Multi-objective optimization of multi-echelon supply chain networks with uncertain product demands and prices

A multi-product, multi-stage, and multi-period scheduling model is proposed in this paper to deal with multiple incommensurable goals for a multi-echelon supply chain network with uncertain market demands and product prices. The uncertain market demands are modeled as a number of discrete scenarios with known probabilities, and the fuzzy sets are used for describing the sellers’ and buyers’ incompatible preference on product prices. The supply chain scheduling model is constructed as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming problem to satisfy several conflict objectives, such as fair profit distribution among all participants, safe inventory levels, maximum customer service levels, and robustness of decision to uncertain product demands, therein the compromised preference levels on product prices from the sellers and buyers point of view are simultaneously taken into account. The inclusion of robustness measures as part of objectives can significantly reduce the variability of objective values to product demand uncertainties. For purpose that a compensatory solution among all participants of the supply chain can be achieved, a two-phase fuzzy decision-making method is presented and, by means of application of it to a numerical example, proved effective in providing a compromised solution in an uncertain multi-echelon supply chain network. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.