Agent-based coordination framework for disruption management in a chemical supply chain

Abstract

In most situations, managing disruptions in a chemical supply chain demands for more than one actor to be involved and more than one activity to be managed. Consequently, proper coordination is a key requirement for successful disruption management in a supply chain. This, particularly, calls for a clear understanding of what coordination means and how coordination mechanisms can be designed. This is the focus of this work. The conceptual framework for coordination presented is implemented in an agent-based model that allows decision makers to evaluate and compare the effect of different coordination mechanisms on the performance of system. This would enable an improved understanding of coordination in disruption management before implementation in the real-life system. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.