MIT-Zaragoza Speakers Series: Emre Berk

Prof. Emre Berk
Bilkent University, Ankara (Turkey)

"Stochastic Joint Replenishment Problem: Single Location and Multi-Echelon Models for Non-perishables"

The joint replenishment problem (JRP) refers to determining replenishment policies for either multiple items or multiple locations in the presence of economies of scale in combining orders form different items or users. The stochastic joint replenishment problem (SJRP) is its counter part when demands are random. Although there is a vast literature on the deterministic JRP, relatively few studies exist for the SJRP.

In this talk, I will discuss the performances of various proposed policies for the SJRP. The works to be mentioned are part of an ongoing funded-project. I will first focus on the single location, multiple item case. Then, some modeling and performance issues will be discussed for the multi-echelon supply chains. Based on an extensive numerical study, managerial insights will be drawn regarding supply chain design and operations.

From a managerial perspective, our findings shed light on issues such as: (i) impact of cross-docking on policy choice, (ii) impact of the role of the warehouse on operational costs, (iii) impact of policy choice on chain costs and their allocation, (iv) impact of policy choice of intra-chain dynamics and, (v) new policy adoption implications.

I will also talk about some directions for future research and other studies within our ongoing project.