Stochastic performance measurement in two-stage network processes: A data envelopment analysis approach

summary:In classic data envelopment analysis models, two-stage network structures are studied in cases in which the input/output data set are deterministic. In many real applications, however, we face uncertainty. This paper proposes a two-stage network DEA model when the input/output data are stochastic. A stochastic two-stage network DEA model is formulated based on the chance-constrained programming. Linearization techniques and the assumption of single underlying factor of the data are used to construct the equivalent deterministic linear programming model. The relationship between the stochastic efficiency of each stage and stochastic centralized efficiency of the whole process, at different confidence levels, is discussed. To illustrate the real applicability of the proposed approach, a real case on 16 commercial banks in China is given

Revisit the effect of reverse logistics practices on sustainability performance

The increasing concern about environmental and energy conservation leads industries to serve the sustainability development as one of important issues. Reverse logistics can manage product returns effectively and play an important role in achieving the sustainability goals of any organization. As a result, many companies have been paying close attention to reverse logistics and made it a strategic decision. Despite the fact that reverse logistics can significantly increase the organization's sustainability performance, there has been little research into the relationship between reverse logistics and sustainability performance. Thus far, few researchers have examined the impact of reverse logistics disposition decisions on the triple bottom line (TBL), which includes economic, environmental, and social performance. Thus, this paper aims to review the impact of reverse logistics on sustainable performance and examine which option of the disposition decision is more suitable for the sustainable performance. Also, content analysis was used to analyse the selected papers on reverse logistics and sustainability performance. Ultimately, this study concludes that the impact of reverse logistics on social aspect have been largely neglected. Also, this study suggests that future researchers should concentrate on the empirical studies on how each disposition option of reverse logistics may influence the sustainability performance