Analysis of risk factors for temperature-controlled warehouses

Abstract

This paper investigates risk factors associated with temperature-controlled warehouses with the aim of improving long-run performance of cold chains. A risk mitigation strategy is derived through Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and a graphical hierarchy is presented to prioritize the impact levels of the risk factors. The paper also critically examines the contextual relationship between individual potential risk factors associated to temperature-controlled warehouses. The findings provide pathways to predict uncertainties that can lead to operational interruptions in temperature-controlled warehouses alongside expert opinions that lead to the development of risk mitigation strategies. Given its integrated approach considering identification, evaluation, analysis, and risk mitigation in temperature-controlled warehouses, we believe this paper helps to enrich both the practice and the literature. With the profound increase of significance in cold chains within the broader domain of supply chain management, this paper provides inspiration to more research in cold chains and temperature-controlled warehouses.