This work brings together some of the most up to date research in the
application of operations research and mathematical modeling te- niques
to problems arising in supply chain management and e-Commerce. While
research in the broad area of supply chain management enc- passes a wide
range of topics and methodologies, we believe this book provides a good
snapshot of current quantitative modeling approaches, issues, and trends
within the field. Each chapter is a self-contained study of a timely and
relevant research problem in supply chain mana- ment. The individual
works place a heavy emphasis on the application of modeling techniques
to real world management problems. In many instances, the actual results
from applying these techniques in practice are highlighted. In addition,
each chapter provides important mana- rial insights that apply to
general supply chain management practice. The book is divided into three
parts. The first part contains ch- ters that address the new and rapidly
growing role of the internet and e-Commerce in supply chain management.
Topics include e-Business applications and potentials; customer service
issues in the presence of multiple sales channels, varying from purely
Internet-based to traditional physical outlets; and risk management
issues in e-Business in B2B m- kets.