A network-based decision tool to model uncertainty in supply chain operations

Authors: Blackhurst, J.¹; Wu, T.²; O'grady, P.³

Source: Production Planning and Control, Volume 18, Number 6, September 2007 , pp. 526-535(10)

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Abstract:

Typical supply chains can be characterised by their complexity and by the inherent uncertainty in their operations. Modelling such supply chains would allow for analysis of the system; however, this is a difficult task both in practice and research. This paper proposes a generalisable network based methodology to model supply chain operations and the uncertainty of system attributes such as lead time and cost. The methodology represents the operation of a supply chain as a high-level network and allows for the inclusion of stochastic variables so that uncertainty in the operation of a supply chain can be modelled and analysed in order to implement changes to improve overall system performance. The use of the methodology is illustrated on an industry application.

Keywords: Supply chain management; Network model; Uncertainty; Industry application

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09537280701492341

Affiliations: 1: Logistics, Operations and MIS Department, College of Business, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011-1350 2: Department of Industrial Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-5906 3: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Seamans Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242

Publication date: 2007-09-01

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