Optimizing inventory decisions in a multi-stage multi-customer supply chain:: A note

In this paper, we propose an n-stage-multi-customer supply chain inventory model where there is a company that can supply products to several customers. We formulate the model for the simplest inventory coordination mechanism which is referred to as the same cycle time for all companies in the supply chain. We conclude that it is possible to use an algebraic approach to optimize the supply chain model without the use of differential calculus. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.