Abstract:The possibilities of applying Operations Research (O.R.) techniques in the design of real-world systems are vast. The optimization and design of the supply chain network (SCN) is one of the relevant topics that has directed the attention of many scholars. Sound decisions in this regard, including the proper selection of the facility's location, transportation modes and routes and inventory management policies, can noticeably improve the systems performance. Over 380 articles published between 2005 and 2016 in the ISI/Web of Science database have applied advanced O.R. techniques in SCN optimization studies. This paper offers a systematic review of these published contributions by focusing on two categories of O.R. approaches most recently applied for the design of SC systems: integrated mathematical modeling and simulation-optimization (S-O) frameworks. A taxonomy analysis of the mentioned approaches is presented based on the supply chain elements. A bibliometric analysis is also conducted to provide technical insights into the possible gaps in the field. Moreover, the relevant studies on SC sustainability are highlighted. The research results are supportive of the S-O frameworks as either an alternative approach or an effective solution method for the integrated problems. The research outcomes can provide researchers in the field with useful details of the integrated problems and S-O frameworks as the most recent O.R. methodologies in the field of SC optimization.

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The Internet has brought about new possibilities for innovation and radically changed business activities. Internet shopping is a prime example of increasing popularity, which is exacerbated due to the recent pandemic. It is expected that e-commerce will accommodate more than a quarter of the total retail sales worldwide in the next few years. Given the characteristics of e-commerce, inventory management is of paramount importance for an effective and timely response to the online customers’ demand. Despite its relevance, the issue of warehouse excess inventory is not sufficiently studied in the operations management literature. This study explores the factors, including sustainability and strategic considerations, that influence the inventory destruction decisions as one of the alternatives for managing excess inventory. Applying the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method, the interrelationships between the decision factors are investigated and the decisive considerations are identified. Overall, the outcomes provide insights for the e-commerce practitioners and offer directions for modeling and managing inventory destruction decisions.