Title: Performance analysis of inventory models, distribution and transportation networks in forward supply chain: a theoretical approach

Authors: Palvisha Ishtiaq; Syed Mehmood Hassan; Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan

Addresses: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering and Technology, P.O. Box 75270, Karachi, Pakistan ' Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department, NED University of Engineering and Technology, P.O. Box 75270, Karachi, Pakistan ' Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE

Abstract: In the past decade, multiple researchers have focussed on various techniques and models of finished goods inventory, distribution and transportation. This paper emphasises the role of these processes in forward supply chain, according to their requirements and needs as they may occur, to expedite the process. This research is based on a qualitative approach. The study strives to find out and deduce the different segments of forward supply chain and the inter-relation between them. This paper gives a precise description of the usage of tools and techniques that may be most appropriate for the specific combination of multiple situations of forward supply chain of particular firm. As handling finished goods inventory is the initial step of forward supply chain processes and it is the most significant and extravagant factor in an industry as it amounts to 50% of the total capital investment. Then comes the distribution; another driver, which is the main component of contributing to a company's effectiveness and finally while transportation plays an integral part from the beginning to the end of a supply chain. This research paper is implied to the forward supply chain processes for which finished goods inventory and outbound logistics have been considered. The paper furnishes some realistic suggestions for the inventory, distribution and transportation managers regarding the selection of a feasible model as per their system requirements.

Keywords: distribution networks; forward supply chains; inventory management; supply chain management; SCM; transport networks; finished goods inventory; outbound logistics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOM.2016.081354

International Journal of Modelling in Operations Management, 2016 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.59 - 87

Received: 31 May 2016
Accepted: 07 Sep 2016
Published online: 05 Jan 2017 *

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