Selection of push/pull boundary in closed-loop supply chains and performance evaluation under dynamic factors
Öz
Context—In today’s competitive business environment, increasing sustainability concerns and environmental awareness have encouraged companies to adopt closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) structures. CLSCs involve not only the forward flow of products from suppliers to consumers but also the reverse flow, including the collection, recovery, recycling, and disposal of returned products. However, the reintegration of returned products into the supply chain increases network complexity, especially under dynamic market conditions. Therefore, effective management of forward and reverse supply chain processes is essential. In this context, the appropriate use of push and pull strategies and the correct positioning of the push–pull boundary constitute an important decision problem that directly affects supply chain performance.
Objective—The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different push–pull boundary positions on the performance of a CLSC. Specifically, the study aims to determine which service provider should be selected as the push–pull boundary to improve key performance indicators, including total profit, inventory holding cost, penalty cost, sales profit, and delivery lead time.
Method—In this study, a simulation-based approach was employed to model the CLSC structure. Eight different simulation models were developed, each representing a different push–pull boundary position at various service providers within the supply chain network. To systematically analyze the factors affecting model performance, the Taguchi experimental design method was used. This method enabled the determination of appropriate factor levels and the evaluation of different push–pull configurations under controlled experimental conditions.
Results—The results show that the performance of the CLSC varies depending on the location of the push–pull boundary. Positioning the push–pull boundary between the supplier and the recycling facility maximizes average total profit. A pure pull strategy provides the lowest inventory holding cost. Locating the boundary at the distribution center leads to better performance in terms of penalty cost and sales profit. In addition, placing the push–pull boundary at the wholesaler reduces the average delivery lead time.
Conclusion—The findings indicate that the position of the push–pull boundary plays a critical role in CLSC performance. Since different boundary locations improve different performance measures, managers should determine the push–pull strategy according to their primary operational objectives. The study provides useful insights for designing more effective and sustainable CLSCs. Future studies may extend this approach by considering uncertainty, multiple product types, stochastic demand, or real-world case applications.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Kaynakça
- K. Mathiyazhagan, S. Rajak, S. Sampurna Panigrahi, V. Agarwal, D. Manani, “Reverse supply chain management in manufacturing industry: a systematic review”, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 70(4), 859–892, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-06-2019-0293.
- G. Nakıboğlu, “Tersine lojistik: Önemi ve dünyadaki uygulamaları”, Gazi Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 9(2), 181–196, 2007. https://izlik.org/JA88FY96WB.
- T. P. Harrison, H. L. Lee, J. J. Neale, The Practice of Supply Chain Management: Where Theory and Application Converge, New York, USA, Springer Science & Business Media, 2005.
- S. Chopra, P. Meindl, “Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning and Operation”, Das Summa Summarum des Management, 1st Edition, C. Boersch, R. Elschen, Eds., Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA, Gabler Verlag Wiesbaden, 2007, ch. 4, 265–275. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-8349-9320-5_22.
- K. Takahashi, N. Nakamura, “Push, pull, or hybrid control in supply chain management”, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 17(2), 126–140, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1080/09511920310001593083.
- W. Masuchun, S. Davis, J. W. Patterson, “Comparison of push and pull control strategies for supply network management in a make-to-stock environment”, International Journal of Production Research, 42(20), 4401–4419, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207540410001716543.
- S. Kundu, A. McKay, A. de Pennington, “Selection of decoupling points in supply chains using a knowledge-based approach”, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part B-Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 222(11), 1529–1549, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1243/09544054JEM1165.
- N. K. Dev, R. Caprihan, S. Swami, “Strategic positioning of the push-pull boundary within a supply chain: An ordering policy co-ordination perspective”, Operations and Supply Chain Management-An International Journal, 5(1), 42–53, 2012. https://doi.org/10.31387/oscm0110073.
Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Üretim ve Hizmet Sistemleri
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yazarlar
Erken Görünüm Tarihi
2 Kasım 2026
Yayımlanma Tarihi
-
Gönderilme Tarihi
27 Mayıs 2026
Kabul Tarihi
27 Eylül 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Sayı: Advanced Online Publication