An evolutionary game approach of analysis for enterprises implementing reverse logistics

Reverse logistics has become one of the most important competitive strategies of enterprises. This paper addresses the problem of decision making on whether to implement reverse logistics for manufacturers. An evolutionary game model is proposed to facilitate decision making in competitive and cooperative market environments. The model contains two main processes: a replicator dynamic procedure and evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) analysis. The replicator dynamic process examines the evolution trend of the reverse logistics strategy under two different environments. ESSs are used to generate a stable strategy in the long run. A simulation experiment is conducted using the MATLAB simulation platform to verify theoretical results. By applying the evolutionary game theory to the study of the reverse logistics strategy, this study identifies best decisions for manufacturers.