Building Resilient and Efficient Supply Chains; A Simulation-Based Approach to Network Design.

The main goal of this thesis is to investigate how resilient and efficient supply chains can be strategically designed to balance efficiency, responsiveness, resilience, self-sustainability, and adaptability. In the current global context, highly affected by disruptions, shifting consumer demands, and technological advancements, supply chain management has moved beyond cost optimization to become a key driver for competitive advantage. This research develops a conceptual framework that integrates network design, procurement strategy, and inventory management, drawing from models like Kraljic's matrix and supported by an original simulation work. A central contribution lies in the use of RStudio as a programming environment to develop a simulation-based scenario that tests how facility localization and supplier relationship structures affect performance outcomes. Sporadic case insights, mainly from Luxottica, demonstrate how global leaders achieve a balance between scale efficiency and local responsiveness. The findings highlight that proactive supply chain design, supported by collaborative procurement practices, advanced planning systems, and flexible architectures, enables firms to embrace volatility while capturing long-term value. By bridging academic frameworks with quantitative experimentation and real-world evidence, the thesis offers useful guidelines for managers aiming to build supply networks that thrive in dynamic environments.