Optimal Decisions in a Sea-Cargo Supply Chain with Two Competing Freight Forwarders Considering Altruistic Preference and Brand Investment
Author:
Ma Xiao-Ying1ORCID,
Sun Duo-Qing12ORCID,
Liu Shu-Xia3ORCID,
Li Yue-Ting1ORCID,
Ma Hui-Quan1,
Zhang Ling-Min1ORCID,
Li Xia1ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Institute of Mathematics and Systems Science, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
2. Hefei Innovation Research Institute, Beihang University, Hefei 230012, China
3. HEKRI of Marine Economy and Coastal Economic Zone, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
Abstract
Maritime transportation is a crucial component of international cargo transport, offering several advantages, such as route flexibility, large capacity, and cost-effectiveness. The competition and collaboration among the node enterprises in the sea-cargo supply chain system (SCSCS) directly impact the overall structure and efficiency of the supply chain system, introducing complexity in analysis. This research focuses on a two-level SCSCS comprising one shipping company and two competing freight forwarders, considering their altruistic preferences manifested through contributing to the shipping company’s brand building. Employing a Stackelberg game model, this study examines the effects of the shipping company’s brand investment willingness and the freight forwarders’ altruistic preferences on the decision making and profits of all stakeholders. The findings reveal that a higher willingness of the shipping company to invest in its brand building leads to increased profits for all parties involved. However, while the altruistic behaviors of the freight forwarders can enhance the shipping company’s profits, their own profits may not necessarily see the same impact. Furthermore, moderate competition between the freight forwarders can enhance the profits for all members. This research identifies the circumstances in which the freight forwarders’ altruistic preferences can lead to increased profits for themselves, achieving both altruistic and self-interested outcomes.
Funder
National Social Science Foundation of China
Hebei Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences at Universities
Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Subject
Information Systems and Management,Computer Networks and Communications,Modeling and Simulation,Control and Systems Engineering,Software
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