing SLA using key parameters. The study proves that it is advantageous to deviate from a frequency-based assignment, as considering other key parameters to determine the layout can lead to more favorable operations. The findings reveal that adjusting the parameter weightings enables effective SLA customization based on warehouse operational characteristics. Scenario-based analyses demonstrated significant reductions in travel distances during order picking tasks, particularly in scenarios prioritizing ordered-together proximity and group storage. Visual layouts and picking route evaluations highlighted the benefits of balancing frequency-based arrangements with grouping strategies. The study validates the utility of a tailored generalized objective function for SLA optimization. Scenario-based evaluations underscore the importance of fine-tuning SLA strategies to align with specific operational demands, paving the way for more efficient order picking and overall warehouse management.

With the declaration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of localisation principles and, consequently, the local-level institutions in implementing development policies came to the forefront. India adopted a thematic approach by condensing the seventeen goals into nine themes, to be worked upon by the local administrative units, furthering that each Village Panchayat (constitutionally known as Grama Panchayats) should select a theme in a plan year and strive towards attaining it. For the South Indian state of Kerala, with its good trajectory of decentralised governance, this localisation process of SDGs was rather smooth. In this article, we discuss the case of the best-performing Grama Panchayat (GP) in Kerala, which has identified ‘Village with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure’ as the development theme. Through qualitative research methodology, we examine how the Panchayat included projects specific to this theme in the development plans and how the implementation helped produce effects on multidimensional aspects of SDGs using the SDG Impact Assessment Tool. The case studies of different infrastructure-based projects endorse that with proper planning and implementation of such projects, the lowest tier of administration can significantly contribute to the improvement of development goals. We have delineated full fund utilisation through convergence schemes, community participation, and strong monitoring mechanisms as the factors leading the selected Panchayat to be the champion of the cause. The accomplishment exhibited by the Panchayat by integrating SDGs into the Village Development Plan through the projects on the theme of self-sufficient infrastructure can be well emulated by other local bodies across the world.

The ongoing railway reforms in Ukraine are crucial for the country’s integration into the European Union’s transportation network. A major challenge lies in the difference in track gauge widths: Ukraine predominantly uses a 1520 mm gauge, while European countries utilize a 1435 mm gauge. This 85 mm difference presents significant logistical and operational barriers, hindering smooth cross-border trade and travel. The study examines the current state of Ukraine’s railway system, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure modernization to meet European standards. Methods include a comparative analysis of Ukraine’s railway network with those of EU member states, focusing on integration challenges and potential solutions. Results indicate that aligning Ukraine’s railway with European standards could substantially enhance connectivity, reduce transit times, and foster economic growth. However, “Ukrzaliznytsia’s” slow adaptation to these necessary changes is a major roadblock. The study concludes that the construction of a standard-gauge railway linking Ukraine to the EU is vital not only for improving trade routes but also for supporting Ukraine’s broader political and economic aspirations towards EU membership. Circular economy principles, such as resource optimisation, extending the life cycle of existing infrastructure and reusing materials from dismantled railway facilities, can offer a cost-effective and sustainable approach. This infrastructural change will serve as a catalyst for deeper integration, strengthening Ukraine’s position within the European transportation network.

Our study is based on the premise that every crisis has historical precedents and antecedents. First, we analyze past crises, beginning with the experiences of the Dutch tulip bulb crisis. Then, we review major cataclysms, such as World War I, the Spanish flu crisis, the Great Depression of 1929–1933, World War II and the subsequent transition to socialism, the 1973 oil shock, the regime change of 1989, and the 2008–2009 global financial crisis from both general and corporate perspectives. Throughout history, periods of crisis have alternated with phases of development. During times of crisis, people’s behavior changes as they search for solutions and support. This pattern is evident across all levels of economic activity, where governments, organizations, and individuals do their utmost to achieve a quick recovery. Sometimes, they look to external aid, forgetting that lessons from the past may provide guidance for crisis management. Without claiming to be exhaustive, we have identified points worthy of consideration. Our goal is to offer guidance for business organizations, complemented by thoughts addressed to individuals and governments alike. Organizations must pay attention to the first signs of crises and either proceed according to a pre-developed fitting strategy or revise it according to specific circumstances. They cannot avoid the consequences, but they can mitigate the negative effects.