Applying Web-Based Collaborative Decision-Making in Reverse Logistics: The Case of Mobile Phones

The increasing environmental concerns and the technological advances have boosted the post-use treatment of nearly all kinds of products and a new area for research and application has emerged described by the term “reverse logistics.” In this chapter, parameters that may affect reverse logistics operation are discussed from a decision-making perspective, so that alternative design options may be proposed and evaluated. In particular, these parameters are used for the qualitative evaluation of the reverse supply chain of mobile phones in Greece. For this purpose, we present an illustrative application of a Web-based decision support tool that may assist collaborative decision-making in conflicting environments, where diverse views, perspectives, and priorities shared among stakeholders have to be considered. INtrODUctION The increasing environmental concerns and the technological advances have boosted the post-use treatment of nearly all kinds of products, regardless of their size, composition, and initial value. Relevant legislative frameworks have been enforced in developed countries aiming at apportioning the responsibilities related to the recovery of end-oflife products. In addition, specific targets regarding product design and recovery rates are set, networks’ requirements are suggested and, last but not least, voluntary schemes are applauded. As a result, further extensions in research and applications of supply chain management have emerged described by the term “reverse logistics.” De Brito and Dekker (2004) defined reverse logistics as “the process of planning, implementing and controlling backward flows of raw materials, in process inventory packaging and finished goods, from a manufacturing, DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-114-8.ch018