Design of reverse and forward supply chain network: a case study Online publication date: Thu, 20-Mar-2008
by P. Chandiran, K. Surya Prakasa Rao
International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management (IJLSM), Vol. 4, No. 5, 2008
Abstract: This case study deals with the design of reverse and forward supply chain network for an automobile battery manufacturer. Most research in this field has focused on independent reverse network designs and centralised collection network design for the returned old products. The case study reported in this paper seeks to contribute by experimenting with two different configuration networks for the distribution and collection of products. This facility location problem was solved by mixed-integer linear programming modelling tools. It is demonstrated that bypassing certain stage of supply chain network in the reverse flow can reduce the cost of the network and it also reduces the amount of time spent by products in the supply chain network. This study also brought out issues like de-centralised network, manufacturer's dilemma in managerial control over the collection, disturbance to existing network, time pressure with respect to reverse flow and integral design issues.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management (IJLSM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook