Coupling influence of multiple disruptions in supply chain

To analyse the coupling influence of multiple disruptions, this study proposed a coupling utility model of multiple disruptions in a supply chain. The model was constructed based on the two functions of utility and degree of coupling. Then the supply chain model under disruptions was built and Anylogic was applied to simulate the coupling influence on the supply chain system. Taking the fire-explosion at the Port of Tianjin as an example, the coupling utility degree between disruptions was calculate. Then the simulation results were obtained to analyse the coupling influence under various characteristics of disruptions. Results show that the proposed methodology could analyse the coupling influence quantitatively and visually. The intensity coefficient of disruption is more significant than its frequency coefficient for the case. The research will provide reference for the control of multiple disruptions. Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.