The impact of geopolitical conflict and supply chain (SC) uncertainties in the global gas trading context is a burgeoning area of research. The strategic imperative of optimizing resource and technology utilization through cost optimization models within SC dynamics is realized. This study examines the effectiveness of linear programming techniques in mitigating the transportation challenges in the landscape of global gas trade, particularly amidst geopolitical disruptions in the SC. Computational tests underscore the substantial efficiency gains provided by this method, highlighting its capacity to generate significantly more efficient solutions to transportation problems. The findings indicate that the model shows promise for practical implementation, showcasing a notable reduction in transportation costs across the three primary markets for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Significantly, this reduction surpasses a quarter of the original expenses, indicating the potential for substantial cost savings in turbulent geopolitical environments and uncertain SCs. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of cost optimization models in navigating uncertainty and enhancing efficiency within the intricate and volatile landscape of global gas trading supply chains.

This study examines the success drivers of Supply Chain Performance (SCP). This study aims to examine the interrelationships among various proposed success drivers of SCP that were analyzed individually or collectively in some previous studies. Four proposed forces have been identified in this study including organizational culture, SC relationships, SC integration, and SC innovation. SC integration is seen as a mediating factor between SC relationships and SCP. Using a deductive and quantitative approach that is based on collecting data from (17) companies in the field of logistics using an online survey, the study focuses on four success drivers including organizational culture, SC innovation, SC relationships, and SC integration. Smart PLS 3 software was applied to analyze the data based on the use of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings confirm that organizational culture and SC innovation have a direct significant impact on SCP. Regarding the mediating role of SC integration, the finds confirmed that SC integration mediates the relationship between SC relationships and SCP. A set of implications and recommendations for decision-makers and researchers are proposed based on the empirical findings of the current study. SC managers must first consider organizational culture and try to create positive supportive cultural attributes. A culture that encourages openness to change, sharing of knowledge, and collaboration seems a necessity to further improve SCP. Additionally, as the study findings emphasized the significant impact of SC innovation, SC managers should encourage innovative initiatives and behavior.

During the innovation era and in the highly competitive environment, big data capabilities (BDCs) play a pivotal role in shaping competitive dynamics; the influence of these technologies on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the retail sector is critically significant. This study is specifically focused on the retail industry, with a particular emphasis on how BDCs impact the project success, business continuity, and sustainability of SMEs within this industry. Our theoretical model was tested using a survey of 300 operations managers working in SMEs in the retail sector in the Middle East. PLS-SEM was conducted to analyze our collected data. Our results reveal that BDCs enhance project success and promote sustainability practices. The findings also reveal that BDCs have no impact on business continuity. By shedding light on the nuanced impact of BDCs on SMEs in the retail sector, this study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature, offering a deeper understanding of how these technological capabilities can drive success and sustainability in a highly competitive market environment.