A new two-layered optimisation-based control approach is developed for multi-product, multi-echelon supply chain networks. The first layer employs simple feedback controllers to maintain inventory levels at all network nodes within pre-specified targets. The feedback controllers are embedded as equality constraints within an optimisation framework that incorporates model predictive control prin...

The capability to improve market responsiveness to meet future uncertain demand is a critical imperative for many firms today. Flexibility in the supply chain to accommodate such changes in demand is a function of the alternative routes a product may take as it travels from the plant where it is made to the distribution center to the regional warehouse and finally to the retailer. From a supply...

In this paper we have developed a two echelon supply chain production inventory model for deteriorating products having stock dependent demand under inflationary environment. This model is developed for finite time horizon. The shortages are allowed and partially backlogged. To make this study close to reality the production rate is assumed to be a function of demand rate. A numerical example a...

This paper examines the effect that product pricing has on the dynamics and variability of a supply chain, with a focus in retail inventory. Pricing policies and strategies and the impacts of prices on demand and inventories within the retail supply chain environment are reviewed. Recent pricing and markdown research is examined. An example model is presented that is stochastic and uses simulat...

Closed loop supply chain aims at integrating return products in the traditional supply chain processes. The return flows generate new uncertain elements (returns and leadtimes) and optimization of inventory control in this context is a complex issue. Inventory policies have to generate good performances (service level, cost) and be easy to implement in practice. A supply chain model based on si...

In this paper, a three-echelon supply chain model is analyzed to determine strategies to reduce the supply chain system dynamics. Uniqueness of this research stems from the use of multiple models with varying degrees of detail representing the same supply chain. The significance of a detailed supply chain model on the quality of result is made clear. Factors employed to build an abstract to a d...

In this research, a new two-echelon model has been presented to control the inventory of perishable goods. The performance of the model lies in a supply chain and is based on real conditions and data. The main purpose of the model is to minimize the maintenance cost of the entire chain. However, if the good is perished before reaching the customer (the expiration date is over)...

Consider a supply chain in which a product must pass through multiple sites located in series before it is finally delivered to outside customers. Incentive problems may arise in this system when decisions are delegated to corresponding site managers, each maximizing his/her own performance metric. From the overall system’s point of view, the decentralized supply chain may not be as efficient a...

In this paper, a new multi-objective integer non-linear programming model is developed for designing citrus three-echelon supply chain network. Short harvest period, product specifications, high perished rate, and special storing and distributing conditions make the modeling of citrus supply chain more complicated than other ones. The proposed model aims to minimize network costs includin...

One of the most fundamental components of healthcare system on each country is blood supply chain management. This chain is comprised of two significant components including collecting donor’ bloods and supplying blood’s products. The main purpose of this paper is to concentrate on supplying blood products and present a novel constrained bi-objective mathematical model for a two-echelon blood s...