The supply chain network integration

Abstract

Supply Chain Network (SCN) is one of the most important elements of Logistic nowadays. One of the aspects, which is not covered very well in literature, is the one concerned to the mechanisms behind the connections that are established among players. In this work it was analysed the impact of the variation in the probabilities in being a member of a network, the relation of players with risk and respective effect on the SCN, the individualism versus collaborative approach of players and the problem solving effect. For that, it was developed a multi-agent based system. The obtained results demonstrate that experienced members prefer to establish links with other experienced members or repeated partners when the SCN are built for important businesses. The results also show the critical role of companies’ risk aversion conceiving a SCN.