Coal Industrial Supply Chain Network and Associated Evaluation Models

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The coal industry supply chain is studied, arguing the necessity to integrate SC in networks.

Using networking analysis classical and newly applied methods, the aims of the research has been reached. 

The paper is useful for practical policy making and also has a contribution to the advance of knowledge in the field. 

The way opened could be continued, to check the generality of the extracted conclusions. 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper entitled "Coal industrial supply chain network and associated evaluation models" focuses on constructing a supply chain network (SCN) model for improving integration and achieving better coal industry materials and energy balance. The paper is rather technical and has a very narrow focus mostly revolving around the coal industry in China. The paper is not intended for a mass audience but rather for a small circle of specialist as it is full of specific terms, schemes and calculations. In addition, there are not much links to the sustainability presented in the paper, even though it becomes clear that the topic is related to sustainability (this should be very well explained in the paper). Moreover, the paper has other drawbacks and flaws:

1. The Abstract does not explain the main aims and outcomes of the paper. It should be clearly stated what the results were and what outcomes they can bring about.
2. The Introduction should better explain the case of coal industry in China and elaborate on coal industry and supply chains in general. Some historical insights should be also mentioned.
3. The paper lacks a proper Literature review. Even though the number of references is quite high (47 in total), it deserves to be extended by some additional 10-15 sources. Moreover, some thorough review of similar papers and studies can be presented in a separate section.
4. The results should be presented in a form of a text rather than points. It also should be mentioned about the main outcomes and policy implications. Are these results transferable to any other country? How can Chinese experience be used abroad? 
5. The paper needs some English proofreading.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

After reading the content of the reviewed paper "Coal industrial supply chain network and associated evaluation models” I must say that the issues undertaken are in line with the subject of the journal. The problem presented in the article is important and interesting, although the research question has not been formulated clearly enough. First the SC integration / SC profitability as a wider  problem should be described and then the relation to an empirical illustration of a specific sector (i.e. energy sector) searched.

There are advanced algorithms and models used in the paper, which is advantage of this study. Nevertheless the selection of the models should be better explained to make it more clear to the reader. Sometimes the paper seems to be placed more in material and technical area then in management.   

Significant literature in the field is not included in the research. The summary is not covering the whole idea of the  paper. The research methods should be better described.  

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper has been thoroughly modified and revised as per reviewers' comments and suggestions. All the remarks were taken on board and dealt with, the literature review was extended and the explanations of the rationale as well as the implications of the results were added. I can now recommend this paper for acceptance. 

Author Response

We appreciate for Editors/Reviewers’ warm work earnestly, and we are very happy to gain your approval.

Once again, thank you very much for your comments and suggestions.

Sincerely