Modelling supply chain adaptation for disruptions: An empirically grounded complex adaptive systems approach

Kang Zhao, Zhiya Zuo, Jennifer Blackhurst*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

232 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Through the development and usage of an agent-based model, this article investigates firms' adaptive strategies against disruptions in a supply chain network. Viewing supply chain networks as complex adaptive systems, we first construct and analyze a real-world supply chain network among 2,971 firms spanning 90 industry sectors. We then develop an agent-based simulation to show how the model of firms' adaptive behaviors can leverage competition relationships within a supply chain network. The simulation also models how disruptions propagate in the supply chain network through cascading failures. With the simulation, we seek to understand if a firm's adaptive behaviors can reduce the impact of disruptions in supply chain networks. Therefore, we propose, evaluate, and analyze two types of adaptive strategies a firm can leverage to reduce the negative effects of supply chain network disruptions. First, we deploy in our model a reactive strategy, which restructures the network in response to a disruption event among first-tier suppliers. Next, we develop and propose proactive strategies, which are used when a distant disruption is observed but has not yet hit the focal firm. We discuss the implications related to how and when firms can improve their resilience against supply disruptions by leveraging adaptive strategies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)190-212
JournalJournal of Operations Management
Volume65
Issue number2
Online published25 Mar 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2019

Research Keywords

  • agent-based models
  • complex networks
  • resilience
  • supply chain disruptions
  • CAPACITY INVESTMENT
  • MANAGING RISK
  • SINGLE
  • ROBUSTNESS
  • NETWORKS
  • COMPETITION
  • MITIGATION
  • DYNAMICS
  • GLITCHES

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  • Ambassador Paper Award

    Zhao, K. (Recipient), ZUO, Z. (Recipient) & Blackhurst, J. (Recipient), 20 Feb 2024

    Prize: 64B_Prizes and awards

  • Top Cited Articles 2019-2020

    ZUO, Z. (Recipient), 15 Apr 2021

    Prize: Other distinction

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