Development of an Approach for Analyzing Supply Chain Complexity

Blecker, Thorsten and Kersten, Wolfgang and Meyer, Christian (2005): Development of an Approach for Analyzing Supply Chain Complexity. Published in: Blecker, Th./Friedrich, G. (Ed.): Mass Customization. Concepts – Tools – Realization. Proceedings of the International Mass Customization Meeting 2005 (2005): pp. 47-59.

Abstract

Supply chains are faced with a rising complexity of products, structures, and processes. Because of the strong link between a supply chain’s complexity and its efficiency the supply chain complexity management becomes a major challenge of today’s business management. A two dimensional driver concept is introduced and explained to comprehend the major causes of a supply chains’ complexity. To map the effects of the drivers and to understand the different dimensions of complexity, a general complexity model is introduced. A supply chain complexity analysis approach is presented, to evaluate the initial situation and to provide the necessary information for deriving the right actions and strategies for the management of complexity within a supply chain.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Institution: Hamburg University of Technology
• Language: English
• Keywords: complexity; supply chain; variety; model
• Subjects: Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q2 - Renewable Resources and Conservation > Q21 - Demand and Supply ; Prices; E - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics > E2 - Consumption, Saving, Production, Investment, Labor Markets, and Informal Economy > E23 - Production; L - Industrial Organization > L2 - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior > L23 - Organization of Production