Hybrid cascade failures in supply chain networks: Robustness, node protection and recovery strategies

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of mixed cascade failures on the resilience of manufacturing enterprise supply chain networks, which are susceptible to disruptions from upstream and downstream enterprises due to external uncertainties. We propose a single-layer directed network model to examine mixed cascade failures and analyze the effectiveness of protection and recovery strategies for improving network resilience through extensive simulation experiments. The numerical analysis yields the following key findings: (i) Under targeted attacks, the Erdős–Rényi (ER) network exhibits marginally enhanced robustness, whereas the Barabási–Albert (BA) network proves to be more resilient against random attacks. (ii) Effectively mitigating failure risk and reducing the likelihood of failure can be accomplished by increasing the upper load capacity limit and decreasing the lower load capacity limit for manufacturing firms. Furthermore, a comprehensive approach to protection and recovery measures strengthens the stability of supply chain networks in the face of external risks. (iii) Constraints, such as epidemic control measures and infrastructure damage, may impede the recovery process of manufacturing firms’ supply chains when addressing external uncertainties.