Proceedings of the Conference on Human and Economic Resources

This paper investigates the relative efficiency of public (state) libraries of major cities in Turkey by applying a data envelopment analysis. Scale, technical, and overall efficiency scores are calculated. It is found that there is a negative correlation between economic and social development index of the cities and efficiency scores of state libraries of same cities. In order to understand the sources of technical inefficiencies, the slack analysis is employed. Book collection and library staff are turned out to be the most problematic inputs and library members and lending of the books the most problematic outputs.public libraries, efficiency, data envelopment analysis, Turkey

A framework for evaluating information transparency in supply chains

Private, public, profit, and non-profit organizations, and society as a whole currently face a significant reliable information necessity problem. Especially supply chains need trustworthy information to perform their activities successfully. This study aims to propose a framework and identify how reliability of information can be evaluated and measured through the concept of transparency. In this context, dimensions such as; comprehensiveness, regularity, timeliness, content, scope, and user-friendliness are the pillars of the proposed framework. Selected criteria have been used as inputs to develop the information transparency level. The Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (ANP) is used to obtain weights of these inputs, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used for the determination of the efficiency ranking for transparency. Results demonstrated that Content, Scope and Comprehensiveness dimensions have 75% impact on the transparency of data. Remaining 25 percent is affected by Timeliness, Regularity and User-friendliness

Analyzing the drivers of smart sustainable circular supply chain for sustainable development goals through stakeholder theory

The concept of sustainable development is becoming incomprehensible and complex in global supply networks, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) that are most affected by ever-changing industry challenges and standards. Smart technologies emerged by Industry 4.0, sustainability, and circular economy (CE) connection, which remain unexplored, can be integrated into the supply chain as a business strategy to increase collaboration and cooperation between different tiers of the supply chain to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) according to LMIC. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to discover the drivers of a smart sustainable circular supply chain (SSCSC) in achieving the SDGs in LMIC through stakeholder theory. First, a systematic review is employed to identify the drivers of the SSCSC to achieve the SDGs in the LMIC incorporating existing literature on the subject. Second, the Best-Worst Method (BWM) is applied to analyze the identified drivers, and then the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to analyze the SDGs. The applicability of the solution methodology was illustrated by providing a numerical example. The results of the study are twofold: firstly, drivers are analyzed by implementation of BWM. The results of the BWM reveal that economic sustainability is the best key driver among the eight drivers in achieving the SDGs, meaning that without financial assistance and support achieving the SDGs becomes ineffective. Secondly, the TOPSIS analysis reveals that SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) is the SDG most supported by drivers

Barriers to Cement Industry Towards Circular Economy

Cement, as the main component of concrete, is a crucial industrial product for economic development and civilization. Nevertheless, its production is highly energy-intensive, environmentally polluting, and a source of extreme CO2 emissions. For success in the transition to the circular economy and accelerating sustainable manufacturing in the cement industry, understanding and addressing the main barriers are essential. Using the above point of view, this study intends to address the challenges and barriers of the cement industry in the transition to a circular economy, define the causal relationships between these barriers, and determine the necessary practical implications to overcome the barriers. Systematic literature review and focus group study results enable a holistic model that integrates research results and business practical criteria. The DEMATEL method is used for the clarification of causal relations between factors. A total of 18 barriers in 6 clusters have been revealed to be used for managerial implications to speed up the transition to CE applications in the cement business. Out of 18 barriers, 6 were effect groups, which were the outcomes due to the remaining 12 causing barriers. The top three cause factors are an unstable waste market, lack of management competencies, and unstable macroeconomic conditions, while the leading three effect factors are revealed as giving priority to other issues, insufficient organisational structures, and deviations in product quality. Although there are many studies on CE in cement, they are concentrated on technical and laboratory studies enabling the use of different alternative materials as inputs to the cement process. Studying and revealing the barriers holding back the cement sector in the transition to CE is this study’s core contribution, making it novel and unique

Assessing smart circular supply chain readiness and maturity level of small and medium-sized enterprises

A Smart Circular Supply Chain (SCSC) integrates both Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Circular Economy (CE) concepts into supply chain in response to achieving sustainable goals/agenda. The purpose of this paper is to assess SCSC readiness and maturity level of SMEs considering different stakeholders from a multi-layered perspective. For this aim, a conceptual framework was proposed and accomplished through a case study of SMEs in Turkey’s textile industry. Such integrated approach to holistically assessing SCSC readiness and maturity makes a unique contribution to the field. The highlights of this study are summarized as follows: (1) approaching readiness and maturity in transitions by focusing on systems theory; (2) identifying the dimensions of readiness and maturity in transitions to I4.0 and CE; (3) assessment of readiness and maturity level of SMEs in transition to CE and (4) assessment of readiness and maturity level of SMEs in transition to I4.0 within the supply chain

Assessing smart circular supply chain readiness and maturity level of small and medium-sized enterprises

A Smart Circular Supply Chain (SCSC) integrates both Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Circular Economy (CE) concepts into supply chain in response to achieving sustainable goals/agenda. The purpose of this paper is to assess SCSC readiness and maturity level of SMEs considering different stakeholders from a multi-layered perspective. For this aim, a conceptual framework was proposed and accomplished through a case study of SMEs in Turkey’s textile industry. Such integrated approach to holistically assessing SCSC readiness and maturity makes a unique contribution to the field. The highlights of this study are summarized as follows: (1) approaching readiness and maturity in transitions by focusing on systems theory; (2) identifying the dimensions of readiness and maturity in transitions to I4.0 and CE; (3) assessment of readiness and maturity level of SMEs in transition to CE and (4) assessment of readiness and maturity level of SMEs in transition to I4.0 within the supply chain

The analysis of critical success factors for successful kaizen implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a textile industry case study

Purpose The primary objective of this research is to determine critical success factors (CSFs) that enable textile enterprises to effectively implement Kaizen, a Japanese concept of continuous development, particularly during disruptive situations. The study aims to provide insights into how Kaizen is specifically employed within the textile sector and to offer guidance for addressing future crises. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a structured approach to determine CSFs for successful Kaizen implementation in the textile industry. The Triple Helix Actors structure, comprising business, academia and government representatives, is utilized to uncover essential insights. Additionally, the Matriced Impacts Croises-Multiplication Applique and Classement (MICMAC) analysis and interpretative structural modeling (ISM) techniques are applied to evaluate the influence of CSFs. Findings The research identifies 17 CSFs for successful Kaizen implementation in the textile industry through a comprehensive literature review and expert input. These factors are organized into a hierarchical structure with 5 distinct levels. Additionally, the application of the MICMAC analysis reveals three clusters of CSFs: linkage, dependent and independent, highlighting their interdependencies and impact. Originality/value Major contribution of this study is understanding how Kaizen can be effectively utilized in the textile industry, especially during disruptive events. The combination of the Triple Helix Actors structure, MICMAC analysis and ISM provides a unique perspective on the essential factors driving successful Kaizen implementation. The identification of CSFs and their categorization into clusters offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and academia seeking to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the textile industry

Big data-enabled solutions framework to overcoming the barriers to circular economy initiatives in healthcare sector

Ever-changing conditions and emerging new challenges affect the ability of the healthcare sector to survive with the current system, and to maintain its processes effectively. In the healthcare sec-tor, the conservation of the natural resources is being obstructed by insufficient infrastructure for managing residual waste resulting from single-use medical materials, increased energy use, and its environmental burden. In this context, circularity and sustainability concepts have become essential in healthcare to meliorate the sector’s negative impacts on the environment. The main aim of this study is to identify the barriers related to circular economy (CE) in the healthcare sec-tor, apply big data analytics in healthcare, and provide solutions to these barriers. The contribution of this research is the detailed examination of the current healthcare literature about CE adaptation, and a proposal for a big data-enabled solutions framework to barriers to circularity, using fuzzy Best-Worst Method (BWM) and fuzzy VIKOR. Based on the findings, managerial, policy, and theoretical implementations are recommended to support sustainable development initiatives in the healthcare sector

Assessing supply chain innovations for building resilient food supply chains: an emerging economy perspective

Food waste reduction and security are the main concerns of agri-food supply chains, as more than thirty-three percent of global food production is wasted or lost due to mismanagement. The ongoing challenges, including resource scarcity, climate change, waste generation, etc., need immediate actions from stakeholders to develop resilient food supply chains. Previous studies explored food supply chains and their challenges, barriers, enablers, etc. Still, there needs to be more literature on the innovations in supply chains that can build resilient food chains to last long and compete in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, studies are also required to explore supply chain innovations for the food sector. The current research employed a stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) to assess the supply chain innovations that can develop resilient food supply chains. This study is a pioneer in using the SWARA application to evaluate supply chain innovation and identify the most preferred alternatives. The results from the SWARA show that ‘Business strategy innovations’ are the most significant innovations that can bring resiliency to the food supply chains, followed by ‘Technological innovations.’ The study provides insights for decision makers to understand the significant supply chain innovations to attain resilience in food chains and help the industry to survive and sustain in the long run

Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Sustainable Food Supply Chains

Recently, it has become an important issue to ensure sustainability, especially in food supply chains, against the rapidly growing population, increasing demand, and sudden disruptions caused by uncertain times such as that caused by COVID-19. Since food supply chains has vulnerable products and processes, it is critical to understand the sustainability factors of food supply chains especially in uncertain times such during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine sustainability factors of food supply chains. An Interpretive Structural Modelling method is used to state the relations between sustainability factors of food supply chains. As a result of the study, Information Sharing and Managerial Approaches are classified as driving factors; Food Safety and Security, Know-How Transfer, Logistics Networking, Risk Mitigation, Employee Commitment, Innovation, Traceability and Responsiveness are categorized as linkage factors. This article will be beneficial for managers in helping them develop sustainable food supply chains during uncertain times by focusing on traceability, information sharing, know-how transfer, food safety and security