Supply network disruption: A framework for assessing vulnerability and implementing resilience strategies

Disruptions to food supply chains can have significant impacts on food security and economic stability. This study investigates the resilience of supply networks to such disruptions, focusing on the distribution of live fish between farms in England and Wales as a case study. A decision support framework is developed to assess network vulnerability and ensure operational continuity in the face of disruptions to the supply and demand balance. The framework incorporates a novel rewiring algorithm that dynamically reconfigures network connections to maintain the flow of goods. The algorithm predicts supply-demand pairs and adjusts connections to preserve functionality during disruptions. To evaluate the performance of the framework and algorithm, a combination of topological metrics, such as connectivity and redundancy, and operational measures, including supply fulfilment and distribution efficiency, is utilised. Through simulations of random and targeted node removals, the rewiring algorithm is shown to effectively mitigate the impact of disruptions, preserve network functionality, and help ensure a consistent supply of live fish. These findings offer valuable insights for managing disruptions in aquaculture supply chains and highlight the broader applicability of the framework to enhance the resilience of other supply networks. • Novel Rewiring Algorithm: The paper introduces a rewiring algorithm that dynamically adjusts network connections to maintain the flow of live fish between farms in the face of disruptions. This algorithm uses the edge-weighted Katz index (EWKI) to identify potential new connections based on network topology and distance. • Decision Support Framework: The study develops a comprehensive decision support framework for analysing network vulnerability and implementing resilience strategies in aquaculture supply chains. This framework combines network analysis, simulation modelling, and a range of topological and operational metrics to assess and enhance network resilience. • Simulation of Disruptions: The study employs simulations of both random and targeted attacks on nodes/edges to evaluate the performance of the rewiring algorithm and the overall resilience of the network. This approach allows for a robust assessment of the network's response to different types of disruptions. • Focus on Aquaculture: The research specifically addresses the unique challenges and vulnerabilities of live fish distribution networks in the aquaculture sector, a vital industry for food production and economic development. This focus contributes to the growing body of literature on supply chain resilience in this important sector.