Coordinating a three-stage closed-loop supply chain considering the effects of changes in the return rates and number of plants (Q1942861)

Summary: An inventory coordination mechanism in a closed-loop supply chain is examined in this paper. A three-stage closed-loop supply chain model benefiting from the proposed formulas in the literature is reformulated in the paper. The effects of changes in the return rates and the number of plants on the joint total relevant cost and cycle time are investigated with these rearranged formulas. This investigation is performed by two dimensions, which are equal cycle time and integer multiplier coordination mechanisms. The results of these two coordination mechanisms are finally compared and the usability of the model results on real-life applications is emphasised in the paper.