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Presentation
Multi-agent simulation modeling of supplier selection for local food systems
Proceedings of the 2015 IIE Annual Conference and Expo
  • Hardik D. Bora, Iowa State University
  • Caroline C. Krejci, Iowa State University
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Disciplines
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Conference Title
IIE Annual Conference and Expo
Conference Date
May 30-June 2, 2015
Geolocation
(36.1626638, -86.78160159999999)
Abstract

Consumer demand for regionally-produced food has increased dramatically in the past decade, in response to concerns over food safety and quality, as well as the serious environmental, economic, and social equity issues that pervade the modern industrial food supply system. As demand grows, distributors of regionally-produced food (i.e., food hubs) face many challenges in their efforts to scale up, particularly with supply chain management. They must find ways to operate more efficiently without undermining their support for the regional farming community. In this paper we describe a multi-agent simulation model of a theoretical regional food system in which multiple farmer-agents produce food, negotiate with a regional food-hub-agent, and try to sell their food at the best possible price. Using this model, we compare the effects of various food hub supplier selection policies on system outcomes, in terms of food hub profitability, the cost of quality, transaction costs, the number of farmers required to satisfy demand, and the size distribution of these farmers. Results suggest that the food hub’s selection policy significantly impacts long-term system performance.

Comments

This proceeding was published as Bora, Hardik D., and Caroline C. Krejci. "Multi-agent simulation modeling of supplier selection for local food systems." In Proceedings of the 2015 IIE Annual Conference and Expo. Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE). Pages 2586-2595. May 30-June 2, 2015, Nashville, Tennessee. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
IIE
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Hardik D. Bora and Caroline C. Krejci. "Multi-agent simulation modeling of supplier selection for local food systems" Nashville, TNProceedings of the 2015 IIE Annual Conference and Expo (2015) p. 2586 - 2595
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/caroline_krejci/19/