Supply Chain Model Research Articles

An integrated blood supply chain network design during a pandemic

The emergency supply of blood in the wake of pandemic has proved challenging. We develop in this paper a bi-objective blood supply chain (BSC) model that uses two-stage stochastic optimisation to optimise the expected cost of the supply chain and the average blood delivery time when a pandemic occurs. The model considers not only vertically and horizontally integrated mechanisms of the BSC network, but also several specific assumptions about the pandemic, such as the risk of disruption in donor groups, and the restriction of ‘no cross blood donation’. To alleviate blood shortages in the context of a pandemic, we further extended our model, which allows for blood type substitution according to ABO/Rh(d)-compatibility. To efficiently solve the model and generate the Pareto front, we develop a hybrid solution algorithm to solve the proposed model, including the ε-constraint method to transform the bi-objective model into a single-objective model, the subgradient method for finding a lower bound, and two heuristic methods for finding an upper bound. Moreover, we perform extensive numerical studies to assess the performance of the proposed approach. We also discuss the impacts of the key parameters, integration mechanisms, and planning blood type substitution on the BSC. Finally, we also apply the proposed model to a real case study of the BSC in Chongqing, China.

Research on Collaborative Strategy of Dual-Channel Supply Chain System for Product and Service Selection Driven by Experiential Demand

With the intensification of dual-channel competition, manufacturers are increasingly inclined to invest in offline showroom services to improve consumers' shopping experience, making it an emerging trend. Based on this background, this paper makes an in-depth study of how manufacturers choose the business strategy of physical showrooms in the dual-channel e-commerce environment, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different service models, and analyzes the impact of these choices on consumer behavior and market competition. Through this research, this paper aims to provide valuable strategic suggestions for manufacturers to optimize their dual-channel service models. Four Stackelberg game models are constructed: 1) no service model (N), 2) manufacturers invest in service online products (MSM), 3) retailers invest in services online products (RSM), and 4) retailers invest in services online products (RSR). Then the optimal decision under the above four strategies is compared and analyzed, and the optimal choice of the manufacturer and the optimal service model of the whole supply chain are obtained.

A Sustainable Supply Chain Model with Variable Production Rate and Remanufacturing for Imperfect Production Inventory System under Learning in Fuzzy Environment

In the present paper, a sustainable supply chain model is investigated with a variable production rate and remanufacturing for the production of defective items under the effect of learning fuzzy theory, where the lower and upper variations in fuzzy demand rate are affected by learning parameters and backorders are also allowed. Our proposed model reveals a springy manufacturing inventory organization that makes various types of items, and imperfect items can be created through the method of manufacturing things in a fuzzy environment. When the screening process is completed, defective items are remanufactured immediately, and a limited financial plan and space limitations are assumed concerning the product assembly. We minimized the total fuzzy inventory cost with different distributions (beta, triangular, double triangular, uniform, and χ2 (chi−square)) concerning the production rate, lot size, and backorder under learning in a fuzzy environment where the costs of screening, manufacturing, carrying, carbon emissions, backorders, and remanufacturing are included. The Kuhn–Tucker optimization technique is applied to solve non-linear equations that are based on some distributions. Numerical examples, sensitivity analysis, managerial insights and observations, limitations, future work, and applications are provided for the validation of our proposed model, and the industrial scope of this proposed work is included.

Expanding the horizons of metal additive manufacturing: A comprehensive multi-objective optimization model incorporating sustainability for SMEs

Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM) has seen significant growth in recent years, with sub-processes like Metal Material Extrusion (MEX) reaching industrial readiness. MEX, known for its cost-effectiveness and ease of integration, targets a distinct market segment compared to established high-end MAM processes. However, despite technological improvements, its overall integration into the industry as a viable manufacturing technology remains incomplete. This paper investigates the competitiveness of MEX, specifically its integration into the supply chain and the implications on cost and carbon emissions. Utilizing real-world data, the research develops a multi-objective optimization (MOO) model for a four-echelon supply chain including suppliers, airports, production facilities, and customers. The optimization model is combined with a previously developed cost model for MEX to optimize facility location in Norway using the NSGA-II algorithm. Employing a case study approach, the paper examines the production of an industrial part using stainless steel 17-4PH, detailing concrete process costs and system-level costs across four different production scenarios: 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 parts. The findings indicate MEX’s potential for cost-effective production at low and diversified volumes, supporting the trend towards customization and manufacturing flexibility. However, the study also identifies significant challenges in maintaining competitiveness at higher production volumes. These challenges underline the necessity for further advancements in MEX technology and process optimization to enhance its applicability and efficiency in larger-scale production settings.

A closed-loop supply chain inventory model with stochastic demand, exchange rate, green investment, and carbon tax

In this paper, a mathematical inventory model for a closed-loop supply chain consisting of a single manufacturer and a single retailer is investigated under a stochastic environment and imperfect production. The manufacturer adopts a remanufacturing policy to recover returned products from the market. The model takes into account exchange rate disparities because the supply chain’s participants are in separate countries. The model also considers carbon emissions, which are expected to be produced from storage, transportation, and production. A carbon policy, namely carbon tax, is implemented to manage the overall emissions resulting from the supply chain. To cope with carbon restrictions, the manufacturer has an opportunity to invest in green technologies. The objective of the study is to find optimal shipment quantity, number of deliveries, safety factor, and green investment such that the joint total cost is minimized. An iterative procedure is suggested to solve the proposed problem, and a numerical example is presented for model validation. The findings imply that variations in the production rate and carbon tax have a significant influence on the model’s performance. Aside from that, the results reveal that uncertainty in the exchange rate and production flaws are important factors that must be considered by managers in making inventory decisions, especially those related to the number of deliveries, frequency of deliveries, and the amount of money invested in green technology. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is provided to explain the behavior of the model.

Sustainable Operation and Management of a Dynamic Supply Chain under the Framework of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

The values of a community with a shared future for mankind include the views of common interests, sustainable development, and global governance. This article will fully consider introducing the value concept of a community with a shared future into the operation and management of dynamic supply chains. Based on the optimal information fusion mechanism of artificial intelligence, this article aims to examine the operation and management of dynamic supply chains within the framework of a community with a shared future for mankind. The core idea is to consider the common interests among enterprises, establish a global collaborative operation concept for upstream, midstream, and downstream enterprises, and achieve the goal of sustainable development. Firstly, a type of composite dynamic supply chain model is considered, in which the total inventory of each node in the supply chain is further subdivided into raw material inventory and finished product inventory. At the same time, we have considered factors such as the signing of procurement contracts between core enterprises and upstream enterprises, as well as the signing of supply contracts between core enterprises and downstream enterprises. Secondly, the static and dynamic monitoring information of the enterprise has been established. We use steady-state Kalman filtering theory to obtain dynamic reference signals for upstream enterprises, core enterprises, and downstream enterprises. Based on the optimal information fusion processing mechanism of artificial intelligence, the coefficient weighting method is used to obtain the optimal fusion signals of upstream enterprises, core enterprises, and downstream enterprises. Once again, through high-quality switching strategies, enterprises can achieve in-order switching, improve production efficiency, reduce downtime, enhance their competitiveness and responsiveness, and transform the dynamic supply chain, including order switching, into a discrete-time linear switching system for processing. Fourthly, sufficient conditions, robustness analysis results, and inventory control criteria for the solvability of dynamic supply chain H∞ with order switching are provided. Finally, data analysis is conducted using historical order information from three fruit companies to verify the validity and feasibility of the conclusions in this article and to improve the performance of the dynamic supply chain system. The research findings of this article enrich the exploration of the operation and management of dynamic supply chains and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Investigating the Impact of 4IR Technologies on Supply Chain Performance: A Literature Review

Supply chain performance measurement is an integral part of supply chain management that reveals the efficiency, health and success of the supply chain and offers areas for improvement in this regard. Nowadays, new ways maintain to be sought to realise the highest possible potential of supply chains. The Fourth Industrial Revolution enabled limitless benefits to supply chains and created a transformation that alters the entire supply chain and business models. This study aims to reveal the contributions of this industrial revolution’s technologies to supply chain performance and to ensure superior performance is achieved thanks to these technologies. In this study, the fourth industrial revolution was examined in light of the stages of industrial revolutions and the concept of supply chain performance was explained by considering the historical development of performance management. Afterwards, the dimensions of supply chain performance in the literature and the SCOR model version 13.0 attributes and their metrics, which are considered as dimensions of supply chain performance in this study, are elaborated. The contributions of these technologies to supply chain performance were investigated. The study ended with the evaluation of the findings.

International trade of green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol: Opportunities of China's subregions

Global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are stimulating the demand for green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. By 2023, the total low-carbon hydrogen production capacity from announced projects worldwide is projected to reach 38 million tonnes. China is experiencing a surge in green hydrogen projects, with a growing number targeting international markets in addition to domestic demand. This study delves into a systematic modeling analysis to uncover the pivotal roles that China's subregions can play in shaping the future global trade of green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. Utilizing a dynamic programming model, complemented by an array of supply chain models for detailed cost estimations, the study highlights the unique advantages and vast potential of subregional engagement in both domestic and international trade. Furthermore, the research explores the essential infrastructure demands and assesses the impact of renewable energy costs and policy shifts on the evolving trade landscape.

Cadena de abastecimiento que integra la planeación estratégica y BSC en una empresa constructora

The general objective of this research was to propose a supply chain model based on strategic planning and the Balance Scorecard for the construction company GARES PERU S.A.C., Trujillo, 2021. Non-experimental type, descriptive cross-sectional design. The results indicate that 38% of the clients of the construction company GARESPERU SAC indicate that the level of supply management is regular; 40% of those surveyed indicated that the level of strategic planning is inefficient; 36% of respondents indicated that the level of the BSC is inefficient. A strategic direction was proposed for the company, these are: product development strategy, market penetration strategy and market development strategy. A Balance Scorecard model was developed, obtaining the control panel that integrates indicators. A supply chain model was designed. As a main conclusion, the general objective was met because a supply chain model was developed for the construction company GARES PERU S.A.C., which is aligned with the company's strategic planning, in addition to having support in the BSC dashboard that will facilitate continuous monitoring of the main management indicators.

What is the role of product services in the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain?

With the continuous development of internet technology and increasing awareness of environmental protection among consumers, the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain management combining online direct sales channel and retail channel has received more and more attention, however, the existing research has neglected the service research, so this paper focuses on the service strategy in the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain. In this paper, we propose three service strategy models for dual-channel closed-loop supply chains, including when there is no service provision, after-sales service and recycling service provided by retailers and after-sales service provided by manufacturers and recycling service provided by retailers, compare and analyze the optimal decisions of supply chain members under the three service strategy models, discuss the role of service generated in dual-channel closed-loop supply chains, and propose a service cost-sharing strategy to achieve a Pareto improvement in the effectiveness of a dual-channel closed-loop supply chain. The study finds that service plays a positive role in the dual-channel closed-loop supply chain; the model of manufacturer providing after-sales service and retailer providing recycling service is the best service strategy choice in terms of economic and social benefits; the service cooperation mechanism of service cost sharing can achieve Pareto improvement of the supply chain within a reasonable range.

TRANSFORMING BUSINESS LANDSCAPES: STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE AND INNOVATIVE GROWTH IN THAILAND

This article explores the innovative business models and strategies that Thai companies are embracing to enhance their competitiveness, foster sustainability, and adapt to the evolving market conditions. By drawing on the work of prominent scholars, the article provides a comprehensive understanding of the transformative processes shaping the future of Thai businesses. Key findings include the adoption of platform-based models, circular economy models, servitization models, collaborative and sharing-based models, and localized and resilient supply chain models. The article also highlights the synergistic framework that integrates digital transformation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and supply chain resilience, driving sustainable and innovative growth for Thai businesses.

Retailer anticipated regret under carbon tax policy

Environmental policies such as carbon tax implementation significantly impact the technology choice and cost structure of the upstream manufacturer, affecting the downstream retailer’s the procurement decision and risk management in a sustainable supply chain. This study constructs a single-manufacturer-single-retailer supply chain model constrained by carbon tax policies to analyze the influence of retailer’s anticipated regret on the supply chain operation and environmental performance. Utilizing game theory, the research finds that the retailer’s anticipated regret behavior suppresses manufacturer’s willingness to invest in the green initiative, resulting in a non-monotonic effect on profits. When the retailer’s regret level is low and her demand for eco-friendly products is also low, the manufacturer tends to reduce the green investment and increase the wholesale price to maximize the marginal return. Although such the anticipated regret behavior by the retailer may stimulate the manufacturer’s profit growth, it reduces retailer’s profit. Conversely, as the retailer’s regret level increases, the manufacturer increases the green investment and reduces the wholesale price to induce higher procurement by the retailer, leading to a decline in the manufacturer’s profit but an upward trend in the retailer’s profit. This discovery suggests that the upstream supply chain manager, should closely the monitor retailer’s potential anticipated regret and adjust the corresponding strategy accordingly. Furthermore, the study finds that the lower level of retailer’s anticipated regret positively impact environmental behavior, offering the policymaker a new perspective on promoting the green supply chain practice.

Hydrogen supply chain for future hydrogen-fuelled railway in the UK: Transport sector focused

Though being attractive on railway decarbonisation for regional lines, excessive cost caused by immature hydrogen supply chain is one of the significant hurdles for promoting hydrogen traction to rolling stocks. Therefore, we conduct bespoke research on the UK's hydrogen supply chain for railway, concentrating on hydrogen transportation. Firstly, a map for the planned hydrogen production plants and potential hydrogen lines is developed with the location, capacity, and usage. A spatially explicit model for the hydrogen supply chain is then introduced, which optimises the existing grid-based methodology on accuracy and applicability. Compressed hydrogen at three pressures, and liquid hydrogen are considered as the mediums, incorporating by road and rail transport. Furthermore, three scenarios for hydrogen rail penetration are simulated respectively to discuss the levelised cost and the most suitable national transport network. The results show that the developed model with mix-integer linear programming (MILP) can well design the UK's hydrogen distribution for railway traction. Moreover, the hydrogen transport medium and vehicle should adjust to suit for different era where the penetration of hydrogen traction varies. The levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) decreases from 6.13 £/kg to 5.13 £/kg on average from the conservative scenario to the radical scenario. Applying different transport combinations according to the specific situation can satisfy the demand while reducing cost for multi-supplier and multi-targeting hydrogen transport.

Effect of Governmental Subsidies on Green Energy Supply Chains: A Perspective of Meteorological Disasters

The energy sector, serving as a pivotal propellant within the macroeconomic framework, finds its production, distribution, and consumption aspects considerably influenced by climatic variations. In this study, a two-tier Stackelberg model for the green energy supply chain is developed, which is employed to analyze the profit disparities between suppliers and retailers both in the absence and presence of meteorological disasters. Furthermore, the research delves into the optimal supply chain strategies under three distinct scenarios in the context of meteorological disasters. A comparative analysis is conducted to examine the decision-making variances and the shifts in the interests of each supply chain participant under these scenarios. The findings reveal two critical insights: First, meteorological disasters detrimentally affect the environmental friendliness of energy products, as well as the profits of both retailers and suppliers. Second, the selection of the optimal strategy varies depending on the evaluation criterion used. When product greenness is the metric, subsidies aimed at promoting sales costs emerge as the superior strategy. Conversely, for retailers and suppliers, subsidies that target the environmental friendliness of energy products prove to be the most effective. Based on the conclusions, the paper also makes recommendations for governments and companies.

Pricing Decision and Cancellation Strategy Selection of ''Hotel+Online Platform''

Based on the consumer's cancellation behavior, a “Hotel + online platform” dual-channel supply chain model consisting of a single hotel and a single online platform is constructed, based on the theory of consumer utility, this paper constructs the demand for rooms in the supply chain, and analyzes the profit of the hotel side, room pricing and cancellation strategy under the competition-cooperation relationship by using the Stackelberg game model. The research shows that in the hotel's dual-channel supply chain, the selection of unsubscribing strategy for official direct sales channels and online agency platforms and the pricing of rooms are affected by the probability of unsubscribe, the cost of unsubscribing, consumers' preference level for online platforms and commission rates; when both direct sales channels and online platforms adopt non-unsubscribe strategies, the profits and pricing of both parties are independent of the cost of unsubscribing. When the hotel direct sales channel adopts the unsubscribed strategy, then the room price increases with the increase of the cost of unsubscribing; at the same time, when the online platform chooses the unsubscribed strategy, the preferential amount is decreases with the increase of the cost of unsubscribing; on the contrary, it increases with the increase of the cost of unsubscribing. When consumers have a high preference level on the online platform, the strategy is the optimal strategy.

Optimizing carbon emission reduction strategies in power batteries: Ensuring compliance with the EU battery regulation's carbon labeling initiatives

Reducing carbon emissions from power batteries is essential for the low-carbon development of electric vehicles (EVs). In response to the carbon labeling requirements of the EU battery regulation, this study developed a three-tiered supply chain model incorporating the battery material supplier, the power battery manufacturer, and the EV company. Using Stackelberg game theory, the research evaluated four carbon emission reduction strategies and analyzed the impact of consumer environmental awareness on carbon emissions. The results reveal that for batteries with lower initial carbon footprints, increased consumer environmental awareness is associated with a reduction in carbon emissions. For batteries with higher initial carbon footprints, the relationship between consumer environmental awareness and carbon emissions is more complex. Below a certain threshold, higher environmental awareness leads to carbon emission reduction; however, beyond this threshold, increased environmental awareness can elevate carbon emissions. Moreover, under low consumer environmental awareness, a strategy of comprehensive collaboration among all supply chain tiers yields the highest economic benefits, albeit with higher emissions. As environmental awareness rises, the strategy where the material supplier independently reduces emissions and the battery manufacturer and EV company collaborate on emission reductions emerges as the most effective, striking an optimal balance between economic and environmental interests.

Technology innovation decision‐making and optimal government subsidy strategy with endogenous bargaining power in a vertical supply chain

AbstractThis study presents a vertical supply chain model that considers bargaining power to explore independent innovation and co‐innovation decisions and their impacts and analyzes the optimal subsidy strategy for co‐innovation. We find that collaboration promotes technology innovation. Increases in consumer innovation preferences and government subsidies are conducive to co‐innovation. Both independent and co‐innovation can promote Pareto improvements under limiting conditions. Government subsidies can improve co‐innovation performance, but the subsidy parameter needs to be regulated. The optimal subsidy strategy is influenced by the subsidy target and budget. Governments prefer an innovative degree subsidy or a production cost subsidy.

Designing a construction supply chain model using backup supplier aiming at optimizing resiliency against disruption

Resilience is a topic that has recently emerged concerning the basics of the construction project supply chain and we can consider it as a response to disruption in the supply chain of the project. Disruption also is an unavoidable reality in today’s complex and dynamic construction supply chain, the occurrence of which can cause irretrievable damages to the system, such as financial losses. Successful companies seek to minimize disruption and maintain adequate supply chain performance before disruption occurs, rather than looking for costly and challenging post-disruption solutions. This paper covers this gap by proposing a scenario-based mixed integer-programming model aiming to minimize logistics costs and delays, while scheduling projects to address selecting the appropriate supplier at risk of disruption. So far, this quantitative view was not presented in discussions about disruptions in the project supply chain, therefore different scenarios are applied in the process to validate the model. To improve its resilience level, this model benefits from back-up suppliers’ strategy. This study focuses on providing the required materials for the project site in an emergency without incurring additional costs using a back-up supplier. Results reveal the model’s suitability in confronting the unavailability of a supplier due to disruption.

Simulation Model for a Sustainable Food Supply Chain in a Developing Country: A Case Study of the Banana Supply Chain in Malawi

Background: Sustainability in food supply chains is desired for production, logistics, and waste management. However, food supply chains (SCs) have complex systems that differ from other SCs. Managing such complexities is challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to their heightened constraints, such as limited resources and inadequate awareness. Despite the challenges, there is fragmented research, understanding, and approaches to assist SMEs. SC designs need to be adapted so that SMEs can navigate the challenges and avert high wastage. The main objective of this research was to identify the practices influencing sustainable SC designs in a developing country and create a simulation model to illustrate the potential benefits and challenges of promoting sustainability in the banana SC in Malawi. Methods: Mixed-methods research was utilised, employing a literature review, participant interviews, observations, and survey data collected from 353 participants from three districts in Malawi to gain insight into the banana SC problem, establish objectives, and develop a simulation model complemented by design science research. Results: The research identified awareness, collaboration, efficiency, governance, knowledge sharing, and resilience as sustainability practices in the case study banana SC, thus forming a sustainability model. Simulation results showed improvements in key performance indicators like shelf-life, lead-time, quality, throughput, and waste through SC operation reorganisation. Conclusions: Sustainable models must be tailored to the specific challenges inherent in developing food supply chains in developing nations. The development of the models has significant managerial implications, notably enhancing strategic planning, operational efficiency, risk management, alignment of sustainability goals, performance monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and resource optimisation.

Stochastic transitions of a mixed-integer linear programming model for the construction supply chain: chance-constrained programming and two-stage programming

Stochastic transitions of a mixed-integer linear programming model for the construction supply chain: chance-constrained programming and two-stage programming