Title: A possibilistic mixed-integer linear programme for dynamic closed-loop supply chain network design under uncertainty

Authors: Fatemeh Zare; M.M. Lotfi

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Yazd University, P.O. Box: 89195-741, Yazd, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Yazd University, P.O. Box: 89195-741, Yazd, Iran

Abstract: The closed loop supply chain network design is an appropriate approach for making the strategic decisions that changing them in short-term is impossible or along with huge expenses. Therefore, all the required aspects - either strategic or tactical - should be considered in the design level. To do this, this paper proposes a dynamic possibilistic mixed-integer linear programme for the forward and reverse supply chains in which the efficiency and responsiveness as the two critical characteristics are addressed. Moreover, the possibility of dynamic opening of centres and the existing ambiguity/imprecision in the real network is considered. To solve the model, the parametric crisp version is formed based upon two well-known methods. According to the numerical results, the solution of static model underestimates the total costs compared to the dynamic model; however, in our belief, the solution of dynamic model has a more validation in practice.

Keywords: closed-loop supply chains; dynamic CSC; efficiency; responsiveness; possibilistic MILP; mixed integer linear programming; supply networks; network design; uncertainty; supply chain management; dynamic modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2015.070878

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2015 Vol.21 No.1, pp.119 - 140

Received: 12 Dec 2013
Accepted: 31 Jan 2014
Published online: 31 Jul 2015 *

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