Developing a two-phase model to configure uncertain knowledge-based networks

The purpose of the paper is to develop a bi-objective mathematical programming model to design knowledge-based networks with respect to both configuration costs and suppliers' risks minimisation. The study utilises a mixed-integer linear programming model addressing both the deterministic and robust optimisation approaches. The performance and applicability of the model has been tested by a case study in Iran. The comparison between the deterministic and robust optimisation models indicated that the robust model could efficiently deal with uncertainties associated with costs and demand amount. The given model can be applied for NPD and knowledge-based networks, in which the sustainable collaborations with suppliers is accounted for a critical issue. The potential suppliers can be evaluated with respect to their strength and weakness points in running a steady collaboration. It is required to establish reliable relations between the members of a knowledge-based network to strengthen further interactions, investigated here by a two-phase model.