Logistics, Distribution Channels and Supply Chain Management

The research area entitled "Logistics, Distribution Channels and Supply Chain Management" deals with problems related to logistics and supply chain management at forward and reverse flows. Some related topics are included such as reverse logistics, urban logistics and agroindustrial logistics, as well as distribution strategies.

The researchers are interested in studies related to planning, designing, operation and analysis of logistics systems and distribution channels. Researchers are focused on modelling goods delivery; transport and warehousing networks; materials' handling and warehouse systems (intralogistics); reverse logistics systems; goods delivery and public transport in urban areas (city logistics); inter-firm relationship; decision structures in distribution channels; distribution strategies; key performance indicators and criteria for suppliers' selection, among others.

Considering a modelling  approach,  some  problem-solving  methods  are  used  such  as  discrete  event  simulation, microsimulation,  multicriteria  decision  analysis,  qualitative  analysis  of  relationships,  multivariate  statistical  analysis  and georeferencing models, by means of case studies or primary and secondary data collection and analysis. The studies refer to either agricultural, industrial or service sectors, at both markets: wholesale and retail.

 Supervisors:

Prof. Dr. João Eduardo Azevedo Ramos da Silva

Prof. Dr. José Geraldo Vidal Vieira