Abstract
Supply chains (SCs) can be managed at many levels. The use of tactical SC planning models with multiple flexibility options can help manage the usual operations efficiently and effectively, whilst improve the SC resiliency in response to inherent environmental uncertainties. This paper defines tactical SC flexibility and identifies tactical flexibility measures and options for development of flexible SC planning models. A classification of the existing literature of SC planning is introduced that highlights the characteristics of published flexibility inclusive models. Additional classifications from the reviewed literature are presented based on the integration of flexibility options used, solution methods utilized, and real world applications presented. These classifications are helpful for identifying research gaps in the current literature and provide insights for future modeling and research efforts in the field.
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Notes
It is not always easy to discern Tactical from Strategic. Strategic will be defined as a concept that focuses on relatively long term management (over multiple years), with explicit and necessary inclusion of multiple functions within an organization (setting strategies). Tactical is an intermediate time length (monthly, quarterly, up to a year) and one department or function can effectively manage the situation (strategy deployment).
The Scopus database is managed by Elsevier publishing. It is more comprehensive than the Web-of-Science database which would include only ISI indexed journals. Since we are focusing on peer-reviewed journals, it was felt that the Scopus database would capture the most reputable international journals, some of which may be relatively new, but influential. Scopus has been used and recommended as a good source of SC peer reviewed articles (Chicksand et al. 2012). Although, by no means exhaustive, we can be pretty confident that the SCOPUS database provides a comprehensive and reliable source for academic literature reviews. The Scopus coverage details including access to tens of millions of peer reviewed journal articles can be found at: http://www.info.sciverse.com/scopus/scopus-in-detail/facts. One of the limitations of Scopus is limited access to pre-1996 peer reviewed journal articles.
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Esmaeilikia, M., Fahimnia, B., Sarkis, J. et al. Tactical supply chain planning models with inherent flexibility: definition and review. Ann Oper Res 244, 407–427 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-014-1544-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-014-1544-3