Operations and Supply Chain Logistics Research
Our research tackles complex supply chain issues using diverse methods to impact academic, managerial, and policy realms, while supporting various research groups.
Operations and supply chain logistics are fundamental to the functioning of our economy and society.
Strategic management of supply chains drives resilience and innovation. The need for this type of management has been emphasised by external factors, such as:
- exogenous shocks such as Brexit and Covid-19
- societal issues, for example social value creation and the identification and elimination of modern slavery
- grand challenges such as climate change, ageing, and digital transformation
Research areas
Our research examines multi-level supply chain problems. We incorporate individual, organisational, and network levels of analyses. We adopt a broad range of research methods, including:
- qualitative (case studies, process studies, content analysis)
- quantitative (structural equation modelling, analytic hierarchy process)
- modelling methods
Through vigorous research, we aim to influence:
- academic knowledge
- managerial practice
- policy
We work with organisations on pressing supply chain and operations management problems. We develop interventions to inform and improve practice and policy in supply chain management. Our research is frequently published in academic and trade journals.
We provide support and resources to various groups, such as:
- subject group members
- colleagues
- students
- external research collaborators
This helps them to further develop supply chain and operations research.
Sustainable supply chain
A truly sustainable supply chain does not just drive economic prosperity. It also meets social demands while safeguarding the environment. Our research focuses on the critical pillars of sustainable supply chain management:
- design
- organisation
- coordination
- control
Specifically, we explore sustainability from various key perspectives, including:
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- green innovation
- circular economy practices
- collaboration, integration, and relationship development within supply chains
- building trust at the supply chain, organisational, and interpersonal levels
- optimising sustainable manufacturing, project management, and supply chain systems
Digital transformation
Digital technologies are revolutionising business operations, enhancing efficiency, performance improvement, and customer engagement. However, profound change is needed to harness all the potential benefits. This needs to occur across all aspects of operations and supply chain management. Our research delves into a range of industries, including:
- healthcare
- manufacturing
- energy
- food service organisations
It covers critical areas such as:
- digital work and workflows
- human-centric digital transformation
- industry 5.0 advancements
- supply chain management in the metaverse
- digitally innovative supply chain solutions
Performance improvement
To improve organisational performance, it is necessary to tackle complex decisions across operations and supply chain management. Our research supports the creation, evaluation, and execution of high-quality decisions. We use a variety of methodologies, including:
- surveys
- modelling
- nature-inspired algorithms
- interviews
- case studies
- design science
- simulations
We address challenges across several domains:
- lean and agile operations
- supply chain finance
- resilience and risk management in supply chains
- logistics, transport, and supply chain systems
- intelligent transport systems
Transformational change
We are committed to:
- driving transformational change in business and supply chain operations
- fostering innovation
- creating a meaningful societal impact across various sectors, including both manufacturing and services
Our key areas of focus include:
- non-profit operations management
- quick commerce and ultrafast hyperlocal deliveries
- regional challenge-based transformation initiatives
- supply chain analytics
- business ecosystems development
Current projects
The impact of human talent on supply chain development
Funder: Thammasat University (Thailand)
Start date: May 2024
End date: May 2027
Principal investigator: Ying Yang
Improving Supply Chain Flexibility and Collaboration for Disaster Management through Blockchain Technology
Funder: The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology
Start date: September 2023
End date: August 2025
Principal investigator: Ying Yang
ARC training centre for cell-based therapy manufacturing and commercialisation
Funder: Australian Research Council
Start date: January 2020
End date: January 2024
Principal investigator: Chris Hicks
2024
Li D, Islam DMZ, Robinson M, Song D-P, Dong J-X, Reimann M (2024). Network revenue management game in the railway industry: Stackelberg equilibrium, global optimality, and mechanism design. European Journal of Operational Research. Vol. 312(1), pp. 240-254.
Shao T, Du W, Ye Y, Li H, Dong JX, Liu G, Zheng P (2024). A Novel Virtual Arrival Optimization Method for Traffic Organization Scenarios. Sustainability. Vol. 16(1)
Wei S, Liu W, Choi TM, Dong JX, Long S (2024). The influence of key components and digital technologies on manufacturer's choice of innovation strategy. European Journal of Operational Research.
Yang Y, Jiang Y (2024). The impact of suppliers' CSR controversies on buyers market value: The moderating role of social capital. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management.
Zhou X, Lu H, Kumar Mangla S (2024). The impact of digital traceability on sustainability performance: investigating the roles of sustainability-oriented innovation and supply chain learning. Supply Chain Management.
2023
Liu S, Hua GW, Cheng TCE, Choi TM, Dong JX (2023). Pricing strategies for logistics robot sharing platforms. International Journal of Production Research. Vol. 61(2), pp. 410-426.
Sun LY, Hua GW, Cheng TCE, Teunter RH, Dong JX, Wang Y (2023). Purchase or rent Optimal pricing for 3D printing capacity sharing platforms. European Journal of Operational Research. Vol. 307(3), pp. 1192-1205.
Fazi S, Choudhary SK, Dong JX (2023). The multi-trip container drayage problem with synchronization for efficient empty containers re-usage. European Journal of Operational Research. Vol. 310(1), pp. 343-359.
Yan K, Hua G, Cheng T, Choi T, Dong J, Li X (2023). Optimal Pricing and Quality Decisions Under Cooperative Promotion of Cross-Market Service Platforms. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management.
Novakovic K, Thumbarathy D, Peeters M, Geoghegan M, Go Jefferies J, Hicks C, Manika D, Dai S (2023). Zero-waste circular economy of plastic packaging: The bottlenecks and a way forward. Sustainable Materials and Technologies. Vol. 38
Gong Y, Jiang Y, Jia F (2023). Multiple multi-tier sustainable supply chain management: a social system theory perspective. International Journal of Production Research. Vol. 61(14), pp. 4684-4701.
Yang Y, Jiang Y (2023). Buyer-supplier CSR alignment and firm performance: a contingency theory perspective. Journal of Business Research. Vol. 154
Yang Y, Jiang Y (2023). Does suppliers slack influence the relationship between buyers environmental orientation and green innovation. Journal of Business Research. Vol. 157
Yang X, Jiang Y, Chen X, Jia F (2023). ICT-empowered rural e-commerce development in China: an adaptive structuration perspective. International Journal of Technology Management. Vol. 95