- P-ISSN1738-3110
- E-ISSN2093-7717
- SCOPUS, ESCI
ISSN : 1738-3110
Vol.24 No.2
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines how mature consumers recycle their e-waste by investigating the role of environmental values and gender in their behaviour. The study contributes towards the promotion of sustainable e-waste management and reverse logistics. Research design, data, and methodology: A cross-sectional online survey with 210 valid responses was obtained, consisting of respondents aged between 40 and 70 years who recycle e-waste. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, where measurement reliability and validity, path analysis, and multigroup analysis were conducted. Results: Environmental values emerged as a key predictor in shaping mature consumer attitudes in e-waste recycling. While environmental values significantly influence both genders, structural pathways vary. A gendered effect was evident, where female consumers exhibit a more positive attitude. Finally, the pathway to e-waste recycling behaviour stems from perceived behavioural control rather than behavioural intention. Conclusions: Policymakers should leverage both public and private reverse logistics networks such as recycling centres, mobile apps, retailers, and waste service providers to increase e-waste recycling rates. Using gender-sensitive messaging, communication programs targeting women and men should also deliver distinct messages. For females, emphasise benefits of recycling, and for males, communicate e-waste recycling centre locations and services.
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines how relationship quality moderates the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer loyalty in third-party logistics (3PL) services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Research design, data and methodology: A quantitative approach was employed using survey data from 308 SMEs in Thailand utilizing 3PL services. The SERVQUAL framework measured service quality across five dimensions: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Relationship quality and customer loyalty were assessed using validated multi-item scales. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analyzed the direct and moderating effects. Results: Four service quality dimensions significantly influenced customer loyalty: reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, with empathy showing the strongest effect. Tangibles did not significantly impact loyalty. Critically, relationship quality significantly moderated the effects of reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy on loyalty, demonstrating that strong relationships amplify service quality benefits. The model explained 65% of variance in customer loyalty. Conclusions: Service quality alone is insufficient for building loyalty in SME-3PL partnerships. Providers must integrate service excellence with relationship development strategies. The findings advance theoretical understanding of service quality-loyalty mechanisms in B2B logistics contexts and provide actionable insights for 3PL providers serving resource-constrained SMEs.
Abstract
Purpose: Rapid growth of e-commerce in India has intensified urban congestion and air pollution, positioning last-mile distribution as a critical area for decarbonisation. This study develops a low-emission last-mile distribution network design framework tailored to Indian urban contexts, where conventional designs have primarily prioritised cost and service speed. Research design, data, and methodology: A multi-objective optimisation framework is proposed using a mixed-integer programming model that simultaneously minimises total distribution cost and CO₂ emissions while maintaining predefined service levels. The model captures Indian-specific characteristics, including heterogeneous vehicle fleets (conventional vans, two-wheelers, and electric vehicles), micro-fulfilment centres, congestion-induced time-dependent travel speeds, and regulatory restrictions on vehicle access in dense urban areas. A hybrid solution approach combining ε-constraint scalarisation with a tailored metaheuristic is employed to approximate the Pareto frontier for realistic problem sizes. Results: Numerical experiments based on representative data from major Indian metropolitan areas show that low-emission network configurations can reduce last-mile CO₂ emissions by 18–30% compared to current practices, with cost increases typically remaining below 7% when service levels are preserved. Conclusions: The study provides a decision-support framework for e-commerce firms and urban policymakers to evaluate context-specific trade-offs between cost, service quality, and environmental performance in Indian last-mile logistics.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to explore “Factors affecting the intention to use Blockchain technology integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) in warehouse management and monitoring”. Research design, data, and methodology: The research model is built on the combination of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the theory of planned behavior, and the theory of technological innovation. By employing a mixed-methods approach comprising expert interviews and a quantitative survey of 303 individuals working in the logistics sector; the data were processed using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 20.0 through several steps: reliability testing, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: The results reveal that four factors: performance expectancy (HS), facilitating conditions (DK), social influence (AH), and technology readiness (SS) positively affect perceived usefulness (NT). Meanwhile, effort expectancy (NL) and facilitating conditions (DK) have a direct impact on the intention to use technology (YD). Notably, perceived usefulness (NT) plays an important mediating role and strongly influences the intention to use Blockchain technology combined with AI. These findings confirm the suitability of the TAM model in explaining the behavior of using Blockchain technology combined with AI. Conclusions: The study provides managerial implications for logistics business leaders in the development and deployment of technology. These results contribute to guiding technological development and management innovation in the logistics sector in Vietnam.
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the impact of multi-channel distribution strategies on investor portfolio allocation within the context of digital transformation in the financial sector. As financial institutions increasingly combine traditional and digital channels, understanding how integration and efficiency affect investor behavior becomes crucial. Research design, data, and methodology: A quantitative survey of 250 active retail investors in the Indonesian capital market was conducted using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The model includes channel integration and distribution efficiency as independent variables, investor trust as a mediating variable, and portfolio allocation as the dependent variable. Results: The results reveal that channel integration and distribution efficiency significantly enhance investor trust and portfolio allocation. Moreover, investor trust partially mediates this relationship, highlighting its essential role in fostering diversification and long-term investment commitment. Conclusions: The study contributes to distribution science by extending channel management theory to the financial domain, emphasizing how multi-channel distribution enhances efficiency and accessibility in the financial supply chain. Practically, the findings offer insights for financial institutions and fintech platforms to strengthen digital integration, optimize investor experience, and promote inclusive investment participation in emerging markets.
Abstract
Purpose: This work investigates determinants of users’ continuance intention to use e-wallets in Vietnam, a rapidly growing digital payment market, and examines how online service factors interact with consumer attitudes and e-satisfaction to affect continuance, and how this influences consumer purchase behavior at the point of sale and channel power dynamics, with implications for retail distribution and supply chain management. Research Design, Methodology, and Approach: An extended Technology Continuance Theory (TCT) model incorporating perceived security, online customer service, e-trust, and merchant network was tested. Data were collected via an online survey of 197 e-wallet users in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) assessed measurement properties and tested hypothesized relationships. Results: Perceived security, e-trust, and merchant network significantly influence attitudes and e-satisfaction, which in turn drive continuance intention to use. Online customer service did not have a significant effect, indicating contextual variation in markets characterized by young, digitally literate users and relatively standardized service quality. Conclusions: The findings refine TCT by identifying boundary conditions for online service factors in emerging economies and offer practical guidance for retailers, distributors, payment providers, and policymakers on prioritizing security, trust-building, and merchant coverage to strengthen channel coordination and operational efficiency.
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigates existing research to examine cosmetic surgery outcomes from a healthcare service supply chain perspective, focusing on how body image–related psychological factors shape patient satisfaction and downstream service outcomes. By conceptualizing cosmetic surgery as a multi-stage healthcare distribution process, this study aims to clarify the role of post-service psychological responses in service value creation. Research design, data and methodology: This study adopts a review approach, synthesizing prior empirical and conceptual studies on cosmetic surgery services, body image psychology, patient satisfaction, and healthcare service systems. Relevant studies were identified through Google Scholar and analyzed to reframe psychological outcomes as downstream effects within healthcare service supply chains. Results: The reviewed literature consistently indicates that body image factors are closely associated with patient satisfaction and post-service risk behaviors following cosmetic surgery. These psychological outcomes influence follow-up service utilization, satisfaction stability, and continuity of care, positioning them as critical downstream outcomes of healthcare service delivery. Conclusions: This study contributes to distribution and service supply chain research by integrating body image psychology into the evaluation of healthcare service outcomes. By reframing cosmetic surgery outcomes as elements of healthcare service supply chains, the study provides a novel perspective for understanding patient-centered value creation in healthcare distribution systems.
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines whether ESG reputational risks increase firms’ financial frictions and weaken growth prospects, with a focus on Korean wholesale and retail trade firms that are particularly exposed to public perception due to their proximity to final consumers. Research design, data and methodology: We measure ESG reputational risks using two media-based indices: the RepRisk Index (2012–2023) and Who’s Good ESG Incident Scores (2019–2023). We link these measures to financial constraint indices, the implied cost of equity, and Tobin’s Q for KOSPI-listed wholesale and retail firms, and test the effect of ESG risk using quarterly data in a two-way fixed effects framework with controls for firm financial characteristics. Results: ESG reputational risks significantly increase financial constraints, raise the cost of equity, and reduce growth opportunities for Korean wholesale and retail firms. These effects, however, are attenuated among the largest retail firms in the KOSPI200, possibly due to their size, profitability, credit ratings, and chaebol affiliations. Governance-related risks remain salient even in this subsample. Conclusions: The findings highlight the financial consequences of ESG reputational risks for consumer-facing firms and suggest that ESG-related reputation management should remain central to corporate strategy.
Abstract
Purpose: This research evaluates how Yeosu–Gwangyang Port (YGPA) integrates smart automation with energy self-sufficiency to establish a scalable sustainability model for maritime hubs, advancing a unified paradigm that aligns technological modernization with environmental imperatives Research design, data, and methodology: Using a diagnostic case study approach, the paper examines the port’s infrastructure transition based on multi-source data, including internal performance metrics, national policy directives, and real-time operational datasets on renewable energy generation and terminal throughput. Results: The findings show that the convergence of terminal automation and localized renewable energy production yields a synergistic effect. Systematic carbon monitoring combined with on-site energy generation reduces the port’s environmental footprint and buffers it against energy price volatility. Digitalized energy-management systems further enhance operational resilience while supporting long-term decarbonization pathways. Conclusions: Sustainable port management requires a “techno-ecological” framework that bridges climate action and high-tech infrastructure. By integrating automation, renewable energy deployment, and structured carbon management, the Yeosu model provides actionable insights for ports seeking to strengthen energy resilience, environmental performance, and competitive positioning. Overall, long-term maritime competitiveness necessitates the holistic integration of smart logistics and sustainable energy systems.
Abstract
Purpose: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is a value chain innovation tool that enables B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-customer) innovation in business supply chain. With the recent development of information technology, various RFID solutions have been developed. In addition, the cost of building RFID systems is decreasing due to the development of RFID technology. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting the successful implementation RFID from a positive, neutral, and negative perspective. Research design, data and methodology: To this end, this study develops a conceptual theoretical research model using cognitive behavioral theory. For validating research model, in this study, data were collected from people working at companies, and empirical analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equation model) approach. Results: This study analyzes factors that affect willingness to adoption of RFID. As a result of the empirical analysis, there are differences in perceptions between RFID capability, information system assurance capability, collaboration, trust, expectation for performance, and willingness to adoption of RFID depending on positive, neutral, and negative perspective. Conclusions: The empirical results of this study will provide useful insights and information for companies' successful adoption of RFID.
Abstract
Purpose: Although Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has been widely examined in relation to environmental and operational outcomes, its role in creating economic value through market-based mechanisms remains underexplored, particularly in emerging economies. This study investigates how GSCM influences the business performance of Vietnamese fashion firms across economic, environmental, operational, and marketing dimensions. It addresses a critical gap by clarifying the mediating role of marketing performance in translating sustainable practices into competitive advantage. Research design, data, and methodology: A structured survey was conducted with 314 Vietnamese fashion firms. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess both direct and indirect pathways. GSCM is defined at its first mention to ensure conceptual clarity. Results: GSCM directly improves economic performance and exerts even stronger indirect effects through operational and marketing performance. Despite its substantial environmental benefits, its economic impact remains modest, reflecting emerging-market conditions. Conclusions: Marketing performance is the key channel through which GSCM creates economic value, as green initiatives enhance credibility and responsibility, strengthening consumer trust, loyalty, and price-premium acceptance. Theoretically, this broadens GSCM by incorporating marketing mechanisms. Practically, it guides firms and policymakers in aligning green practices with branding and market positioning.