This paper develops a supply chain network game theory framework with multiple manufacturers/producers, with multiple manufacturing plants, who own distribution centers and distribute their products, which are distinguished by brands, to demand markets, while maximizing profits and competing non-cooperatively. The manufacturers also may avail themselves of external distribution centers for storing their products and freight service provision. The manufacturers have capacities associated with their supply chain network links and the external distribution centers also have capacitated storage and distribution capacities for their links, which are shared among the manufacturers and competed for. We utilize a special case of the Generalized Nash Equilibrium problem, known as a variational equilibrium, in order to formulate and solve the problem. A case study on apple farmers in Massachusetts is provided with various scenarios, including a supply chain disruption, to illustrate the modeling and methodological framework as well as the potential benefits of outsourcing in this sector.

This book lays the foundations for quality modeling and analysis in the context of supply chains through a synthesis of the economics, operations management, as well as operations research/management science literature on quality. The reality of today's supply chain networks, given their global reach from sourcing locations to points of demand, is further challenged by such issues as the growth in outsourcing as well as the information asymmetry associated with what producers know about the quality of their products and what consumers know. Although much of the related literature has focused on the micro aspects of supply chain networks, considering two or three decision-makers, it is essential to capture the scale of supply chain networks in a holistic manner that occurs in practice in order to be able to evaluate and analyze the competition and the impacts on supply chain quality in a quantifiable manner. This volume provides an overview of the fundamental methodologies utilized in this book, including optimization theory, game theory, variational inequality theory, and projected dynamical systems theory. It then focuses on major issues in today's supply chains with respect to quality, beginning with information asymmetry, followed by product differentiation and branding, the outsourcing of production, from components to final products, to quality in freight service provision. The book is filled with numerous real-life examples in order to emphasize the generality and pragmatism of the models and tools. The novelty of the framework lies in a network economics perspective through which the authors identify the underlying network structure of the various supply chains, coupled with the behavior of the decision-makers, ranging from suppliers and manufacturers to freight service providers. What is meant by quality is rigorously defined and quantified. The authors explore the underlying dynamics associated with the competitive processes along with the equilibrium solutions. As appropriate, the supply chain decision-makers compete in terms of quantity and quality, or in price and quality. The relevance of the various models that are developed to specific industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals and high technology products, is clearly made. Qualitative analyses are provided, along with effective, and, easy to implement, computational procedures. Finally, the impacts of policy interventions, in the form of minimum quality standards, and their ramifications, in terms of product prices, quality levels, as well as profits are explored. The book is filled with many network figures, graphs, and tables with data.

High-Value Supply Chain Integration New research, practical priorities, actionable solutions Master new best practices for integrating demand, supply, and partners worldwide Bridge key “integration gaps” to maximize customer value and profit Improve performance in areas ranging from resource availability to returns From leading supply chain integration experts at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business In volatile, global environments, only well-integrated organizations can deliver superior customer outcomes and sustained profitability. Supply chain practitioners are on the frontlines of integration: they must bring together functions ranging from sales to logistics and a world of third-party suppliers. Integration is not easy, but proven solutions exist. In Achieving Supply Chain Integration, leading experts reveal what works and how to make it work. The authors and contributors clarify what supply chain integration really means, and why it’s even more crucial than many companies realize. You’ll learn how to manage core conflicts that make integration difficult, so you can maximize value to both customers and your organization. You’ll find example-based, research-driven insights for both internal and external integration, addressing issues ranging from culture to financial metrics. The authors share practical guidance on everything from building more innovative partner relationships to avoiding raw material shortages. Whatever your supply chain or operations responsibilities, you need to integrate more effectively, and this guide will help you do it. Supply chain integration can ensure a smoother, more efficient flow of products, and enable access to third-party resources and capabilities that would be costly or impossible to build internally. However, successful integration has proven challenging, especially as supply chains evolve to encompass even more external partners. Achieving Supply Chain Integration shows how to prioritize which processes and functions to integrate and select integration strategies likely to deliver the greatest performance benefits. Drawing on actual successes and failures, UT’s researchers illuminate best practices and common mistakes. They present proven approaches to integrating sales, marketing, core supply chain functions such as procurement and logistics, and widely diverse partner relationships. Whether you’re a practitioner or student, this guide will help you approach integration projects with “eyes open”–so you can mitigate risks and maximize value. Understanding what integration is and isn’t, and why it matters so much Bridging the integration gap to maximize value creation Fully leveraging information in internal and external integration Driving more value by integrating purchasing and logistics Aligning market, environmental, social, and political strategies Achieving deeper demand/supply integration Reducing product returns through better internal integration Building more innovative, collaborative supplier relationships

The quality of the products produced and delivered in supply chain networks is essential for consumers' safety, well-being, and benefits, and for firms' profitability and reputation. However, because of the complexity of today's large-scale highly globalized supply chain networks, along with issues such as the growth in outsourcing and in global procurement, as well as the information asymmetry associated with quality, supply chain networks are more exposed to both domestic and international quality failures. In this dissertation, I contribute to the equilibrium and dynamic modeling and analysis of quality competition in supply chain networks under scenarios of information asymmetry, product differentiation, outsourcing, and under supplier selection. The first part of the dissertation consists of a review of the relevant literature, the research motivation, and an overview of methodologies. The second part of the dissertation formulates quality competition with minimum quality standards under the scenario of information asymmetry, specifically, when there is no product differentiation by brands or labels. In the third part, in contrast, quality competition is modeled under product differentiation, when firms engage in distinguishing their products from their competitors'. The fourth part concentrates on quality competition in supply chain networks with outsourcing. The models yield the optimal make-or-buy and contractor selection decisions for the firm(s) and the optimal pricing and quality decisions for the contractors. The impacts of firms' attitudes towards disrepute are also studied numerically. In the fifth part, a multitiered supply chain network model of quality competition with suppliers is developed. It consists of competing suppliers and competing firms who purchase components for the assembly of their products and, if capacity permits, produce their own components. The optimal supplier-selection decisions, optimal component production and quality, and the optimal quality preservation levels of the assembly processes are provided. Such issues as the values of the suppliers to the firms, the impacts of capacity disruptions, and the potential investments in capacity enhancements are explored numerically. The models and analysis in this dissertation can be applied to numerous industries, ranging from the food industry to the pharmaceutical industry, automobile industry, and to the high technology industry.

Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) are among the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world. The enormous size of the customer base in these emerging markets is the strategic concern of global business firms. Successful market performance in these markets requires sound understanding of dynamic environmental factors and timely investment of appropriate resources. This book presents strategies for recognizing the challenges and optimizing the opportunities for building network capabilities and competitive advantage within the context of these emerging markets. Building Network Capabilities in Turbulent Competitive Environments provides a thorough review of the literature and an unparalleled abundance of fascinating case studies featuring Japanese, Korean, and indigenous business examples. To gather real-world information, research teams made numerous field visits to many firms in the BRIC markets to meet and interview executives and observe their manufacturing and supply chain practices. The information in this book is presented within a fully formulated theoretical framework of three core competencies: technology competence (capability to offer innovative products that fit these markets), customer competence (capability to understand and satisfy different customer needs), and linkage competence (ability to integrate technology and customer competence). The book also covers the concepts of product architecture and supply chain management to provide a more in-depth analysis of global firms operating in BRIC markets.

The managed flow of goods and information from raw material to final sale also known as a "supply chain" affects everythingâ€"from the U.S. gross domestic product to where you can buy your jeans. The nature of a company's supply chain has a significant effect on its success or failureâ€"as in the success of Dell Computer's make-to-order system and the failure of General Motor's vertical integration during the 1998 United Auto Workers strike. Supply Chain Integration looks at this crucial component of business at a time when product design, manufacture, and delivery are changing radically and globally. This book explores the benefits of continuously improving the relationship between the firm, its suppliers, and its customers to ensure the highest added value. This book identifies the state-of-the-art developments that contribute to the success of vertical tiers of suppliers and relates these developments to the capabilities that small and medium-sized manufacturers must have to be viable participants in this system. Strategies for attaining these capabilities through manufacturing extension centers and other technical assistance providers at the national, state, and local level are suggested. This book identifies action steps for small and medium-sized manufacturersâ€"the "seed corn" of business start-up and developmentâ€"to improve supply chain management. The book examines supply chain models from consultant firms, universities, manufacturers, and associations. Topics include the roles of suppliers and other supply chain participants, the rise of outsourcing, the importance of information management, the natural tension between buyer and seller, sources of assistance to small and medium-sized firms, and a host of other issues. Supply Chain Integration will be of interest to industry policymakers, economists, researchers, business leaders, and forward-thinking executives.

This book surveys new algorithmic approaches and applications to natural and man-made disasters such as oil spills, hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires. Based on the “Third International Conference on Dynamics of Disasters” held in Kalamata, Greece, July 2017, this Work includes contributions in evacuation logistics, disaster communications between first responders, disaster relief, and a case study on humanitarian logistics. Multi-disciplinary theories, tools, techniques and methodologies are linked with disasters from mitigation and preparedness to response and recovery. The interdisciplinary approach to problems in economics, optimization, government, management, business, humanities, engineering, medicine, mathematics, computer science, behavioral studies, emergency services, and environmental studies will engage readers from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds.