Exploring complexity in sustainable biomass supply chain management

Abstract

Complexity theory aims to analyse and understand the behaviours in a system, for example, an organization, which is considered complex and with uncertainties in the understanding of its processes. Systems as supply chains require a systemic approach to operate and design more effective and efficient processes that allow it better control of system behaviour as well as a better performance. The purpose of this article is to present an analysis of the complexity in the supply chain of renewable energies, in particular, biomass supply chain. An exploratory-descriptive research was carried out based on bibliographic and documentary studies, in Scopus database and in diverse reports about renewable energy related to biomass, respectively. Taking into account the complexity perspective, it was possible to determine the main drivers faced by biomass supply chains as well as a proposal for its modelling based on a system dynamics model.