Uncovering interrelationships between barriers to unmanned aerial vehicles in humanitarian logistics

Abstract

Recent disasters, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, have sparked an interest in new applications for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in humanitarian aid. Nevertheless, there are still many divisive changes that need to be made in order to implement UAVs into a country’s humanitarian sector successfully. Hence, this paper aims to analyze the various barriers hindering the implementation of UAVs in humanitarian logistics for both developed and developing nations. To accomplish this, the study is presented in three steps. First, previous literature and opinions from experts are analyzed to illuminate particular factors that hinder UAV implementation. Next, we propose an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) based graph theory and matrix approach (GTMA) to calculate a drone implementation hindrance index (DIHI). The GTMA method used in this paper utilizes the PERMAN algorithm to calculate the permanent function. Finally, the DIHI values are plotted and analyzed to compare the readiness of drone implementation between developed and developing economies. A sensitivity analysis is then performed to provide validity to the results obtained. The study has revealed that both types of countries must first improve their inadequate government regulations regarding humanitarian UAVs. Developing countries must also focus on enhancing the technological awareness of their population. The results of this study can be used by policymakers and practitioners to smoothly implement UAVs in their country's humanitarian sector. The general index defined in this paper can also be calculated for specific countries using the steps mentioned in the manuscript.

Blockchain technology: a catalyst for reverse logistics of the automobile industry

“…Subsequently, by using the investments and cost savings achieved through the incorporation of BCT in automobile RL, one can maximize their free return shipping policies, expanding the conversion of site visitors (Kamat et al. , 2022a, b). Also, the vehicles remanufactured from RL activities, by employing the investments, can match the customers' demand by minimizing their manufacturing time (see Figure 9).…”

“…(2020) and Kamat et al. (2022a, b), it is recommended for practitioners, policymakers and experts to focus on the factors with high prominence values as they have the greatest effect of the overall system.…”

“…(2020) and Kamat et al. (2022a, b), it is recommended for practitioners, policymakers and experts to focus on the factors with high prominence values as they have the greatest effect of the overall system.The initial result of BCT implementation is a major acceleration of productivity in the automotive industry's RL. Stakeholders and practitioners can view this research as a way to assess the possible effect of blockchain adoption in the automobile RL.…”

“…The repaired or refurbished parts would either be sold to consumers (as revamped parts) or be streamed back to automobile parts suppliers (Gencer and Akkucuk, 2016; Kamat et al. , 2022a, b). In other words, a systematic method for recovering value from returned vehicles, tracking maintenance records and sharing the proper flow of information and transactional costs to customers and shareholders is required.…”

Assessment of barriers impeding the incorporation of blockchain technology in the service sector: a case of hotel and health care

“…Primary and secondary data were the two key sources of information used to collect the data for this study. In past research, a similar expert selection methodology has been used in various domains such as reverse logistics, BCT, supply chain risk mitigation and drone logistics (Bajar et al, 2022;Kamat et al, 2022;Sharma et al, 2022). Multiple stakeholders, including academic scholars in the blockchain development, health care and hotel industries, were interviewed to gather primary data.…”