Role of flexibility in supply chain design and modeling-Introduction to the special issue

In this introductory note. we describe the motivation behind this special issue on supply chain design and modeling. We begin by noting the Potential opportunities offered by flexibility of a system in enhancing its functionalities and capabilities. After defining the nature of flexibility, we briefly describe flexibility in a supply chain, pertinent issues, and potential tools and techniques utilized for designing and modeling flexibility in it. We close out with a brief review of the articles in this issue and their relevance to the interests of decision makers. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.