Developing a Value-based Optimization Model for Designing a Multi-echelon Supply Chain Network

This study developed a mathematical programming model in order to consider an SCND problem. In this model, the operational and financial decisions are simultaneously considered to design a supply chain network. It also paves the way for opening or closing facilities in order to adapt to fluctuations at market. Furthermore, an accounts payable policy is provided for the company managers because bank loans, liability repayment and new capital from shareholders are considered as decision variables in this model. The economic value added (EVA) index was also used besides the common operational objectives and constraints in order that the financial performance of supply chain and lower and / or upper limit value for financial rations to be measured. To demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model, a test problem from the recent literature is used. And also, sensitivity analyses to evaluate the results are provided to obtain better insight and access to different aspects of the problem. The results illustrate that with appropriate financial decisions, creating more value for the company and its shareholders is achievable since the total created value by the proposed model with a new financial approach is able to improve the total created shareholder value as much as 21.05% and convince the decision-makers to apply it as an effective decision tool.