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This study investigated the relationship between last-mile distribution or delivery (LMD) and commodity access through the mediating role of commodity availability and commodity security and the moderating effect of supply chain integration (SCI).

The study adopted the survey research design and employed the questionnaire instrument in collecting primary data from respondents in Eastern Regional Health Institutions in Ghana. The total number of valid responses received was 204. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was adopted to analyze the relationship between the study variables.

The findings showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between LMD and commodity availability as well as LMD and commodity security. Moreover, while the relationship between commodity availability and commodity access is positive and significant, that between commodity security and commodity access is positive but insignificant. Furthermore, there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between LMD and commodity access. The study discovered that the interaction between LMD and commodity access is insignificant and negatively affected by SCI.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have empirically verified the effect of LMD on commodity access in the presence of mediating factors such as commodity availability and commodity security and SCI as the moderating factors.

Despite large bodies of research related to the impacts of e-commerce on last-mile logistics and sustainability, there has been limited effort to evaluate urban freight using an equity lens. Therefore, this study proposes a modeling framework that enables researchers and planners to estimate the baseline equity performance of a major e-commerce platform and evaluate equity impacts of possible urban freight management strategies. The study also analyzes the sensitivity of various operational decisions to mitigate bias in the analysis.

The model adapts empirical methodologies from activity-based modeling, transport equity evaluation, and residential freight trip generation (RFTG) to estimate person- and household-level delivery demand and cargo van traffic exposure in 41 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).

Evaluating 12 measurements across varying population segments and spatial units, the study finds robust evidence for racial and socio-economic inequities in last-mile delivery for low-income and, especially, populations of color (POC). By the most conservative measurement, POC are exposed to roughly 35% more cargo van traffic than white populations on average, despite ordering less than half as many packages. The study explores the model’s utility by evaluating a simple scenario that finds marginal equity gains for urban freight management strategies that prioritize line-haul efficiency improvements over those improving intra-neighborhood circulations.

Presents a first effort in building a modeling framework for more equitable decision-making in last-mile delivery operations and broader city planning.

Given the intensified competitiveness in the wine retail industry, partnering with quality suppliers becomes critical to ensure a steady supply of high-quality products and sustainable business growth. This study aims to explore how wine supplier quality attributes impact wine retail businesses and if such effects differ depending on wine retail types.

Data were obtained from wine purchasing managers in Korea. To validate the proposed relationships, structural equation modeling was used. A multigroup analysis was conducted to test distinct roles of on/off-premise wine retail types within this research framework.

Results support the significance of supplier quality attributes in shaping the landscape of wine retail businesses. Operational and strategic benefits exhibited a positive effect on both financial performance and suppliers’ relationship satisfaction, thereby improving the intent to continue working with suppliers. This study revealed noteworthy distinctions in the effects of supplier quality attributes on operational and strategic benefits between on-premise and off-premise wine retailers.

Findings provide valuable insights to wine suppliers and buyers concerning the establishment of a mutually beneficial long-term interdependent relationship. The approach sheds light on the unique dynamics of wine retail types, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the distinct roles of supplier quality attributes on on-premise and off-premise retailers.

This study developed an integrative framework, emphasizing the importance of supplier quality attributes in the wine retail industry. This model offers valuable insights into creating favorable buyer–supplier relationships that result in mutual benefits for both wine retailers and suppliers.

The potential of vehicle ad hoc networks (VANETs) to improve driver and passenger safety and security has made them a hot topic in the field of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs). VANETs have different characteristics and system architectures from mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), with a primary focus on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. But protecting VANETs from malicious assaults is crucial because they can undermine network security and safety.

The black hole attack is a well-known danger to VANETs. It occurs when a hostile node introduces phony routing tables into the network, potentially damaging it and interfering with communication. A safe ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocol has been created in response to this issue. By adding cryptographic features for source and target node verification to the route request (RREQ) and route reply (RREP) packets, this protocol improves upon the original AODV routing system.

Through the use of cryptographic-based encryption and decryption techniques, the suggested method fortifies the VANET connection. In addition, other network metrics are taken into account to assess the effectiveness of the secure AODV routing protocol under black hole attacks, including packet loss, end-to-end latency, packet delivery ratio (PDR) and routing request overhead. Results from simulations using an NS-2.33 simulator show how well the suggested fix works to enhance system performance and lessen the effects of black hole assaults on VANETs.

All things considered, the safe AODV routing protocol provides a strong method for improving security and dependability in VANET systems, protecting against malevolent attacks and guaranteeing smooth communication between cars and infrastructure.

This study aims to develop a customer-centric model based on an online customer experience (OCE) construct relating to e-loyalty, e-trust and e-satisfaction, resulting in improved Net Promoter Score for Indian digital banks.

This study used an online survey method to gather data from a sample of 485 digital banking users, from which usable questionnaires were obtained. The obtained data were subjected to thorough analysis using partial least squares structural equation modelling to further investigate the research hypotheses.

The main factors determining digital banks’ OCE were perceived customer centrality, perceived value and perceived usability. Additionally, relevant constructs were evaluated using importance-performance map analysis.

This study used convenience sampling for the urban population using digital banking services; therefore, the outcome may be generalized to a limited extent. To further strengthen digital banking, it would be valuable to imitate studies in other countries.

There is a lack of research on digital banking and OCE in India; thus, this study will help rectify this issue while providing valuable insights. This study differs from others in that it examines the connections between online customer satisfaction, loyalty, trust and the bottom line of financial institutions using these factors as dependent variables instead of traditional measures.

This study aims to investigate the impact of the 2013 privatization of Nigeria’s energy sector on the technical performance of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and its workforce.

This study used a questionnaire-based approach, and 196 participants were randomly selected. Analytical tools included standard deviation, Spearman rank correlation and regression analysis.

Before privatization, the energy sector, managed by the power holding company of Nigeria, suffered from inefficiencies in fault detection, response and billing. However, privatization improved resource utilization, replaced outdated transformers and increased operational efficiency. However, in spite of these improvements, BEDC faces challenges, including unstable voltage generation and inadequate staff welfare. This study also highlighted a lack of experience among the trained workforce in emerging electricity technologies such as the smart grid.

This study’s focus on BEDC may limit its generalizability to other energy companies. It does not delve into energy sector privatization’s broader economic and policy implications.

The positive outcomes of privatization, such as improved resource utilization and infrastructure investment, emphasize the potential benefits of private ownership and management. However, voltage generation stability and staff welfare challenges call for targeted interventions. Recommendations include investing in voltage generation enhancement, smart grid infrastructure and implementing measures to enhance employee well-being through benefit plans.

Energy sector enhancements hold positive social implications, uplifting living standards and bolstering electricity access for households and businesses.

This study contributes unique insights into privatization’s effects on BEDC, offering perspectives on preprivatization challenges and advancements. Practical recommendations aid BEDC and policymakers in boosting electricity distribution firms’ performance within the privatization context.

This study aims to provide insight into consumer behavior regarding the use of food delivery apps when making purchases. To investigate the primary elements affecting users' intentions to use meal delivery applications, this study suggests an extension to the technology acceptance model through some contextual variable such as “various food choices (VFC),” “trust (TRR),” “perception of COVID-19-related risks (PCR)” and “convenience (CONV)” during the pandemic.

A cross-sectional data of 407 was collected in the Indian context. This research adopts the covariance-based structural modeling approach to test the hypotheses along with hierarchical regression to predict the efficiency of constructs.

Considering the outcomes, “perceived usefulness (PU)” was positively influenced by “perceived ease of use (PEOU),” “VFC” and “CONV.” In addition, the attitude (ATT) was positively impacted by “PU,” “TRR” and “PEOU.” Nevertheless, “PCR” negatively influenced ATT. In additional, this research illustrates the positive impact of ATT and PU on behavioral intention to use.

By confirming the technology acceptance model's capacity for explanation in relation to food delivery apps, this study adds to the body of knowledge. The primary focus of this study is on determining the direct impact of the identified determinants on the adoption of food delivery applications within the context of a pandemic situation in developing countries.

This paper presents a comprehensive decision-making framework designed for family-owned hotels, specifically focusing on evaluating and selecting suppliers and strategic partners, with a particular emphasis on Iranian holding companies and five-star hotels.

The research emphasizes the unique position of family-owned hotels as not only commercial enterprises but also embodiments of tradition, personal touch and community engagement, which sets them apart in a competitive market. Through a detailed literature review, methodology and analysis, including fuzzy analysis and the TOPSIS method, the study systematically evaluates various criteria crucial for selecting suppliers and strategic partners.

The framework evaluates criteria such as price competitiveness, quality of products/services, reliability and timeliness, flexibility and scalability, communication and responsiveness, after-sales service and support, ethical and sustainable practices, technology and innovation, and compatibility with business culture. By integrating these parameters, the framework addresses both operational needs and strategic objectives, ensuring chosen suppliers and partners align with the hotels' core values and operational requirements.

The study offers valuable insights for family-owned hospitality businesses to navigate supplier and strategic partner selection, and opens avenues for future research, particularly in adapting to technological advancements, sustainability practices and the evolving dynamics of the hospitality industry.

The research underscores the significance of family-owned hotels in fostering tradition, personal connection and community engagement, contributing to the social fabric of the hospitality industry.

This paper provides a unique perspective on supplier and strategic partner selection, tailored for family-owned hotels and offers a comprehensive framework that integrates both operational needs and strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with core values and requirements.

The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which organizational justice (OJ) mediates between responsible leadership (RL) and employee turnover intention (TI).

Both online and offline questionnaire was used to collect the data from 387 Indian health-care employees, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS 4.

The study’s findings demonstrated a significant positive association between RL and OJ and a negative association between OJ and employee TI. Furthermore, results also confirmed the mediating role of OJ between RI and TI.

The generalizability of the study‘s data collection is limited because it is based on the responses of Indian health-care sector employees to an online and offline survey. The authors propose that the health-care sector uses RL as an approach that takes a broad view of the parties with a stake and focuses on creating fairness in acts and justice at the workplace to address the major issue of employee turnover.

This study expanded on previous research by demonstrating that the influence of responsible leadership on employee TI is mediated by OJ in the context of India’s health-care sector. It also contributes to the literature regarding RI, OJ and TI. The study also enriched the body of knowledge about using the PLS-SEM approach to predict employee TI.

Technology and market pressures are encouraging localized and small-series production in customer-driven industries. The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the supply chain-, product- and process-design factors for small-series production in EU’s textile and apparel industry, to understand configuration decisions, priorities and challenges.

An interview study was undertaken with ten companies that represent diverse small-series production models and value chain roles. Interview data was analysed to identify supply network configuration characteristics, decision priorities and challenges.

Three small-series production models emerged from the analysis, differing with respect to adoption of process postponement and customization. The findings confirm and extend past research regarding diverse decision priorities and product, process, supply chain structure/relationship configurations. Challenges identified relate to planning (priorities) and implementation (configuration). Whereas competence availability and digital technology challenges are common, several difficulties are linked to production model like tensions related to priorities and small volumes, which are not found with customization.

Future research can make comparisons with other industry and location contexts; adopt dynamic approaches to distinguish between design and reconfiguration processes; and address indicated paradoxical-tensions.

The study findings can provide guidance for companies regarding identification of priorities and management of (planning/implementation) challenges impacting small-series production in T&A.

The paper brings a configuration perspective at the supply chain level to the problem of small-series production implementation, which demands holistic and context-specific understanding.