Learning, communication, and the bullwhip effect |
| |
Authors: | Diana Yan Wu Elena Katok |
| |
Institution: | aSmeal College of Business, Penn State University, 509H Business Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA |
| |
Abstract: | We investigate the effect of learning and communication on the bullwhip effect in supply chains. Using the beer distribution game in a controlled laboratory setting, we test four behavioral hypotheses – bounded rationality, experiential learning, systems learning, and organizational learning – by systematically manipulating training and communication protocols. We find that order variability decreases significantly in a setting in which participants start with hands-on experience, and are then allowed to formulate team strategies collaboratively. This result indicates that while training may improve individuals’ knowledge and understanding of the system, it does not improve supply chain performance unless supply chain partners are allowed to communicate and share this knowledge. Our results indicate that the bullwhip effect is, at least in part, caused by insufficient coordination between supply chain partners. |
| |
Keywords: | Bullwhip effect Supply chain management Experiential learning Systems learning Organizational learning Communication Experimental economics |
本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录! |
|