A systems dynamics simulation model of a steel supply chain-case study

Mir Ahmad Mohammadi, Ahmad Reza Sayadi, Mahsa Khoshfarman and Ali Husseinzadeh Kashan

Resources Policy, 2022, vol. 77, issue C

Abstract: Considering the complexity, interactions, and dynamics that permeate the Supply Chain (SC), computational modeling and simulation promote determining the system's behavior and decision-making. Among simulation techniques, system dynamics (SD) investigate on recognition of variables and their dynamic behavior trend throughout time in the SC. This paper presents a comprehensive SD model related to upstream steel SC management up to four echelons: concentrate, pellet, sponge iron, and steel. The model noticed Causal-Loops Diagrams (CLD) and Stock-Flow Diagrams (SFD) and provided a simulation framework. The robustness of the proposed model was evaluated by implementing the defined model in a multi-echelon steel complex in Iran. Various scenarios were analyzed applying stochastic simulation to include selected random variables. Iron ore grade and tonnage play the most critical role in the network’s performance. With an approximately 4% increase in the iron ore grade, steel production costs decreased 2.4%. The influence of the simultaneous uncertainty in iron ore grade and iron ore supply in the range of extreme levels of actual historical data resulted in an increase and decrease of +14% and −32% on the total steel production costs, respectively. Furthermore, removing energy subsidies and increasing five times in price results in a rise in total expenses up to 60% and a fall in the marginal profit up to 48%.

Keywords: Supply chain management; Iron and steel industry; Simulation; Modeling; System dynamics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:77:y:2022:i:c:s0301420722001386

DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2022.102690

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