Complex Supply Networks Evolving Model: Complex Networks perspective

Abstract

supply networks modeling has gained tremendous attention in the field of supply chain during last decades. However, most existent literatures in supply networks do not pay much attention to the topological characteristics, which, as revealed by Complex Networks, have close relations with their behaviors in various complex systems. This paper introduces a novel topological structure evolving model of complex supply networks from the perspective of Complex Networks. After investigating supply networks typical structural characteristics and formation mechanisms, Complex Supply Networks Evolving Model (CSNEM) are proposed to mimic these structural characteristics. Then, three statistical properties are investigated. To validate CSNEM, three real supply chain networks are introduced. The results indicate that CSNEM is consistent with the real-world supply networks. Further the relations between these properties and supply networks macro behaviors i.e. rapid response capability and robustness are discussed. This work will provide managers and researches a beneficial insight on macroscopic structures characteristics as well as a helpful understanding on the relations between macroscopic structures and global behaviors in supply networks.