This dissertation describes an operations game with focus on sustainable transportation to be played for approximately 3 hours in a classroom setting. Players manage the supply chain for one product of a grocery store along a multi-echelon system with several inventory positions and transportation modes. The shipping modes have different lead times, cost, and emission. The latter are regulated along an emission tax system, which is complemented with rewards in form of demand increases. Demand comes from two sources: traditional store sales and orders for delivery. Players have the objective of profit maximization, which is subject to balancing the trade-offs between responsive and cost-effective logistics, as well as lean inventories and high service levels. Next to the comprehension of these trade-offs, the educational goals of the game include for students to appreciate the logistical complexity of dual-channel retailers; becoming acquainted with strategies to cope with demand variability and volatility; and to experience challenges that companies face regarding environmental management in logistics. The complexity and diverse approaches that participants take can create interesting insights and stimulate discussion around the topic. We review the relevant literature in sustainability and transportation as well as trends in e-retail, describe the game and how to incorporate it into class, analyse different strategies that serve as benchmarks, and illustrate the development process of the game and related learnings.
Date of Award | 5 Jul 2021 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Supervisor | Joren Gijsbrechts (Supervisor) |
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- Logistic
- Inventory management
- Emission regulation
- Dual-channel retailer
- E-retail
- Simulation game
- Experiential learning
- Mestrado em Gestão e Administração de Empresas
The Green E-retail Game: an educational game approach towards sustainability in e-retail logistics
Weisheit, L. F. (Student). 5 Jul 2021
Student thesis: Master's Thesis