A review of supply chain complexity drivers

Seyda Serdar-Asan*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Studies on supply chain complexity mainly use the static and dynamic complexity distinction. While static complexity describes the structure of the supply chain, the number and the variety of its components and strengths of interactions between these; the dynamic complexity represents the uncertainty in the supply chain and involves the aspects of time and randomness. This distinction is also valid when classifying the drivers of supply chain complexity according to the way they are generated. Supply chain complexity drivers (e.g., number/variety of suppliers, number/variety of customers, number/variety of interactions, conflicting policies, demand amplification, differing/ conflicting/ non-synchronized decisions and actions, incompatible IT systems) play a significant and varying role in dealing with complexity of the different types of supply chains (e.g., food, chemical, electronics, automotive). This paper reviews the typical complexity drivers that are faced in different types of supply chains and presents the complexity driver and solution strategy pairings, in the form of a matrix, extracted from reallife supply chain situations gathered from multiple existing sources; such as reports, archives, observations, interviews. The decision matrix of complexity management approaches would assist decision-makers in formulating appropriate strategies to deal with complexity in their supply chains.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication41st International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering 2011
Pages220-225
Number of pages6
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Event41st International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering 2011 - Los Angeles, CA, United States
Duration: 23 Oct 201125 Oct 2011

Publication series

Name41st International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering 2011

Conference

Conference41st International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLos Angeles, CA
Period23/10/1125/10/11

Keywords

  • Good practices
  • Supply chain complexity
  • Supply chain complexity drivers
  • Supply chain complexity management

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