A Two-Stage Stochastic Programming Model for Blood Supply Chain Management, Considering Facility Disruption and Service Level (2111.02808v1)

Abstract: In this paper, a blood supply chain network, where the occurrence of disruption might interrupt the flow of Red Blood Cells, is dealt with. In principle, the probability of disruption is not the only property confiding the network, but unprecedented fluctuations in supplies and demands also contribute to the network shortages and outdated blood units. Although the consideration of parameter uncertainties is of paramount importance in the real-world circumstances for a decision-maker, she or he would be willing to monitor the network in a properly broader perspective. Therefore, one of the eminent key performance indicators known as service level turned our attention. To tackle uncertainties in the mentioned network - comprising of the four conventional levels containing donors, blood collection facilities, blood banks, and hospitals - we present a two-stage stochastic programming model. Consequently, a toy-example is randomly generated to validate the proposed model. Furthermore, numerical analysis led us to a comprehensive service level analysis. Finally, potential pathways for future research are suggested.