Central European Business Review 2023, 12(1):115-132 | DOI: 10.18267/j.cebr.312

Optimization  of the Export Structure in Transport Companies: A Case Study

Nestor Shpak ORCID...1, Zoriana Dvulit ORCID...2, Liana Maznyk ORCID...3, Włodzimierz Sroka† ORCID...4, Andrij Zaverbnyj5, Olha Levchenko ORCID...6
1 Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of management and international business, Lviv, Ukraine, nestor.o.shpak@lpnu.ua
2 Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of foreign trade and customs, Lviv, Ukraine, zoriana.p.dvulit@lpnu.ua
3 National University of Food Technology, Department of labour economics and management, Kyiv, Ukraine, solieri@i.ua
4 WSB University, D±browa Górnicza, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Management, D±browa Górnicza, Poland, wsroka@wsb.edu.pl
4 University of Johannesburg, South Africa, wsroka@wsb.edu.pl
5 Lviv Polytechnic National University, Department of foreign trade and customs, Lviv, Ukraine, andrii.s.zaverbnyi@lpnu.ua
6 State University of Infrastructure and Technologies, Faculty of Navigation, Department of Infrastructure and Innovative Technologies of Water Transport, Kyiv, Ukraine, olevchenko76@gmail.com

With the increasing complexity of economic systems caused by the intensification of European integration processes and the general globalisation trend, the problems of ensuring the optimal operation of transport companies are becoming especially important. Given these facts, the article's purpose is to develop and test a structural modelling algorithm based on the system state indicator (entropy of the structure of the export freight system). Research methods used in the article include: statistical (structure and dynamics analysis), systematisation and comparison, system analysis methods (entropy characteristics), and mathematical programming methods. The mathematical formulation of problems involves studying structural uncertainty due to the synergistic influence of interconnected structures. As a result of the optimisation calculations, the entropy index decreased as a consequence of the optimisation of the studied structures of export cargo. The study results using structural-dynamic modelling provide an opportunity to determine benchmarks for optimising the structure of export transportation. Therefore, they can act as indicators in the relevant field to substantiate the performance of large transport and logistics companies. The use of such approaches will help improve cooperation on a shared basis between Ukraine and the countries of Central Europe.
Implications for Central European audience: first of all, the algorithm of structural modelling containing stages is offered (structural-dynamic analysis; systematisation of the reasons that led to structural changes; mathematical formulation of the optimisation problem; numerical solution of the problem; interpretation of results and development of recommendations) as the theoretical contribution. Moreover, it has prospects for implementation by European transport companies, as the strategic partners of Ukraine in the field of rail freight are the Central Europe countries. In turn, practical implications include: to test the proposed model, the process of forming the structure of export freight JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" as a partner of big Central European export companies was chosen as the object of study.

Keywords: entropy; export; freight transportation; optimization; modeling; structure; system
JEL classification: C50, C61, L16, L92

Received: January 31, 2022; Revised: April 20, 2022; Accepted: May 16, 2022; Prepublished online: July 29, 2022; Published: March 20, 2023  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago Chicago Notes IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Shpak, N., Dvulit, Z., Maznyk, L., Sroka&#, W., Zaverbnyj, A., & Levchenko, O. (2023). Optimization  of the Export Structure in Transport Companies: A Case Study. Central European Business Review, 12(1), 115-132. doi: 10.18267/j.cebr.312
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Androniceanu, A. (2021). Transparency in public administration as a challenge for a good democratic governance. Administratie si Management Public, 36, 149-164. Go to original source...
    2. Aquilante, T., Vendrell-Herrero, F. (2021). Bundling and exporting: Evidence from German SMEs. Journal of Business Research, 132, 32-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.03.059. Go to original source...
    3. Bah, M., Ondoa, H. A., & Kpognon, K. D. (2021). Effects of governance quality on exports in Sub-Saharan Africa. International Economics, 167, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inteco.2021.05.003. Go to original source...
    4. Budnikova, Yu. V. (2012). Ентропія як економічна категорія [Entropy as an economic category]. Ефективна економіка, http://www.economy.nayka.com.ua/?op=1&z=1287
    5. Deineha, O. V., & Deineha I. O. (2018). Ентропія в діяльності підприємства: суть та основні підходи до оцінювання [Entropy in the activity of the enterprise: the essence and basic approaches to evaluation]. Bulletin of the National University "Lviv Polytechnic", 892, 56-63. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from http://nbuv.gov.ua/UJRN/VNULPL_2018_892_10.
    6. Dobrodey, V. V., Gitelman, L. D., Kozhevnikov, M. V., & Matushkina, N. A. (2018). Imitation forecast of railway system operation in a macroregion. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 13(5), 805-817. https://doi.org/10.2495/SDP-V13-N5-805-817. Go to original source...
    7. Dvulit, Z., & Levchenko, O. (2017). Advanced vocational training of environmental professionals for providing sustainable development of railways of Ukraine on the way to European integration. Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, 3(5), 125-134. https://doi.org/10.30525/2256-0742/2017-3-5-125-134. Go to original source...
    8. Fernandes, A. P., & Winters L. A. (2021). Exporters and shocks: Impact of the Brexit vote shock on bilateral exports to the UK. Journal of International Economics, 131, 103489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinteco.2021.103489. Go to original source...
    9. Gurnak, V., Volynets, L., & Khalatska, I. (2019). Intellectualisation of logistic supply chains on the basis of forecasting volumes of cargo transportation. In MATEC Web of Conferences, 294, EDP Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201929404013. Go to original source...
    10. Hong, J., Chu, Z., & Wang, Q. (2011). Transport infrastructure and regional economic growth: Evidence from China. Transportation, 38, 737-752. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-011-9349-6. Go to original source...
    11. Horská, E., Moroz, S., Poláková, Z., Nagyová, „., & Paska, I. (2019). Evaluation of interaction between chosen indicators of development of regions in Ukraine. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 14(2), 341-357. https://doi.org/10.24136/eq.2019.016. Go to original source...
    12. Joint Stock Company "Ukrzaliznytsia". (2019). Retrieved November 20, 2021, from http://www.uz.gov.ua.
    13. Kljuènikov, A., Civelek, M., Klimeč, C., & Farana, R. (2022). Export risk perceptions of SMEs in selected Visegrad countries. Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, 17(1), 173-190. https://doi.org/10.24136/eq.2022.007. Go to original source...
    14. Kral, P., Janoskova, K., & Kliestik, T. (2018). Key determinants of the public transport user's satisfaction. Administratie si Management Public, 31, 36-51. https://doi.org/10.24818/amp/2018.31-03. Go to original source...
    15. Kolarov, K., & Georgieva, S. (2020). Management features in Bulgarian SMEs as determinants of business internationalisation. Polish Journal of Management Studies, 22(1), 279-294. https://doi.org/10.17512/pjms.2020.22.1.18. Go to original source...
    16. Le, H. (2022). Global economic sanctions and export survival: Evidence from cross-country data. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 10(1), 7-22. https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2022.100101. Go to original source...
    17. Li, T. (2018). What Explains the Varying Degree of Export? Internal or External Factors. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 6(2), 29-43. https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2018.060202. Go to original source...
    18. Loo, B. P. Y., & Comtois, C. (2016). Sustainable Railway Futures: Issues and Challenge. London: Routledge. Go to original source...
    19. Meyer, D.F. (2021). A comparative analysis of the impact of merchandise exports versus services exports on economic growth for the SACU region. Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 9(1), 5-23. https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL9_NO1_1. Go to original source...
    20. Moldovan (Gavril), I.A. (2015). Does the Financial System Promote Sustainable Development? Evidence from Eastern European Countries. Central European Business Review, 4(2), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.18267/j.cebr.125. Go to original source...
    21. Mindur, L., & Hajdul, M. (2013). The concept of organising transport and logistics processes, taking into account the economic, social and environmental aspects. Transport Problems, 8(4), 121-128
    22. Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine. (2020). Retrieved December 5, 2021, from http://www.me.gov.ua.
    23. Othman, M. K., Rahman, N. S. F. A., Ismail, A., & Saharuddin, A. H. (2020). Factors contributing to the imbalances of cargo flows in Malaysia large-scale minor ports using a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) approach. The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 36(3), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2019.12.012. Go to original source...
    24. Pancenko, E., & Ivanova, T. (2018). Evaluation of the export potential of Latvia with EU countries categorised by groups of goods. Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 6(4), 37-50. https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL6_NO4_3. Go to original source...
    25. Parshyn, Yu. I. (2015). Оцінка стану економічної системи національного господарства за показниками ентропії [Assessment of the state of the economic system of the national economy by the entropy indicators]. Держава та регіони. Cерія: Економіка і підприємництво, 1, 16-20. http://www.econom.stateandregions.zp.ua/journal/2015/1_2015/5.pdf.
    26. Petrová, M., Krügerová, M., Kozieł, M., & ©tverková, H. (2021). Territorial risk management in relation to country risk classification and export. Polish Journal of Management Studies, 23(2), 369-385. https://doi.org/10.17512/pjms.2021.23.2.22 Go to original source...
    27. Portugal-Perez, A., & Wilson J.S. (2012). Export performance and trade facilitation reform: Hard and soft infrastructure. World Development, 40(7), 1295-1307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2011.12.002. Go to original source...
    28. Pradhan, R. P., & Bagchi, T. P. (2013). Effect of transportation infrastructure on economic growth in India: The VECM approach. Research in Transportation Economics, 38(1), 139-148. https://doi.org/10.34218/IJM.11.5.2020.081 Go to original source...
    29. Prokopenko, O., Kazanska, O., Deineha, I., Butenko, N., Omelyanenko, V., & Bovkun O. (2020a). Communication Business Processes of Industrial Enterprises in the Conditions of Globalisation. International Journal of Management, 11(5), 884-895. https://doi.org/10.34218/IJM.11.5.2020.081. Go to original source...
    30. Prokopenko, O., Shmorgun, L., Kushniruk, V., Prokopenko, M., Slatvinska, M., & Huliaieva L. (2020b). Business process efficiency in a digital economy. International Journal of Management, 11(3), 122-132. https://doi.org/10.34218/IJM.11.3.2020.014. Go to original source...
    31. Richter, S. (2015). Export Promotion Framework of the Czech Republic. Central European Business Review, 4(1), 37-49. Go to original source...
    32. Shannon, C. (1948). A Mathematical Theory of Communication. Bell System. Technical Journal, 27(3), 379-423. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1538-7305.1948.tb01338.x. Go to original source...
    33. Sharko, M., Gusarina, N., & Petrushenko, N. (2019). Information-entropy model of making management decisions in the economic development of the enterprises. In International Scientific Conference "Intellectual Systems of Decision Making and Problem of Computational Intelligence" (pp. 304-314). Cham: Springer. Go to original source...
    34. Shpak, N., Dvulit, Z., Luchnikova, T., & Sroka, W. (2018). Strategic development of cargo transit services: a case study analysis. Engineering Management in Production and Services, 10(4), 76-84. https://doi.org/10.2478/emj-2018-0024. Go to original source...
    35. Shpak, N., Melnyk, O., Horbal, N., Ruda, M., & Sroka W. (2021a). Assessing the implementation of the circular economy in the EU countries. Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 9(1), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL9_NO1_2. Go to original source...
    36. Shpak, N., Mykytiuk, O., Dvulit, Z., Maznyk, L., & Horbal, N. (2021b). Simulation the attractiveness of transport services as a tool for assessing consumer loyalty in the digital epoch. CEUR Workshop Proceedings, 2870, 1500-1510. Retrieved December 5, 2021, from http://ceur-ws.org/Vol-2870/paper111.pdf
    37. Cтратегія розвитку ПАТ "Укрзалізниця" 2017-2021 року [Development strategy of PJSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" 2017-2021]. (2017). Retrieved December 3, 2021, from http://publications.chamber.ua/2017/Infrastructure/Session_4_Vasilevskiy.pdf.
    38. Sun, Q., Wang, X., Ma, F., Han, Y., & Cheng. Q. (2019). Synergetic Effect and Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Railway Transportation in Sustainable Development of Trade: An Empirical Study Based on the Belt and Road. Sustainability, 11(6), 1721. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11061721. Go to original source...
    39. Szczepaniak, I. (2018). Comparative advantages in Polish export to the European Union: food products vs selected groups of non-food products. Oeconomia Copernicana, 9(2), 287-308. https://doi.org/10.24136/oc.2018.015. Go to original source...
    40. Wei, H., & Dong, M. (2019). Import-export freight organisation and optimisation in the dry-port-based cross-border logistics network under the Belt and Road Initiative. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 130, 472-484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2019.03.007. Go to original source...
    41. World Economic Forum (2019). The Global Competitiveness Report 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2021, from http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf.
    42. Zhang, Y., Li, R., Guo, T., Li, Z., Wang, Y., & Chen, F. (2019). A conditional Bayesian delay propagation model for large-scale railway traffic networks. Australasian Transport Research Forum. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://www.australasiantransportresearchforum.org.au/papers/2019.
    43. Zhang, Y.Z., Wang, J.Q., & Hu, Z.A. (2016). Optimisation Model of Transportation Product Selection for Railway Express Freight. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, 9(5), 104- https://doi.org/10.25103/jestr.095.16. Go to original source...
    44. Zhao, Y., Yang, Z., & Haralambides, H. (2015). Optimising the transport of export containers along China's coronary artery: The Yangtze River. Journal of Transport Geography, 77, 11-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2019.04.005. Go to original source...
    45. Zhou, H., & Hu, H. (2017). Sustainability Evaluation of Railways in China Using a Two-Stage Network DEA Model with Undesirable Outputs and Shared Resources. Sustainability, 9(1), 150. https://doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su9010150. Go to original source...

    This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND 4.0), which permits non-comercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.


    Return to the content