V. Ravi

Analyzing alternatives in reverse logistics for end-of-life computers: ANP and balanced scorecard approach

Activities in reverse logistics activities are extensively practiced by computer hardware industries. One of the important problems faced by the top management in the computer hardware industries is the evaluation of various alternatives for end-of-life (EOL) computers. Analytic network process (ANP) based decision model presented in this paper structures the problem related to options in reverse logistics for EOL computers in a hierarchical form and links the determinants, dimensions, and enablers of the reverse logistics with alternatives available to the decision maker. In the proposed model, the dimensions of reverse logistics for the EOL computers have been taken from four perspectives derived from balanced scorecard approach, viz. customer, internal business, innovation and learning, and finance. The proposed approach, therefore, links the financial and non-financial, tangible and intangible, internal and external factors, thus providing a holistic framework for the selection of an alternative for the reverse logistics operations for EOL computers. Many criteria, sub-criteria, determinants, etc. for the selection of reverse logistics options are interrelated. The ability of ANP to consider interdependencies among and between levels of decision attributes makes it an attractive multi-criteria decision-making tool. Thus, a combination of balanced scorecard and ANP-based approach proposed in this paper provides a more realistic and accurate representation of the problem for conducting reverse logistics operations for EOL computers.

Productivity improvement of a computer hardware supply chain

Purpose – To determine the key reverse logistics variables, which the top management should focus so as to improve the productivity and performance of computer hardware supply chains.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) based approach has been employed to model the reverse logistics variables typically found in computer hardware supply chains. These variables have been categorized under “enablers” and “results”. The enablers are the variables that help boost the reverse logistics variables, while results variables are the outcome of good reverse logistics practices.Findings – A key finding of this modeling is that environmental concern is the primary cause of the initiation of reverse logistics practices in computer hardware supply chains. For better results, top management should focus on improving the high driving power enabler variables such as regulations, environmental concerns, top management commitment, recapturing value from used products, resource...

Selection of a reverse logistics project for end-of-life computers: ANP and goal programing approach

Considering the key issues involved in environmental-friendly disposal of end-of-life (EOL) computer, its supply chain should be designed to incorporate the key dimensions of reverse logistics. An important managerial decision-making activity undertaken by reverse logistics managers is selection of feasible projects that could be completed according to the resources available. The reverse logistics project selection is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. While the experience and expertise of reverse logistics managers could work out for small sized projects, it might not be fruitful for multiple-criteria large sized reverse logistics in arriving at a proper decision related to selection of projects. The reverse logistics projects involve interdependencies among the criteria and the candidate reverse logistics projects. In this paper, a combination of analytical network process (ANP) and zero one goal programing (ZOGP) is used as solution methodologies to deal with the above problem. The ANP is used to determine the degree of interdependence among the criteria and candidate reverse logistics projects, while ZOGP permits the consideration of resource limitations and other constraints in arriving at the solution. The hybrid approach using ANP and ZOGP provides a realistic representation of the problem related to the selection of feasible reverse logistics for EOL computers.

Modeling enablers of supply chain risk mitigation in electronic supply chains

Constructed causaleffect diagrams among enablers of risk mitigation.Grey theory and DEMATEL have been employed to effectively quantify enablers.One enabler can be the cause/effect of one or more enablers.Steps for instigating causal enablers can in turn initiate effect enablers.Most prominent enablers coming under zone 3 needs imperative attention. Supply chains are becoming perpetually complex and potentially vulnerable due to increased globalization and vertical integration. Supply chain managers are conscious that the success of any supply chain lies in its proficiency to manage risks efficiently and effectively. Supply chain risk management (SCRM) signifies proactive practices of managing vulnerability of supply chains. Various firms espouse strategic level measures for risk mitigation and implement practices for enhancing supply chain resilience. In order to enhance supply chain resilience, the enablers of supply chain risk mitigation need to be acknowledged and implemented into practice. This research emphasizes on ascertaining the major enablers of supply chain risk mitigation with emblematic focus on electronic supply chains. A blend of Grey theory and DEMATEL approaches has been employed in this research to find out cause/effect relationships among the enablers of supply chain risk mitigation. This exercise helps to find which can be the driver to initiate the effects of other driven enablers. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted of the results to ensure reliability of solutions. The results show that that the enablers of supply chain risk mitigation are intertwined and one enabler can be the cause/effect of one or more enablers of supply chain risk mitigation. Dynamic assortment planning is found to be the decisive causal enabler, as it initiates the effects of many other enablers of supply chain risk mitigation, followed by accurate demand forecasting and flexible supply contracts. Causeeffect relationships plotted facilitate managers to ascertain primary causal enablers that need imperative attention in dealing with vulnerability issues of supply chain. Managers can take proactive steps to address and implement primary causal enables of risk mitigation into practice for reducing total risk impacts of the supply chain.

Selection of risk mitigation strategy in electronic supply chains using grey theory and digraph-matrix approaches

Supply chains are becoming more lengthy and complex due to globalisation and vertical integrations. In this context, adopting proactive approaches is needed for dealing with changing risks and vulnerabilities for securing supply chain systems. Supply chain risks are interlinked and thus, one mitigation strategy can reduce many of other supply chain risks. For example, aggregate or pooling demand reduces forecast risks, capacity risks and inventory risks. Also, some of the risk mitigation strategies have negative influences over certain supply chain risks as adding capacity has a negative influence on capacity risks. Twelve major supply chain risk categories and 21 risk mitigation strategies with typical focus on electronics manufacturing supply chains have been identified. A combination of grey theory and digraph-matrix methodologies has been used for quantifying various supply chain risk mitigation strategies and this approach is not seen in literature till date. The proposed model was also tested taking a case study of an Indian electronics manufacturing company. Obtained results were also subject to sensitivity analysis. The net positive influence values of risk mitigation strategies proposed in this research could effectively be used by top management for ascertaining their risk mitigation strategies for better management of supply chains as a whole.

Selection of third-party reverse logistics providers for End-of-Life computers using TOPSIS-AHP based approach

Business organisations including those of computer companies would like to focus on their core competency areas and are, therefore, outsourcing all or part of their reverse logistics process to Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLPs). Thus, a key strategic issue for top management is the selection of 3PLPs who can effectively provide reverse logistics services to organisation. This study aims to efficiently assist the decision-makers in determining the most appropriate third-party reverse logistics provider using a combination of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. A numerical example from a case company is included to demonstrate the steps of the proposed model.

Analysis of interaction among variables of reverse logistics: a System Dynamics approach

Reverse logistics is an issue which has gained increasing attention from the researchers in recent years. The reverse distribution activities are crucial to the survival of companies in the long run as the present day customers are more conscious of environmental friendly products. In this paper, System Dynamics (SD) based approach is employed to model reverse logistics variables in an automobile company. The variables treated under the three major constituents, viz., enablers, results, and inhibitors of reverse logistics, used to model the system, and the interactions among the variables affecting the system is investigated and a causal relationship are also developed. Effect of variables influencing Reverse Logistics Index is simulated for a period of 36 months. SD model is used to determine status of variables through which the performance of reverse logistics operations could be better estimated. This model is validated based on a case study in an automobile company.

Survey of reverse logistics practices in manufacturing industries: an Indian context

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current status of reverse logistics practices used on four sectors of Indian manufacturing industry, namely, auto, paper, food and beverage processing, and electronics. Design/methodology/approach – A nationwide questionnaire-based survey has been used to assess reverse logistics practices in Indian context. Findings – It was seen from the survey that Indian companies considered implementing reverse logistics programs in their organization as a strategic-level decision. Volume of products entering the return stream is a key driver of reverse logistics activities. One of the important observations of this research is that Indian companies have primarily adopted reverse logistics due to the economic benefits associated with them. Research limitations/implications – The results reported in this research are the bird’s eye view of reverse logistics practices in the Indian context only. The low level of questionnaire responses is also one of the limitat...

Reverse logistics operations in paper industry: a case study

Reverse logistics is an issue that has attracted the attention of researchers since the last decade due to an ever‐increasing increased awareness about economic, environmental and social benefits associated with them. In this paper, we report a case study of an Indian paper manufacturing company. For this company, proper management of reverse logistics is key to its survival and growth. SAP‐LAP methodology has been used for critical examination of the case company. It is observed from the case study that reverse logistics practices are at a nascent stage in Indian paper manufacturing company. Indian companies have not fully utilized the real benefits of reverse logistics and there are ample opportunities for the improvement in reverse logistics operations.

Reverse logistics: insights from sectoral analysis of Indian manufacturing industries

Green purchasing by companies, environmental benefits resulting from reverse logistics are some of the core issues relevant during implementation of reverse logistics programmes. Existing literature on reverse logistics has many references about the importance of these core issues. Other important issues like commitment from top management, resource reduction, green suppliers, customer demand for green products, proper disposal of products, etc., also influence these core issues. In this research, we have proposed first set of hypotheses in which the primary objective is to establish a relationship among critical issues of reverse logistics. In the second set of proposed hypotheses, we have explored the dissimilarities among different industrial sectors in implementing common reverse logistics practices, which have not been duly addressed in literature. A nationwide questionnaire-based survey was conducted on four sectors of Indian manufacturing industry dealing with reverse logistics operations: 1) auto; 2) paper; 3) food and beverage processing; 4) electronics. Statistical tests such as regression analysis and t-tests were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. It is observed from this study that companies in electronics sector significantly differ from those of other sectors in adoption of reverse logistics practices.