Development of a framework for configuring fractal supply networks and logistics capabilities

• Main Author: Bahadori, Ramin
• Other Authors: Saad, Sameh
• Published: Sheffield Hallam University 2018
• Online Access: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.758418

The contemporary, dynamic marketplace requires a flexible supply network capable of achieving an effective and efficient logistics operation in order to provide a high level of logistical service and customer satisfaction. A fractal supply network is a reconfigurable supply network which has the ability to present many different problem-solving methods under the terms of the various situations. It has been only proposed and studied recently in the academic literature. However, when the overall number of research works available on this topic is taken into consideration, more work is still needed to, holistically, cover some of the related issues. Therefore, this research presents a framework for configuring/reconfiguring a fractal supply network and its logistical capabilities, with the aim to provide a systematic approach which enables practitioners to measure and optimise the logistics capabilities within the network. Configuration/reconfiguration is started by developing conceptual models based on changes in the environments with respect to the capabilities of the fractal supply network. Conceptual models for measurement or optimisation problems are developed. A multi-criteria decision-making model is, then, developed to prioritise the logistics capability in the fractal supply network where also questionnaire is used. Quantitative models and simulations with regards to the selected problems are developed and tested hypothetically. A simulation is used for verification and validation. Experimental factorial design and statistical techniques are used to generate and analyse the results. The research results proved that the proposed framework and developed models in this thesis provide systematic methods through which practitioners should be able to specify high-priority logistics capabilities for further investment planning, introducing a unique dynamic sustainability control system and an inventory control system to increase both collaboration and integration and improve the process of sharing information across the network, which have proven to be a problematic area for industrialists and provides a foundation for further research development.