Comparative Analysis of the Logistics Performance Index of Central and Eastern European Countries: A Hybrid LOPCOW-RAWEC Model

This study evaluates the logistics performance index of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries using a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model. It examines the logistics performance of CEE countries from 2010 to 2023. The countries included in this study are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine. The assessment of the logistics performance is conducted based on six criteria determined through a literature review: customs, infrastructure, international shipments, logistics competencies, quality, timeliness, and tracking and tracing. Data is obtained from the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) reports published by the World Bank. The criteria weights are determined using the Logarithmic Percentage Change-driven Objective Weighting (LOPCOW) method, while the countries' logistics performance is ranked based on the Ranking of Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (RAWEC) method. Findings from the LOPCOW indicate that infrastructure, timeliness, and tracking and tracing are the most significant criteria from 2010 to 2023. The RAWEC analysis reveals that Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Estonia performed the highest logistics performance between 2010 and 2023. Additionally, sensitivity and comparative analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings. The results of this research are expected to offer valuable insights into the logistics performance of CEE countries over the past several decades. <br />Implications for Central European audience: CEE should prioritize the implementation of advanced tracking and tracing systems to enhance supply chain visibility and operational efficiency. Establishing partnerships with technology providers to adopt AI and IoT solutions will enable real-time tracking and help quickly address delays.