Reducing turbulences in industrial supply chains

Turbulent behavior of supply chains is drawing an increasing attention of researchers and managers in recent years. Better understanding of reasons and impacts of unsteadiness is interesting not only from the scientific point of view, but also crucial for the development of appropriate practical countermeasures. Many publications focus the bullwhip effect. Few consider other symptoms of turbulent behavior, than oscillations of material flows and stocks in supply chains or volatility of the demand. This paper takes a holistic perspective at turbulences in industrial supply chains, in terms of symptoms, effects and interdependencies. A relevant analytical framework is discussed, which employs both, qualitative and quantitative modeling. Initial results of empirical and conceptual research are presented. The final aim is to develop a well-justified methodology for simultaneous analysis of cultural phenomena and material processes. The two major streamlines of processes in supply chains were considered, i.e.: product development and production flow. The obtained and prospective results have both, scientific and practical importance.