An agent-based model to analyze the influence of IS integration and IS assimilation on the adoption dynamics of a green supply chain: The case of regional consolidation centers

To improve its economic and environmental performance, Carrefour, a major European retailer, restructured the distribution of logistic flows from its small and medium suppliers by introducing consolidation centers to expand flows and optimize resource sharing. The success of such an innovative supply chain (SC) largely depends on the number of suppliers deciding to adopt it without reverting to the previous SC. This specific context prompted us to propose a multi-agent model to analyze how the success of SC restructuring evolves as a function of delivery costs, information system (IS) integration and assimilation, and institutional pressures. Simulation results show first that, the lower IS integration in both the extant and the new SC, the more firms switch to and stay in the new SC. Second, a high level of IS assimilation in the new SC structure combined with coercive pressures fosters the success of SC restructuring.