A single-vendor and a single-buyer integrated inventory model with ordering cost reduction dependent on lead time

Lead time is one of the major limits that affect planning at every stage of the supply chain system. In this paper, we study a continuous review inventory model. This paper investigates the ordering cost reductions are dependent on lead time. This study addressed two-echelon supply chain problem consisting of a single vendor and a single buyer. The main contribution of this study is that the integrated total cost of the single vendor and the single buyer integrated system is analyzed by adopting two different (linear and logarithmic) types ordering cost reductions act dependent on lead time. In both cases, we develop effective solution procedures for finding the optimal solution and then illustrative numerical examples are given to illustrate the results. The solution procedure is to determine the optimal solutions of order quantity, ordering cost, lead time and the number of deliveries from the single vendor and the single buyer in one production run, so that the integrated total cost incurred has the minimum value. Ordering cost reduction is the main aspect of the proposed model. A numerical example is given to validate the model. Numerical example solved by using Matlab software. The mathematical model is solved analytically by minimizing the integrated total cost. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis is included and the numerical examples are given to illustrate the results. The results obtained in this paper are illustrated with the help of numerical examples. The sensitivity of the proposed model has been checked with respect to the various major parameters of the system. Results reveal that the proposed integrated inventory model is more applicable for the supply chain manufacturing system. For each case, an algorithm procedure of finding the optimal solution is developed. Finally, the graphical representation is presented to illustrate the proposed model and also include the computer flowchart in each model

A mixed-methods exploration of regular consumers’ experiences of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) in Singapore and the United Kingdom

Research on plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) often focuses on its initial acceptance among new consumers with limited investigation into consumers who regularly incorporate PBMA in their diets. This study used a mixed methods approach to investigate PBMA consumption patterns, including motivations and barriers to sustained consumption, among 404 regular consumers (defined as PBMA consumption of at least once a week) in Singapore and the UK (SG: n=228; UK: n=176; 57.9 % women; 69.8 % aged 21–40 years old). Quantitative results showed similar PBMA consumption between Singapore and the UK (p=.498) but motives and barriers to sustained consumption and their consumer characteristics (i.e., food choice motives, food neophobia) were significantly different (p<.001). UK consumers showed greater agreement with motivational statements and were more sustainability-driven while Singapore consumers showed greater agreement with barrier statements and valued the impact of food on their body more. Product-related motives (β=0.22, p<.001) and accessibility barriers (β=0.15, p=.024) predicted overall PBMA consumption in both countries. Qualitative results suggest that whilst UK and Singapore consumers were satisfied with PBMA, they wanted higher nutritional quality, greater accessibility to affordable options and a wider variety. Further improvements in these areas could encourage repeated purchases and support the long-term adoption of PBMA.</p

“It's most likely gonna be the future”: A qualitative study exploring child and parent perceptions of alternative proteins

Alternative proteins offer promise as a sustainable substitute for traditional meat, but consumer acceptance remains low. Understanding the perceptions and preferences of diverse consumers is critical to shifting consumption patterns globally. Moreover, as children are future consumers, exploring their perceptions of alternative proteins along with parental influences is important for driving change. We conducted semi-structured focus groups with child (9–15 years-old) and parent (38–56 years-old) pairs (n=19) in Singapore to explore (i) current awareness and perceptions of plant-based meat, cultivated meat, and insect proteins, and (ii) facilitators and barriers to consumption. Inductive (reflexive thematic analysis) and deductive approaches (using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of Behaviour; COM-B) were adopted for data analysis. Overall, we found greater awareness and acceptance of plant-based meat than cultivated meat and insect proteins. Most children presented with a general curiosity to all alternative proteins, wanting to especially understand the likeness of plant-based and cultivated meat to traditional meat. Parents acknowledged that alternative proteins provided an opportunity to add variety to their diet but were concerned with the naturalness of alternative proteins and the novel technologies used to manufacture them. Insect proteins faced fear and disgust, although the historical consumption of insects meant children and parents deemed these as safe. Taste, cost and the impact on health were also commonly discussed by both children and parents. Our findings highlight key factors that influence children and parents’ acceptance and consumption of alternative proteins, which can inform the development of targeted interventions.</p