Multi-Stage Efficiency Tools for Goal Setting and Monitoring in Supply Chains

Abstract

This chapter discusses the extension and potential application of some recent theoretical results on efficiency monitoring and throughput rate optimization for serial processes. In particular, we consider the relevance and adaptation of these results for use in monitoring and continuous improvement uses in supply chains or networks, with particular emphasis on the importance to e-business. Linear programming models based on ideas from Data Envelopment Analysis have been developed for maximizing the throughput of serial input-output processes in which one or more outputs of an upstream process become inputs to a successor process. We consider their adaptation to supply chain monitoring. We also propose some additional research needs in this area.