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Conceptual Framework for Evaluating E-Commerce Deliveries Using Agent-Based Modelling and Sensitivity Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Roberta Alves

    (Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation, (ICTIN), Federal University of Lavras, São Sebastião do Paraíso 37950-000, Brazil)

  • Renato da Silva Lima

    (Industrial Engineering and Management Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil)

  • Leise Kelli De Oliveira

    (Department of Transport Engineering and Geotechnics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil)

  • Alexandre Ferreira de Pinho

    (Industrial Engineering and Management Institute, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil)

Abstract

To model the urban logistic environment, many variables need to be taken into account as this system is composed of different stakeholders with conflicting objectives and actions that influence the actions of others. Agent-based modeling (ABM) and simulations are useful tools for studying this environment with so many variables and uncertainties. Typically, urban logistic stakeholders are represented by agents who interact with each other and obey different rules. This study presents a conceptual framework for evaluating e-commerce urban freight using ABM and Design of Experiments (DoE). The simulations performed were designed to highlight the most important parameters that affect the response variable and should be taken into account in the experimentation process. The scenarios were studied to evaluate the use of Delivery Lockers (DLs) and failures in delivery attempts. The results of the DoE analysis allowed us to verify that the DL utilization rate, first attempt delivery failure rate, and truck stoppage time most impact costs and profits in the modeled system. The framework presented showed that the use of DoE in the simulation study reduced the number of simulated scenarios, which is a significant gain given the complexity of the model and the relatively large computational time required to execute a new scenario. Consequently, different studies may use the findings presented here to plan scenarios in their simulation projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberta Alves & Renato da Silva Lima & Leise Kelli De Oliveira & Alexandre Ferreira de Pinho, 2022. "Conceptual Framework for Evaluating E-Commerce Deliveries Using Agent-Based Modelling and Sensitivity Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:15505-:d:980230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alves, Roberta & Pereira, Cecília Aparecida & Lima, Renato da Silva, 2023. "Operational cost analysis for e-commerce deliveries using agent-based modeling and simulation," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).

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