Title: A multi-objective fuzzy goal programming model for reverse supply chain design

Authors: Mazaher Ghorbani; S. Mohammad Arabzad; Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, 4818846868, Isfahan, Iran ' Young Researchers Club, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, 8199657581, Isfahan, Iran ' Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11155/4563, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: This paper proposes a fuzzy goal programming-based (FGP-based) approach for solving a multi-objective mathematical model of reverse supply chain design. In a green supply chain, designing the network of the reverse chain is vital. Thus, the robust configuration of reverse chain will cause acting friendly with the environment and brings a huge benefit for the partners of the supply chain. Hence, it can be used as competitive competency. Three objectives are considered to minimise recycling cost, rate of waste generated by recyclers and material recovery time in such a way that the best set of recyclers to allocate products is determined. The major advantage of the proposed model is that it considers cost, time and efficiency rate to design responsive and efficient reverse supply chain. A numerical example is conducted to show the effectiveness of the model.

Keywords: reverse logistics; green supply chains; fuzzy goal programming; FGP; supply chain design; supply chain management; SCM; multi-objective models; mathematical modelling; recycling cost; waste generation rate; material recovery time.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOR.2014.058947

International Journal of Operational Research, 2014 Vol.19 No.2, pp.141 - 153

Received: 26 Mar 2012
Accepted: 02 Aug 2012
Published online: 17 Jun 2014 *

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