Global Supply Chain: Using Systems Engineering Strategies to Respond to Disruptions

This book uses a systems-based approach of the tools and techniques of industrial engineering applied to the global supply chain. The specific application addressed in this book is the supply chain, which is disrupted due to COVID-19 and the closure of several plants in the chain.

The book presents the basic tools of industrial engineering applicable to a dynamic supply chain system. It recognizes the nuances of human factors in any commerce and industry and covers the basic elements of a supply chain from a systems perspective. It highlights the global impacts of disruption caused by COVID-19 and leverages the Triple C Model of system communication, cooperation, and coordination. It also illustrates the applicability of the DEJI systems model for supply chain design, evaluation, justification, and integration. Supply chain modeling optimization examples are offered and the introduction of a newly-developed learning curve model, applied to the global supply chain, is presented. The contents of the book are applicable not only to the food supply chain, but also to the supply of other commodities, including physical products, services, and desired end results.

The book is written for engineers working in production, civil, mechanical, and other industries. It will be of interest to engineering managers, consultants as well as those involved with business management. University students and instructors will also find this book useful as a general reference.