Title: Methodological approach to study the dynamics of production networks: discrete-event simulation modelling

Authors: Salvatore Cannella; Manfredi Bruccoleri; Ana Paula Barbosa-Póvoa; Susana Relvas

Addresses: Centre for Management Studies of Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisbon, Av. Prof Cavaco Silva, 2780-990, Porto Salvo, Portugal ' Department of Chemical, Management, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 8, 90128, Palermo, Italy ' Centre for Management Studies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisbon, Av. Prof Cavaco Silva, 2780-990, Porto Salvo, Portugal ' Centre for Management Studies, Instituto Superior Técnico, Technical University of Lisbon, Av. Prof Cavaco Silva, 2780-990, Porto Salvo, Portugal

Abstract: This paper shows how discrete-event simulation represents an appropriate tool for approaching the dynamics of production networks. Three important factors influencing production network dynamics, specifically finite production capacity, manufacturing lead time, and its variability are discussed and a basic discrete-event simulation model is presented. Such model, which in its basic form represents a simple retail/distribution two-stage supply chain, is then extended in order to take into account those factors that can not be included in a classical control theoretical model.

Keywords: supply chain dynamics; demand amplification; discrete event simulation; manufacturing lead times; production networks; supply chain management; SCM; modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2013.056174

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2013 Vol.16 No.2, pp.211 - 223

Published online: 26 Dec 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article