Assessing the Vulnerability of Logistics Service Supply Chain Based on Complex Network

Fei Ma, Huifeng Xue, Kum Fai Yuen, Qipeng Sun, Shumei Zhao, Yanxia Zhang and Kai Huang
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Fei Ma: School of Economics and Management, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710000, China
Huifeng Xue: School of Economics and Management, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710000, China
Kum Fai Yuen: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
Qipeng Sun: School of Economics and Management, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710000, China
Shumei Zhao: School of Economics and Management, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710000, China
Yanxia Zhang: School of Economics and Management, Chang’an University, Xi’an 710000, China
Kai Huang: Xi’an Traffic Information Center, Xi’an 710049, China

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 5, 1-18

Abstract: The reliable operation of a logistics service supply chain (LSSC) is a key factor for improving logistics efficiency and service level, and vulnerability is an important indicator of reliable LSSC operation. Based on complex network theory, we reconstructed the running mechanism of logistics service providers, integrators, and demanders. We constructed an improved structure model of LSSC. By observing the selected three indicators (clustering coefficient, maximum connectivity, and network connectivity efficiency), the influence caused by the problem will continue to spread to more subjects along the network when a problem exists in one part of the network. The results showed that the destructive power of deliberate attacks is far greater than the damage caused by random attacks, and the disruption of logistics service integrators will considerably increase the vulnerability of the LSSC. However, even if logistics service integrators are removed completely, the LSSC still can operate at low efficiency. Through a case analysis, we identified the vulnerable nodes in logistics service, clarify the vulnerable mechanism in LSSC, and provide guidance for the operation of LSSC in real life.

Keywords: logistics service supply chain; complex network; vulnerability measure; attack strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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