Preface to the Special Issue on Logistics Optimization for Social Good

Making this world a better place goes along with efforts and challenges. Many of the related issues make logistics a common basis to allow for efficiency in various dimensions, be it related to climate change, healthcare operations or social good in general. This special issue of the International Transactions in Operational Research is a compilation of pioneering research that underscores the pivotal role of logistics optimization in addressing various social challenges. The selected papers reflect a diverse array of applications, from humanitarian aid to healthcare and education, demonstrating the broad impact and potential of operational research in driving social good.

The journey towards this special issue began with a simple yet profound idea: leveraging logistics and operational research to create solutions that benefit society at large. Each paper included in this issue contributes uniquely to this overarching theme, offering innovative approaches and insights that push the boundaries of conventional logistics and supply chain management.

The first paper, “The Role of Drones in Disaster Response: A Literature Review of Operations Research Applications”, sets the stage by exploring the applications of drone technology in disaster management. This comprehensive review not only highlights the current state of research but also identifies future directions for leveraging drones in humanitarian logistics.

Following this, “A Probabilistic Bi-objective Model for a Humanitarian Location-Routing Problem Under Uncertain Demand and Road Closure” delves into the complexities of humanitarian logistics. The paper presents a robust model to address location and routing problems amidst uncertainty, providing crucial insights for effective disaster response planning.

“A Predictive Multistage Postdisaster Damage Assessment Framework for Drone Routing” continues the focus on humanitarian efforts, introducing a novel framework that enhances post-disaster assessments and optimizes drone routing for timely aid delivery.

Shifting to social care, the issue includes “Home Visit Scheduling for Family Interventions: A Child Protection Case Study”, which addresses the critical need for efficient scheduling in child protection services. This study exemplifies how operational research can directly contribute to societal welfare by optimizing intervention schedules for vulnerable populations.

Another significant contribution to social care is “The Rich Heterogeneous Dial-a-Ride Problem with Trip Time Prediction”. This paper presents an advanced approach to managing transportation for individuals requiring special assistance, improving both efficiency and service quality.

Healthcare logistics is represented by “Variable Neighborhood Search Approach to Face-Shield Delivery During Pandemic Periods”, which showcases the application of operational research in managing healthcare supply chains during crises. This timely research highlights strategies to enhance the distribution of essential medical supplies.

The issue also features “Optimizing Extracurricular Activities Assignment and Related Logistical Deployment Cost Between Collaborating Schools”, which tackles the logistical challenges in education. The proposed optimization model facilitates better resource allocation and cost management for schools, ultimately benefiting students' extracurricular engagement.

From the perspective of farming and sustainability, “Sustainable Urban Farming Using a Two-Phase Multi-objective and Multicriteria Decision-Making Approach” offers a comprehensive model for optimizing urban farming logistics. This research underscores the importance of sustainable practices in food production and distribution.

“Assessing Social Performance in Supply Chain Design and Planning Through a Monetization Approach” explores the monetization of social performance in supply chains. This paper bridges the gap between economic and social objectives, offering a holistic view of supply chain management.

Lastly, in the realm of logistics performance evaluation, “An Alternative Assessment Approach to Global Logistics Performance Evaluation: Common Weight H-DEA Approach” introduces an innovative method for assessing logistics performance on a global scale, providing valuable metrics for benchmarking and improvement.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the authors for their exceptional contributions and to the reviewers for their insightful feedback and dedication. It is our hope that this special issue will inspire further research and practical applications in the field of logistics optimization for social good, ultimately leading to more resilient, efficient, and socially responsible systems worldwide.

By bringing together these diverse studies, this special issue not only highlights the versatility and impact of Operational Research but also emphasizes the collective effort required to address complex social challenges. We invite lecturers, participants, authors, and referees to explore these papers and join us in advancing the field of logistics optimization for the betterment of society.