Models for the Optimization of Supply Chains A Literature Review

Manufacturing firms respond to fierce competition on global markets through a concentration on their core competences. As a result, the competitive position of OEMs depends on the individual performance of their suppliers as well as their arrangement in the supply chain. Against this background this paper presents the results of a literature review on optimization models of supply chains. Thereby, this paper reveals five different categories; deterministic-analytical-, stochastic-analytical-, economic-, simulation- and structural models. Moreover, the 14 models are analyzed against established performance criteria to foster a demand-oriented development of future optimization models for supply chains.