Toward Adaptive Logistics Management

The aim of this paper is to discuss the implications of a complex adaptive systems approach to the management of logistics operations. The research is a result of the need for managers of logistics operation to be able to adapt to the ever-changing demands of their environment and customer demands. The identified emphasis of mechanistic assumptions in traditional modeling of logistics is discussed and it is suggested that a change towards adaptive models and tools is needed. This means that the models have to be able to consider more complex behavior such as self-organization and emergent phenomena. A complex adaptive system (CAS) approach is applied by the use of agent-based modeling (ABM). Two cases are provided in which the CAS approach has been applied through ABM simulations. It is concluded the CAS approach implemented by the use of ABM can provide valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners within the field of logistics management.