Title: A multiobjective fuzzy mathematical model for a supply chain problem with the forward and reverse flows

Authors: İrem Otay; Ferhan Çebi

Addresses: Department of Management Engineering, Faculty of Management, Technical University, Macka 34367, Istanbul, Turkey ' Department of Management Engineering, Faculty of Management, Technical University, Macka 34367, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract: Reverse logistics has been one of the complex and popular topics drawing attentions of the researchers and practitioners. Recovery of products has many advantages to companies in reducing costs and protecting the environment. In this study, one of the recovery options, namely reuse, is analysed. For this pursuit, a mathematical model is developed to plan production and distribution of the reusable products as well as the new products by considering the forward and reverse flows of the products. The model is a multi-echelon supply chain model composed of multiple customers, multiple distributors, multiple transshipment points, and a factory. Due to vagueness, ambiguity and lack of information in the reverse logistics, the problem is constructed and solved under the fuzzy environment. The model is implemented on a hypothetical supply chain network based on an industrial case, and the results of the model are compared with the results of the other methods.

Keywords: reverse logistics; supply chain management; SCM; product reuse; forward flows; reverse flows; fuzzy modelling; multiobjective models; fuzzy logic; mathematical modelling; reusable products.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIDS.2016.080460

International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences, 2016 Vol.8 No.4, pp.341 - 357

Received: 03 Dec 2014
Accepted: 23 Mar 2015
Published online: 24 Nov 2016 *

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