Forward thinking in reverse : design, implementation, and continuous monitoring of a closed-loop supply chain using optimization, simulation, and dashboard systems to maximize net recovery
Name
752301991-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
37.18 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
90c1ca850329064a631745fdff5fc23d
Author(s)
Vasil, Timothy J. (Timothy James)
Advisor(s)
Abbott Weiss and Charles H. Fine.
Date Issued
2011
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Developed during our recent six-month engagement at Dell-a leading computer manufacturer and services provider with one of the world's leading supply chains--we discuss a network flow-based mixed-integer linear program (MILP) model to identify the critical factors in optimizing reverse supply chain design decisions to optimize profit. The model is fast, intuitive, flexible, and robust to uncertainty. Its outputs include specific design recommendations, financial impact estimates, dynamically generated product routing diagrams, and multi-scenario sensitivity analysis. Through two case studies, the first in U.S. smartphone returns and the second in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Alienware-branded computer returns, we show how our model fosters standardized, robust strategic decision-making and serves as a platform upon which to build management systems for continuous improvement. We then discuss two such systems: a simulation-based reusable packaging cost-benefit analysis (CBA) calculator, and an automated dashboard for managing disassembly-for-parts decisions.
Description
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 197-199).
Subjects
Sloan School of Management.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Leaders for Global Operations Program.
MIT Department
Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Sloan School of Management
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