Bojan Rosi

The dialectical network thinking – a new systems theory concerned with management

Purpose – To show that holism, which has been the original aim of the systems theory as a worldview of holism rather than reductionism, is best attained by application of those versions of systems theory that result from synergies of mutually complementary systems theories as methodologies.Design/methodology/approach – Mulejs dialectical systems theory (DST) is applied as worldview and methodology of requisite holism using Mulejs dialectical systems concept.Finding – Two methodologies of co‐operative systems thinking – the network thinking and the DST – are compatible and complementary. They can be used for development of a new systems theory.Research limitations/implications – Research is limited to making a methodology helping managers attain more holism in a new synergy of two well established systems theories. Its application is expected with managers of business organizations.Practical implication – The new concept was tried in railway management successfully. But this paper is too short to contain...

Simulation-based performance analysis of automated single-tray vertical lift module

In this paper a simulation analysis of an automated single-tray Vertical Lift Module (VLM) system is presented. Compared to other well-known warehouse systems, a VLM system can provide moderate throughput capacity and lower investment cost. The objective of the study is to investigate benefits of a single-tray VLM system design in terms of reducing transactions’ mean cycle time, which results in increased throughput of the system. Performance of the single-tray VLM is evaluated regarding alternative design configurations and the velocity profiles. The results show that single-tray VLM systems are effective and may serve as guideline for warehouse designers in designing a new or improving an existing automated warehouse system.

Method for evaluating the throughput performance of shuttle based storage and retrieval systems

In this paper a method for throughput performance calculation of shuttle based storage and retrieval systems (SBS/RS) is presented. SBS/RS represent a new technology in automated storage and retrieval systems. Since it is important to design SBS/RS right the first time due to the relative inflexibility of the physical layout, we provide a proposed method for the throughput performance calculation of these systems. The performance of the system is considered as a throughput capacity of the SBS/RS as a whole.

Stakeholder differences in the understanding of inter-organizational concept content as a risk factor: The case for a logistics platform

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help clarify understanding of the logistic platform concept so as to release its potential for the benefit of the logistics sector. Design/methodology/approach – Cross-sectional research was conducted in Slovenia, Poland and Singapore. Web-based survey responses were obtained from four organization types: logistics companies (LCs); production or service non-LCs; branch associations/state agencies/chambers of commerce; and educational institutions. Findings – Logistics platforms (LPFs) are a very much a multi-level phenomenon which, through macro-level organization, may multiply the micro- and meso-level effects obtained. The joint development of promising inter-organizational concepts which involve different stakeholder groups can be inefficient owing to differences in concept content understanding. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to Slovenia, Poland and Singapore. Further research in other countries would be beneficial, and the survey...

Automated Authentication and Authorisation of Consignors and their Consignments within Secure Supply Chains

In cross-border transport, in particular in air-transport, since 2010 there is the notion of a known consignor. This term is used in connection with an airfreight distribution company, which has introduced appropriate safety and security measures into its business process. Hence, its transport units are considered “safe” and can be handled with fewer overheads and more quickly. Due to the ever-increasing airfreight traffic, the notion of efficient security in airfreight is becoming increasingly pressing and requires information technical support to be able to handle shipments in time. In order to sustain security throughout entire supply chains all consignors should adhere to the same security standards – build a secure supply chain. This article presents methods and mechanisms for automated authentication and authorisation of known consignors and their transport units that enables swift identification and secure handover of shipments among known consignors and distribution centres. In their application they are not bound to air-transport and can be used to secure supply chains in general.

Estimating marginal infrastructure cost in new infrastructure charging model

Competitiveness of rail transport compared to road transport has been reducing, especially on regional railway lines. To improve this situation, the EU adopted various directives and regulations to increase efficiency of railway undertakings. In this paper we present an organizational and economic model based on European policies for local railway system. The organizational model is based on multi-criteria decision analysis. For the economic model we used an econometric approach to estimate the cost function and marginal costs in regional lines, which constitute the basis for railway charges. By implementing such an organizational model, the functioning of the railway network will improve. The research found that a change in the existing model of calculating costs of infrastructure use would bring economic effects for the railway infrastructure manager and the providers of transport. Using the proposed model we also found that it is reasonable to increase the flow of goods on unused regional railway lines because the railway infrastructure maintenance costs are inelastic with regard to transported gross tons.

Proceedings XI. International Conference on Logistics in Agriculture 2017 : 9 November 2017, Novo mesto, Slovenia

11th International Conference of Logistics in Agriculture is a traditional conference in the field of logistics, which is very important in agriculture. The conference is organized by the Municipality of Sevnica, Grm Novo mesto – Centre of Biotechnics and Tourism, University of Maribor, Faculty of Logistics and Landscape Governance College. This year the topic of the conference is Short supply chain in Logistics in Agriculture. Our conference proceedings have several papers on different topics which are especially dealing with the distribution of locally produced food. This is one of the most important things for improving the tourism in the region. A part of this year’s conference is also a Round table on Challenges of plastics in agriculture.

Synergies between an Observed Port and a Logistic Company: Application of the Discounted Cash–Flow Model and the Monte Carlo Simulation

Abstract The paper addresses an analysis of potential synergies in collaboration between an observed Port in the Mediterranean Sea and Central-European logistic railway-services based company. Both companies have established a strategic partnership. The main motive was cooperation in rail transport, with a particular emphasis on potential synergies that would a rail traffic have brought to a port’s business. For the purpose of synergies valuation under uncertain conditions, a Monte Carlo simulation-based framework with integrated discounted cash flow (DCF) model is applied. The possible values of future synergies are calculated via the DCF model by simultaneously changing values of different uncertain financial parameters at each repetition of a Monte Carlo scenario-playing mechanism. In this process, predicted forecasts of future synergetic throughputs are also used for various types of observed cargo. As it turned out, the generated synergies’ values follow the approximate normal distribution. Based on statistical inference and analysis of probability intervals it was discovered that there might indeed exist certain important synergies in the collaboration between both companies. This fact has convinced us into a belief in the correctness of companies′ decision to enter into such kind of strategic cooperation.

Evaluating costs of vehicle use in military logistics

The article presents an analytical model of evaluating costs of vehicle use in military logistics adapted to specific construction demands and characteristics of military vehicles, profile (conditions and manner) of use and technological procedures of preventive and remedial maintenance of military vehicles. The proposed model of evaluation enables an equivalent comparison of total costs in advance of use of similar vehicles made by different manufacturers throughout the entire operating period (their service life). Initial (entry) and boundary conditions are clearly defined within the proposed model. The implementation of the analytical model ensures the evaluation and planning of maintenance costs and costs of direct vehicle use in military logistics already at the point of purchasing new vehicles, as well as evaluation of optimal operating period (service life) of vehicles, which leads to increased reliability and availability, and, consequently, to more effective use of military vehicles.