Contact Dr Banu Yetkin Ekren
- Tel: +44 (0) 1234 754603
- Email: Banu.YetkinEkren@cranfield.ac.uk
- Twitter: @banu_ekren
- ORCID
- Google Scholar
Background
Banu Yetkin Ekren is a Senior Lecturer of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Previously, Dr Ekren worked as Associate Professor at Yasar University, Izmir, Turkey. She completed her PhD at University of Louisville, KY, USA, in the Department of Industrial Engineering. She was the recipient of the best PhD dissertation award when she graduated in 2009. Her dissertation focused on design and analysis of automated warehouses by using analytical and simulation modelling.
Dr Ekren also completed a one-year postdoctoral research in the period of 2011-2012 for a funded contract project with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), PA, USA. She developed simulation models for the DLA's largest warehouse to improve its operating performance.
Current activities
Dr Ekren's expertise ranges widely from simulation modelling, agent-based modelling, inventory optimization, design and analysis of supply chains, automated warehousing to stochastic modelling. Dr Ekren has published several articles in many reputed international journals and conference proceedings. She has led international funded research projects focusing on design and analysis of smart supply chains as well as automated warehousing subjects. She has been acting as a regular reviewer as well as guest editor for some reputed international journals.
Publications
Articles In Journals
- Tudisco V, Perotti S, Ekren BY & Aktas E. (2025). Sustainable e-grocery home delivery: an optimization model considering on-demand vehicles. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 201
- Aishwarya VM, Ekren BY, Singh T & Singh V. (2025). Integrating sustainability across the lifecycle of electric vehicle batteries: circular supply chain challenges, innovations, and global policy impacts. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 216
- Shaikh AA, Ali H, Ekren B, Das SC & Alrasheedi AF. (2025). Sustainable Inventory Optimization for Perishable Goods: A Metaheuristic Approach Considering Price Elasticity, Green Demand, and Carbon Taxation.
- Ekren BY, Perotti S, Foresti L & Prataviera LB. (2024). Enhancing e-grocery order fulfillment: improving product availability, cost, and emissions in last-mile delivery. Electronic Commerce Research
- Joshi S, Sharma M, Ekren BY, Kazancoglu Y, Luthra S, .... (2023). Assessing supply chain innovations for building resilient food supply chains: an emerging economy perspective. Sustainability, 15(6)
- Ekren BY, Lerher T, Küçükyaşar M & Jerman B. (2023). Cost and performance comparison of tier-captive SBS/RS with a novel AVS/RS/ML. International Journal of Production Research, 62(5)
- Al-Abdelmalek N, Kucukvar M, Onat NC, Fares E, Ayad H, .... (2023). Transforming challenges into opportunities for Qatar’s food industry: self-sufficiency, sustainability, and global food trade diversification. Sustainability, 15(7)
- Ada E, Kazancoglu Y, Lafcı Ç, Ekren BY & Çimitay Çelik C. (2023). Identifying the drivers of circular food packaging: a comprehensive review for the current state of the food supply chain to be sustainable and circular. Sustainability, 15(15)
- Ekren BY. (2023). Transaction processing policies in a flexible shuttle-based storage and re-trieval system by real-time data tracking under agent-based modelling. International Journal of Mathematical, Engineering and Management Sciences, 8(6)
- Shah B, Kumar V, Yetkin Ekren B & Frederico GF. (2023). Guest editorial: Modelling the business and societal decisions under the impact of COVID-19. Journal of Modelling in Management, 18(4)
- Ekren BY & Arslan B. (2022). A reinforcement learning approach for transaction scheduling in a shuttle-based storage and retrieval system. International Transactions in Operational Research, 31(1)
- Amin-Tahmasbi H, Sadafi S, Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2022). A multi-objective integrated optimisation model for facility location and order allocation problem in a two-level supply chain network. Annals of Operations Research, 324(1-2)
- Kumar V, Yetkin Ekren B, Wang J, Shah B & Frederico GF. (2022). Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on sustainable food supply chains. Journal of Modelling in Management, 18(4)
- Yetkin Ekren B, Stylos N, Zwiegelaar J, Eroğlu Turhanlar E & Kumar V. (2022). Additive manufacturing integration in E-commerce supply chain network to improve resilience and competitiveness. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 122(January)
- Eroglu Turhanlar E, Yetkin Ekren B & Lerher T. (2022). Autonomous mobile robot travel under deadlock and collision prevention algorithms by agent-based modelling in warehouses. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 27(8)
- Arslan B & Yetkin Ekren B. (2022). Transaction selection policy in tier-to-tier SBSRS by using deep q-learning. International Journal of Production Research, 61(21)
- Ekren BY, Kaya B & Küçükyaşar M. (2022). Shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems designs from multi-objective perspectives: total investment cost, throughput rate and sustainability. Sustainability, 15(1)
- Ekren BY, Mangla SK, Turhanlar EE, Kazancoglu Y & Li G. (2021). Lateral inventory share-based models for IoT-enabled E-commerce sustainable food supply networks. Computers & Operations Research, 130
- İzmirli D, Ekren BY, Kumar V & Pongsakornrungsilp S. (2021). Omni-Chanel Network Design towards Circular Economy under Inventory Share Policies. Sustainability, 13(5)
- Jerman B, Ekren BY, Küçükyaşar M & Lerher T. (2021). Simulation-Based Performance Analysis for a Novel AVS/RS Technology with Movable Lifts. Applied Sciences, 11(5)
- Kumar Srivastava D, Kumar V, Yetkin Ekren B, Upadhyay A, Tyagi M, .... (2021). Adopting Industry 4.0 by leveraging organisational factors. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 176(March)
- Kazancoglu Y, Ozbiltekin-Pala M, Deniz Sezer M, Yetkin Ekren B & Kumar V. (2021). Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on sustainable food supply chains. Sustainability, 14(1)
- Yetkin Ekren B. (2021). A multi-objective optimisation study for the design of an AVS/RS warehouse. International Journal of Production Research, 59(4)
- Ekren BY & Akpunar A. (2021). An open queuing network-based tool for performance estimations in a shuttle-based storage and retrieval system. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 89
- Küçükyaşar M, Y. Ekren B & Lerher T. (2021). Cost and performance comparison for tier‐captive and tier‐to‐tier SBS/RS warehouse configurations. International Transactions in Operational Research, 28(4)
- Ekren BY. (2020). A simulation-based experimental design for SBS/RS warehouse design by considering energy related performance metrics. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 98
- İzmirli D, Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2020). Inventory Share Policy Designs for a Sustainable Omni-Chanel E-Commerce Network. Sustainability, 12(23)
- Yetkin Ekren B & Arslan B. (2020). Simulation-based lateral transshipment policy optimization for s, S inventory control problem in a single-echelon supply chain network. An International Journal of Optimization and Control: Theories & Applications (IJOCTA), 10(1)
- Ekren BY, Akpunar A, Sari Z & Lerher T. (2018). A tool for time, variance and energy related performance estimations in a shuttle-based storage and retrieval system. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 63
- Akpunar A, Yetkin E & Lerher T. (2017). Energy efficient design of autonomous vehicle based storage and retrieval system. Istrazivanja i projektovanja za privredu, 15(1)
- Yetkin Ekren B. (2017). Graph-based solution for performance evaluation of shuttle-based storage and retrieval system. International Journal of Production Research, 55(21)
- Borovinšek M, Ekren BY, Burinskienė A & Lerher T. (2017). MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMISATION MODEL OF SHUTTLE-BASED STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM. Transport, 32(2)
- Lerher T, Ekren BY, Sari Z & Rosi B. (2016). Method for evaluating the throughput performance of shuttle based storage and retrieval systems. Tehnicki vjesnik - Technical Gazette, 23(3)
- Ekren BY & Ornek MA. (2015). Determining optimum (s, S) levels of floor stock items in a paint production environment. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 57
- Lerher T, Ekren BY, Dukic G & Rosi B. (2015). Travel time model for shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 78(9-12)
- Ekren BY, Heragu SS, Krishnamurthy A & Malmborg CJ. (2014). Matrix-geometric solution for semi-open queuing network model of autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval system. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 68(1)
- Ekren BY, Heragu SS, Krishnamurthy A & Malmborg CJ. (2013). An Approximate Solution for Semi-Open Queueing Network Model of an Autonomous Vehicle Storage and Retrieval System. IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 10(1)
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2012). Performance comparison of two material handling systems: AVS/RS and CBAS/RS. International Journal of Production Research, 50(15)
- Ekren BY. (2011). Performance evaluation of AVS/RS under various design scenarios: a case study. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 55(9-12)
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2011). Simulation based performance analysis of an autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval system. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 19(7)
- Ekren O & Ekren BY. (2011). Experimental design and regression analysis for performance of a chiller system. Isi Bilimi Ve Teknigi Dergisi/ Journal of Thermal Science and Technology, 31(1)
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2010). Approximate analysis of load-dependent generally distributed queuing networks with low service time variability. European Journal of Operational Research, 205(2)
- Ekren BY, Heragu SS, Krishnamurthy A & Malmborg CJ. (2010). Simulation based experimental design to identify factors affecting performance of AVS/RS. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 58(1)
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2010). Simulation-based regression analysis for the rack configuration of an autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval system. International Journal of Production Research, 48(21)
- Ekren O & Ekren BY. (2010). Size optimization of a PV/wind hybrid energy conversion system with battery storage using simulated annealing. Applied Energy, 87(2)
- Ekren O, Ekren BY & Ozerdem B. (2009). Break-even analysis and size optimization of a PV/wind hybrid energy conversion system with battery storage – A case study. Applied Energy, 86(7-8)
- Ekren BY & Ekren O. (2009). Simulation based size optimization of a PV/wind hybrid energy conversion system with battery storage under various load and auxiliary energy conditions. Applied Energy, 86(9)
- Ekren BY & Ornek AM. (2008). A simulation based experimental design to analyze factors affecting production flow time. Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 16(3)
- Ekren O & Ekren BY. (2008). Size optimization of a PV/wind hybrid energy conversion system with battery storage using response surface methodology. Applied Energy, 85(11)
Conference Papers
- Ventola A, Tinor M, Perotti S, Ekren BY & Reefke H. (2023). Micro-fulfilment centres in E-grocery deliveries
- Kulac O, Ekren BY & Toy AO. (2023). Digital twins for decision making in supply chains
- Li W, Ekren BY & Aktas E. (2023). Additive manufacturing in pharmaceutical supply chain
- Foresti L, Perotti S, Ekren BY & Prataviera LB. (2022). E-grocery challenges and a solution approach from multi-objective perspectives
- Güntez B, İşgüzerer G, Güşeç Ç, Özen M, Paldrak M, .... (2022). Storage and Order Picking Process Design for Perishable Foods in a Cold Warehouse
- Erdoğan A, Talı A, Kırcalı B, Günal B, Dedecengiz EN, .... (2022). Parallel Workforce Assignment Problem for Battery Production
- Kaya B, Dural D, Sağer M, Akdoğan M, İldeşler AB, .... (2022). Optimal Inventory Share Policy Search for e-Grocery Food Supply Network
- Yetkin Ekren B, Chattopadhyay R & Kumar V. (2022). Multi-objective inventory optimization problem for a sustainable food supply network under lateral inventory share policy
- Kulaç O, Ekren BY & Toy Ö. (2022). Intelligent supply chains through implementation of digital twins
- Shi R, Kumar V & Ekren B. (2021). Impact of New Technology on Sustainability of Supply Chains: Empirical Evidence from Manufacturing SMEs in China
- Yang J, Kumar V, Ekren B & Kuzmin E. (2021). Understanding the Role of Digital Technologies in Supply Chain Risks Management
- Turhanlar EE, Ekren BY & Lerher T. (2021). Aisle-to-aisle Design for SBS/RS under Smart Deadlock Control Policies
- Turhanlar EE & Ekren BY. (2021). Deadlock and Collision Prevention Algorithms for Mobile Robots in Automated Warehouses
- Arslan B & Ekren BY. (2021). Smart transaction picking in tier-to-tier SBS/RS by deep Q-learning
- Arslan B, Erdin Ö, Dağıstanlıoğlu DG, Bolel O, Su Ç, .... (2020). An Open Vehicle Routing Problem for Daily Shipment Plan of a Local Bedding Company in Turkey
- Meager S, Kumar V, Ekren B & Paddeu D. (2020). Exploring the Drivers and Barriers to Green Supply Chain Management Implementation: A study of Independent UK Restaurants
- Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2020). Engineering education towards industry 4.0
- Ekren BY, Eroglu E, Kazancoglu Y & Kumar V. (2020). Lateral inventory share based business model for iot enabled sustainable food supply chain network
- Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2020). Next generation digital engineering education: Moocs
- Ekren BY & Mullaoğlu G. (2020). Optimization of review periods and (S, s) levels of floor stock items in a paint production environment
- Ekren BY, Sari Z & Lerher T. (2015). Warehouse Design under Class-Based Storage Policy of Shuttle-Based Storage and Retrieval System
- Serbetcioglu C, Ari E, Ekren BY & Özpeynirci S. (2014). A scheduling optimization study in an assembly line of a company in Turkey
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2011). Simulation based performance comparison of AVS/RS and AS/RS
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2009). Simulation based regression analysis for rack configuration of autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval system
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2008). Simulation based optimization of multi-location transshipment problem with capacitated transportation
Books
- Li W, Yetkin Ekren B & Aktas E. (2024). Medical additive manufacturing in pharmacy In Medical Additive Manufacturing Concepts and Fundamentals (1st). Elsevier.
- Li W, Ekren BY & Aktas E. (2024). Additive manufacturing and its impact on pharmaceutical supply chains In Medical Additive Manufacturing. Elsevier.
- Lerher T, Marolt J, Sgarbossa F, Ekren BY & Dukic G. (2024). Design and operation of single- and multi-deep shuttle-based storage and retrieval systems (SBS/RS) In Manzini R & Accorsi R (eds), Warehousing and Material Handling Systems for the Digital Industry. Springer.
- Turhanlar EE, Ekren BY & Lerher T. (2023). Autonomous Vehicle Travel Between Multiple Aisles by Intelligent Agent-Based Modeling In Lecture Notes in Management and Industrial Engineering. Springer International Publishing.
- Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2022). An overview for food loss and waste reduction in food supply chains In Mor RS, Kumar D & Singh A (eds), Agri-Food 4.0: Innovations, Challenges and Strategies. Emerald.
- Canbaz CH, Ekren O, Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2022). Evaluation of fuel production technologies by using renewable energy for smart cities In Vacca JR(ed.), Smart cities policies and financing: Approaches and solutions. Elsevier.
- Kulaç O, Ekren BY & Toy AO. (2022). Intelligent supply chains through implementation of digital twins In Kahraman C, Cagri Tolga A, Cevik Onar S, Cebi S, Oztaysi B, ... (eds), Intelligent and Fuzzy Systems: Digital Acceleration and The New Normal - Proceedings of the INFUS 2022 Conference, Volume 504 (Volume 504). Springer.
- Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2022). An Overview of Reducing Food Loss and Food Waste in Supply Chains In Advanced Series in Management (27). Emerald Publishing Limited.
- Izmirli D, Ekren BY & Eroglu E. (2022). s, S Inventory Control Optimization Under Inventory Sharing Policy for Omni-Channel Network In Lecture Notes in Management and Industrial Engineering. Springer International Publishing.
- Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2022). Future of Engineering Education: Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering In Lecture Notes in Management and Industrial Engineering. Springer International Publishing.
- Canbaz CH, Ekren O, Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2022). Evaluation of fuel production technologies by using renewable energy for smart cities In Smart Cities Policies and Financing. Elsevier.
- Canbaz CH, Ekren O, Ekren BY & Kumar V. (2022). Chapter 32 Evaluation of fuel production technologies by using renewable energy for smart cities In Smart Cities Policies and Financing. Elsevier.
- Kucukyasar M & Ekren BY. (2022). An Experimental Design Study to Identify Significant Factors Affecting Tier-to-Tier SBS/RS Performance In Lecture Notes in Management and Industrial Engineering. Springer International Publishing.
- Yurtseven C, Ekren BY & Toy AO. (2022). An Overview of Warehouse Operations for Cold Chain In Lecture Notes in Management and Industrial Engineering. Springer International Publishing.
- Küçükyaşar M, Ekren BY & Lerher T. (2021). Energy efficient automated warehouse design In Solving Urban Infrastructure Problems Using Smart City Technologies. Elsevier.
- Küçükyaşar M, Ekren BY & Lerher T. (2021). 13 Energy efficient automated warehouse design In Solving Urban Infrastructure Problems Using Smart City Technologies. Elsevier.
- Sağol G, Sariyer G, Ekren BY & Ataman MG. (2019). An (s, S) Inventory Optimization Problem In Advances in Public Policy and Administration. IGI Global.
- Ekren BY & Heragu SS. (2012). A New Technology For Unit-Load Automated Storage System: Autonomous Vehicle Storage and Retrieval System In Warehousing in the Global Supply Chain (9781447122746). Springer London.
- Heragu SS & Ekren BY. (2011). Manufacturing Facility Design and Layout In Wiley Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science. Wiley.
- Heragu SS & Ekren B. (2009). Materials Handling System Design In Environmentally Conscious Materials Handling. Wiley.
- Ekren O & Yetkin B. Size Optimization of a Solar-wind Hybrid Energy System Using Two Simulation Based Optimization Techniques In Fundamental and Advanced Topics in Wind Power. InTech.
- Heragu SS & Ekren B. Materials Handling System Design In Mechanical Engineers' Handbook. Wiley.
