Assessing and Optimizing the Reverse Logistic Process Using Computer Aided Modelling Techniques

Inhaltsangabe:Introduction: As the world population is growing continuously and emerging markets are expanding, natural recourses are being used even more intensively. Because of the scarcity of natural resources, industry faces a changing business environment. Due to government regulations, companies nowadays must handle not only in terms of efficiency, but also of sustainable development and new market opportunities. Thus, with the progression of the logistics sector in recent years, supply chain management and especially the concept of reverse logistics have become more important for both, industry and science. By utilizing reverse logistics, companies aim at maximizing their product revenue while reducing the costs of product returns. Accordingly, implementing an effective concept of reverse logistics, while manufacturing environmentally friendly products, has become a strategic issue. In order to meet the requirements, companies are confronted with the problem of reducing the uncertainties regarding the quality, quantity and timing of the product returns. In this context, a high level of uncertainty leads to a strong increase in complexity compared to the traditional forward supply chains. Using modern computer aided modelling techniques such as system dynamics, helps to counteract this complexity since they not only enable a better understanding of the dynamic behaviour of such complex systems but also allow an improved estimation of the impact of a changing environment and management decisions. This thesis contributes towards an improvement of the strategic decision making process in the field of reverse logistics by providing a generic simulation model which can be used to analyse the influence of different environmental and economical policies with respect to prevailing market conditions. To achieve this objective, the following approach is proposed: In Chapter 2, the theoretical foundation of reverse logistics is characterized forming the framework for the subsequent analytical approach concerning the appropriate model development. For this purpose, first, an overview of the state of the art concerning the processes and influencing factors within the field of reverse logistics is provided. This is achieved by describing the theoretical background of the topic, including a characterization of the impact of individual reverse logistic activities on each other and on their environment. Afterwards, current challenges and trends when [...]