3. Lack of features and opportunities for research
Tables 1 and 2 summarize the main models found
in the literature. By observing these tables, we can
conclude that very few models consider important
stochastic aspects of a global supply chain, such as
customer service level and lead times. In addition,
most of the models do not include single sourcing,
inventory costs, and BOM constraints; the latter
characteristics are fundamental for assembly systems,
especially when different parts to make up a
finished product come from several countries in the
world. Although the only model that appears to
consider most oft he aspects concerning an international
supply chain is the model framework by Cohen
and Kleindorfer (1993), the authors do not show
any mathematical formulation in this paper. Additionally,
the specific application of their model in
Cohen and Lee (1989) makes assumptions that transform
the 0riginai framework into a more tractable
but less general model.