IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/annopr/v349y2025i2d10.1007_s10479-020-03900-5.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A robust optimization model for sustainable pharmaceutical distribution network design: a case study

Author

Listed:
  • Nassibeh Janatyan

    (Shahid Beheshti University, G.C.)

  • Mostafa Zandieh

    (Shahid Beheshti University, G.C.)

  • Akbar Alem-Tabriz

    (Shahid Beheshti University, G.C.)

  • Masood Rabieh

    (Shahid Beheshti University, G.C.)

Abstract

Today’s communities are struggling with environmental issues such as air pollution and greenhouse effect, and social problems such as creation of jobs, labor welfare, and decent work. In operations and production systems, it is necessary to pay attention to environmental, social and economic issues, which comprise the three dimensions of sustainability. Additionally, rapid change in economy, society and environment contributes to the uncertainty of the situation even. This study considers the concepts of uncertainty and sustainability in a pharmaceutical distribution network. It proposes a new model for sustainable pharmaceutical distribution network under uncertainty with three objectives through a mixed integer linear programming model. The variables of demand and cost of transportation are uncertain. The model was tested in a pharmaceutical distribution company. It was solved with RPP-II approach and using weighted sum, NSGA-II and MOPSO algorithms. After tuning the parameters of algorithms through Taguchi method, the three methods were compared. MOPSO had the best performance to achieve the best Pareto approximate. The output of this novel model helps managers to determine the main and local DCs as strategic decisions and the flow of medicine in each part as operational decisions. These kinds of decisions improve the environmental, social and economic conditions of pharmaceutical distribution networks and it is resistant to price and demand fluctuations in turbulent markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Nassibeh Janatyan & Mostafa Zandieh & Akbar Alem-Tabriz & Masood Rabieh, 2025. "A robust optimization model for sustainable pharmaceutical distribution network design: a case study," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 349(2), pages 911-930, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:annopr:v:349:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10479-020-03900-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10479-020-03900-5
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10479-020-03900-5
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s10479-020-03900-5?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eskandarpour, Majid & Dejax, Pierre & Miemczyk, Joe & Péton, Olivier, 2015. "Sustainable supply chain network design: An optimization-oriented review," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 11-32.
    2. Shiva Zandkarimkhani & Hassan Mina & Mehdi Biuki & Kannan Govindan, 2020. "A chance constrained fuzzy goal programming approach for perishable pharmaceutical supply chain network design," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 295(1), pages 425-452, December.
    3. Yu, Chian-Son & Li, Han-Lin, 2000. "A robust optimization model for stochastic logistic problems," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 64(1-3), pages 385-397, March.
    4. Klibi, Walid & Martel, Alain & Guitouni, Adel, 2010. "The design of robust value-creating supply chain networks: A critical review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 203(2), pages 283-293, June.
    5. Jyoti Dhingra Darbari & Devika Kannan & Vernika Agarwal & P. C. Jha, 2019. "Fuzzy criteria programming approach for optimising the TBL performance of closed loop supply chain network design problem," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 273(1), pages 693-738, February.
    6. Mohammad Fattahi, 2020. "A data-driven approach for supply chain network design under uncertainty with consideration of social concerns," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 288(1), pages 265-284, May.
    7. John M. Mulvey & Robert J. Vanderbei & Stavros A. Zenios, 1995. "Robust Optimization of Large-Scale Systems," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 43(2), pages 264-281, April.
    8. Abbas Ahmadi & Mohammad Mousazadeh & S. Ali Torabi & Mir Saman Pishvaee, 2018. "OR Applications in Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management," International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, in: Cengiz Kahraman & Y. Ilker Topcu (ed.), Operations Research Applications in Health Care Management, chapter 0, pages 461-491, Springer.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Gilani, Hani & Sahebi, Hadi, 2022. "A data-driven robust optimization model by cutting hyperplanes on vaccine access uncertainty in COVID-19 vaccine supply chain," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    2. Masoud Hekmatfar & M. R. M. Aliha & Mir Saman Pishvaee & Tomasz Sadowski, 2023. "A Robust Flexible Optimization Model for 3D-Layout of Interior Equipment in a Multi-Floor Satellite," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-41, December.
    3. Bairamzadeh, Samira & Saidi-Mehrabad, Mohammad & Pishvaee, Mir Saman, 2018. "Modelling different types of uncertainty in biofuel supply network design and planning: A robust optimization approach," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(PA), pages 500-517.
    4. Lida Safari & Seyed Jafar Sadjadi & Farzad Movahedi Sobhani, 2024. "Resilient and sustainable supply chain design and planning under supply disruption risk using a multi-objective scenario-based robust optimization model," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(11), pages 27485-27527, November.
    5. Mohammaddust, Faeghe & Rezapour, Shabnam & Farahani, Reza Zanjirani & Mofidfar, Mohammad & Hill, Alex, 2017. "Developing lean and responsive supply chains: A robust model for alternative risk mitigation strategies in supply chain designs," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 183(PC), pages 632-653.
    6. Ouhimmou, Mustapha & Nourelfath, Mustapha & Bouchard, Mathieu & Bricha, Naji, 2019. "Design of robust distribution network under demand uncertainty: A case study in the pulp and paper," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 96-105.
    7. Becker, Tristan & Wolff, Michael & Linzenich, Anika & Engelmann, Linda & Arning, Katrin & Ziefle, Martina & Walther, Grit, 2024. "An integrated bi-objective optimization model accounting for the social acceptance of renewable fuel production networks," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 315(1), pages 354-367.
    8. Huang, Edward & Goetschalckx, Marc, 2014. "Strategic robust supply chain design based on the Pareto-optimal tradeoff between efficiency and risk," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 237(2), pages 508-518.
    9. Shiva Zokaee & Armin Jabbarzadeh & Behnam Fahimnia & Seyed Jafar Sadjadi, 2017. "Robust supply chain network design: an optimization model with real world application," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 257(1), pages 15-44, October.
    10. Jahani, Hamed & Abbasi, Babak & Sheu, Jiuh-Biing & Klibi, Walid, 2024. "Supply chain network design with financial considerations: A comprehensive review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 312(3), pages 799-839.
    11. Li, Lei & Manier, Hervé & Manier, Marie-Ange, 2019. "Hydrogen supply chain network design: An optimization-oriented review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 342-360.
    12. JongChol Kim & RuoZhen Qiu & JinHyok Jon & Minghe Sun, 2025. "Multi-objective programming for multi-period multi-product closed-loop supply chain network design: a fuzzy robust optimization approach," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(5), pages 10203-10239, May.
    13. Nafiseh Fallahi & Ashkan Hafezalkotob & Sadigh Raissi & Vahidreza Ghezavati, 2023. "Cooperation and coopetition among retailers-third party logistics providers alliances under different risk behaviors, uncertainty demand and environmental considerations," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(6), pages 5597-5633, June.
    14. Jihee Han & KwangSup Shin, 2016. "Evaluation mechanism for structural robustness of supply chain considering disruption propagation," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(1), pages 135-151, January.
    15. Tsai, Jung-Fa, 2007. "An optimization approach for supply chain management models with quantity discount policy," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 177(2), pages 982-994, March.
    16. Antonio G. Martín & Manuel Díaz-Madroñero & Josefa Mula, 2020. "Master production schedule using robust optimization approaches in an automobile second-tier supplier," Central European Journal of Operations Research, Springer;Slovak Society for Operations Research;Hungarian Operational Research Society;Czech Society for Operations Research;Österr. Gesellschaft für Operations Research (ÖGOR);Slovenian Society Informatika - Section for Operational Research;Croatian Operational Research Society, vol. 28(1), pages 143-166, March.
    17. Golpîra, Hêriş & Khan, Syed Abdul Rehman, 2019. "A multi-objective risk-based robust optimization approach to energy management in smart residential buildings under combined demand and supply uncertainty," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 1113-1129.
    18. Erfan Hassannayebi & Seyed Hessameddin Zegordi & Mohammad Reza Amin-Naseri & Masoud Yaghini, 2017. "Train timetabling at rapid rail transit lines: a robust multi-objective stochastic programming approach," Operational Research, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 435-477, July.
    19. Xu, Y. & Huang, G.H. & Qin, X.S. & Cao, M.F., 2009. "SRCCP: A stochastic robust chance-constrained programming model for municipal solid waste management under uncertainty," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 53(6), pages 352-363.
    20. Azaron, A. & Brown, K.N. & Tarim, S.A. & Modarres, M., 2008. "A multi-objective stochastic programming approach for supply chain design considering risk," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 116(1), pages 129-138, November.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:annopr:v:349:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10479-020-03900-5. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.