Comparison of agent-based scheduling to look-ahead heuristics for real-time transportation problems

We consider the real-time scheduling of full truckload transportation orders with time windows that arrive during schedule execution. Because a fast scheduling method is required, look-ahead heuristics are traditionally used to solve these kinds of problems. As an alternative, we introduce an agent-based approach where intelligent vehicle agents schedule their own routes. They interact with job agents, who strive for minimum transportation costs, using a Vickrey auction for each incoming order. This approach offers several advantages: it is fast, requires relatively little information and facilitates easy schedule adjustments in reaction to information updates. We compare the agent-based approach to more traditional hierarchical heuristics in an extensive simulation experiment. We find that a properly designed multiagent approach performs as good as or even better than traditional methods. Particularly, the multi-agent approach yields less empty miles and a more stable service level

Blockchain takes to the skies : an assessment of blockchain applications in the airline industry

Recently, the airline industry increasingly turned towards blockchain technology and started investigating potential use cases. Despite the clear interest in the emerging technology, academic contributions in this field remain scarce. This dissertation strives to close this research gap and explore promising blockchain use cases and their value for the airline industry. Moreover, factors important for the successful implementation of the use cases are discussed. The research questions were answered following a qualitative approach in the form of ten expert interviews, supplemented by the examination of secondary literature. A quantitative approximation of the qualitative insights was adopted to capture the value of the use cases. An order of relevance was established for the initial 14 use cases based on which four promising blockchain use cases, namely “loyalty points”, “aircraft parts provenance”, “travel distribution landscape” and “passenger ID management” were identified. Quantitative approximation of qualitative insights indicated that the use case “loyalty points” is likely to create the most value as compared to the remaining three use cases. For successful implementation, it is vital to avoid considering the technology as a solution searching for problems to be solved and clearly identifying the measurable economic impact of a given use case. Additionally, strategic implications, enablers and roadblocks, as discussed in this study, must be considered. Looking ahead, mainstream adoption of blockchain technology in the airline industry is only expected by approximately 2024. Future research could be directed towards the individual analysis of promising use cases presented in this study.Recentemente, o setor das companhias aéreas direcionou-se cada vez mais para a tecnologia “blockchain” e começou a investigar possíveis casos de uso. Apesar do claro interesse pela tecnologia emergente, as contribuições academicas neste campo permanecem escassas. Esta dissertação procura diminuir a escassez de pesquisa e explorar casos promissores do uso de “blockchain” e o seu valor para o setor aéreo. Além disso, são discutidos fatores importantes para uma implementação bem sucedida dos casos de uso. As perguntas do estudo foram respondidas seguindo uma abordagem qualitativa na forma de dez entrevistas com especialistas, complementadas pelo exame de literatura secundária. Uma aproximação quantitativa dos insights qualitativos foi adotada para capturar o valor dos casos de uso. Uma ordem de relevância foi estabelecida para os 14 casos de uso iniciais, com base nos quais foram identificados quatro casos promissores de blockchain, como “loyalty points”, “aircraft parts provenance”, “travel distribution landscape” e “passenger ID management”. A aproximação quantitativa das informações qualitativas indicou que o caso de uso "loyalty points" provavelmente criará o maior valor em comparação com os restantes três casos de uso. Para uma implementação bem-sucedida, é essencial evitar considerar a tecnologia como uma solução, procurando problemas a serem resolvidos e identificando claramente o impacto economico mensurável de um determinado caso de uso. Além disso, implicações estratégicas, facilitadores e obstáculos, como discutido neste estudo, devem ser considerados. Olhando para o futuro, a adoção convencional da tecnologia “blockchain” no setor de transporte aéreo é esperada apenas em aproximadamente 2024

Blockchain-Based Digitalization of Logistics Processes—Innovation, Applications, Best Practices

Blockchain technology is becoming one of the most powerful future technologies in supporting logistics processes and applications. It has the potential to destroy and reorganize traditional logistics structures. Both researchers and practitioners all over the world continuously report on novel blockchain-based projects, possibilities, and innovative solutions with better logistic service levels and lower costs. The idea of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of the status quo in research and possibilities to effectively implement blockchain-based solutions in business practice. This Special Issue reprint contained well-prepared research reports regarding recent advances in blockchain technology around logistics processes to provide insights into realized maturity

Leading in Service Innovation: Three perspectives on service value delivery in a European context

This paper explores the relationships between the shaping of “service value propositions” according to three dimensions: “intangible mix”, “physical support”, and “time”, and the strengthening of Innovative Capability in service organizations. After the first introductory section, we describe a series of related innovative moves experienced in the European context by leading companies. We analyze how JCDecaux addresses service recipients simultaneously as citizens and consumers, focusing especially on the Cyclocity project. With CS2 Lawyers in the UK, we envision how automation and technology adoption in professional services may lead to significant productivity improvement for the good of society. Finally, we study how SNCF in France has succeeded in implementing a permanently strengthening value proposition in public service through the recent launching of the IDTGV initiative. In these situations, the service companies have clearly addressed their market considering three different forms of interrelated, yet distinct, targets: “ultimate beneficiaries”, “paying bodies”, and entities or individuals who somehow “prescribe” the consumption of services. In these three situations, we investigate the robustness of the “value propositions” thus implemented, and analyze the particular role played by technology in the success of the new ventures.Service and innovation; value proposition; technology implementation