Intended for an audience of graduate students, executive MBA students, and mid-to upper-level government and corporate managers, Design, Analysis and Optimization of Supply Chains: A System Dynamic Approach comprehensively examines the inherent complexity within the organizations that comprise a modern supply chain. The text delves into the intricate problems stemming from this complexity, offering managers robust solutions and analytical approaches to resolve these real-world challenges and dilemmas. The core benefit to readers lies in gaining a deeper understanding of the systemic issues and acquiring practical tools for enhanced supply chain performance.
A modern enterprise, whether a large corporation or a government agency, grapples with two critical dimensions of complexity: static and dynamic. Static complexity refers to the remarkable breadth of companies and agencies that collectively enable the delivery of a product or service. A static “snapshot” of this end-to-end enterprise would unveil hundreds, if not thousands, of companies involved in the supply network, alongside numerous additional firms engaged in distribution and customer delivery. The sheer scale of this system network presents fundamental challenges in planning, communication, coordination, and execution, impacting overall operational efficiency and demanding sophisticated supply chain management strategies.
This extensive, interconnected network embodies static complexity. Dynamic complexity, conversely, arises from the persistent difficulty of managing the performance of this extended enterprise over time. Effective management in this dynamic environment necessitates the establishment of appropriate metrics to track performance, the development of strategic management skills, the capacity to collect and monitor accurate data for true visibility, and a clear recognition and understanding of the often-significant lags between actions and their ultimate results. Design, Analysis and Optimization of Supply Chains: A System Dynamic Approach integrates real-world examples and case studies, showcasing actual complex enterprise systems, including participating firms and long lead times. These examples illuminate the multi-faceted activities occurring within a modern supply chain and the profound challenges they pose to managers. The inclusion of simulation and optimization techniques provides managers with actionable strategies for developing improved performance, ultimately leading to greater resilience and effectiveness in their supply chain operations. This approach offers significant customer value by equipping managers with the ability to navigate complex systems and drive measurable improvements.
