Complex adaptive systems, agent-based modeling and supply chain network management: A systematic literature review

Abstract

In recent decades, researchers are turning to the potential of ABMs to study complex phenomena. Due to intrinsic interconnections, structural interactions and inter-dependencies, individual variations, and communications of various components, supply chain network should be accordingly treated as a complex adaptive system. ABM is dominant tool exploring the emergent behavior of supply chain network with numerous interactive agents. This paper aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the agent-based modeling in the concepts of supply chain and various fields of research. Using reputable databases, combining intended keywords and applying filters based on restrictions and indicators, a total of 123 relevant articles are selected from the valid journals and conferences in year 2010-2019, and 17 subjects in association with supply chain management and 23 subjects related to other fields are presented. Moreover, a brief history and the definition of the three basic areas including complex systems, complex adaptive system and agent-based modeling are provided. The main objective is to provide a perspective based on agent-based modeling and complex adaptive systems for researchers in different sciences and especially supply chain researchers, who are not sufficiently familiar with the philosophy and applications of these approaches.