On robustness in food supply chain networks

J.V. Vlajic; J.G.A.J. van der Vorst; E.M.T. Hendrix

On robustness in food supply chain networks

In: Towards effective food chains

Authors:

J.V. Vlajic

J.V. Vlajic Wageningen University, Operations Research and Logistics Group, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, the Netherlands; jelena.vlajic@wur.nl

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J.G.A.J. van der Vorst

J.G.A.J. van der Vorst Wageningen University, Operations Research and Logistics Group, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, the Netherlands; jelena.vlajic@wur.nl

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E.M.T. Hendrix

E.M.T. Hendrix Wageningen University, Operations Research and Logistics Group, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN Wageningen, the Netherlands; jelena.vlajic@wur.nl

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 63–82

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.3920/9789086867059_005

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Purpose: Today’s business environment is characterized by challenges of strong global competition where companies tend to achieve leanness and maximum responsiveness to customer demand. Lean supply chain networks are vulnerable to all kind of disruptions. For food supply chain networks (FSCNs), due to their inherent characteristics on the one hand and increased level of complexity, dynamics and uncertainty on the other hand, this vulnerability is even stronger. Therefore, methods are needed to design FSCNs in a robust way, i.e. they should be able to continue to function in the event of disruption as well as in normal business environment.

Methodology/approach: We conducted a systematic search in scientific literature up to 2008, also including books, monographs, doctoral theses and working papers. We searched in databases Scopus, Scirius and Google Scholar and defined the relevant keywords and criteria for article selection. Next, we performed content analysis of all selected articles. The main criterion for article selection was a definition or explanation of the word ‘robust’ or ‘robustness’. In the end we selected 60 publications of which 35 publications were related to supply chain management (SCM) issues.

Findings: In this paper a review is given of how the concept of robustness is perceived in scientific literature and how it is modeled. Focus is on the FSCN context, but due to available literature we also explore neighboring fields. We conclude that supply chain network (SCN) robustness should be more precisely defined and related to certain business key performance indicators (not only to financial ones) to guide SCN improvement programs. Next to that, there is a need for a systematic overview of (re)design strategies that may improve SCN robustness (and considers all elements of SCN design) and a list of appropriate criteria to support the selection of the right strategy in a specific case.

Practical implications: FSCN have become more vulnerable to uncertainties in the external environment. Increased insight in the concept of robustness can help businesses to mitigate the risks and design robust SCNs.

Originality/value: The design of robust SCNs is getting more and more attention in literature but also in practice. There is a need for clear definitions and redesign strategies to cope with the increased uncertainty, complexity and dynamics. This paper presents a new overview of the current state of understanding regarding the concept of robustness.

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Towards effective food chains

Models and applications

E-Book ISBN:: 9789086867059

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 15 Nov 2010

Subjects
- Life Sciences

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On robustness in food supply chain networks

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Towards effective food chains

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