Journal on Policy and Complex Systems - Fall 2015 , Volume 2 , Number 2
Assessing Values-based Sourcing Strategies in Regional Food Supply Networks : An Agent-based Approach
Caroline C . Krejci , Michael C . Dorneich , and Richard T . Stone
Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Iowa State University , 3031 Black Engineering Building , Ames , IA 50011-2164 , USA .
Corresponding author : Caroline Krejci , Iowa State University , 3031 Black Engineering Building , Ames , IA 50011-2164 , USA .
E-mail : ckrejci @ iastate . edu
Abstract The recent increase in demand for regionally produced food has resulted in a need for more efficient distribution methods . To connect regional food producers and consumers , intermediated regional food supply networks have developed . The intermediary , known as a regional food hub , serves as an aggregation point for products and information . It may also act as a filter to ensure that the requirements of both producers and consumers are consistently met . This paper describes an empirically based agent-based model of a regional food network in central Iowa that is intermediated by a food hub . The model was used to test a variety of sourcing policies that could be implemented by the food hub manager to improve operations . Results indicate that policies that protect producers from competition may have negative consequences for consumer satisfaction .
Keywords : local food distribution , food hubs , empirical agent-based modeling , values-based organizations , socially responsible supply chain management , sustainability
21 doi : 10.18278 / jpcs . 2.2.3