Implication of information disruption to supply chain improvement strategy decision - an entropy perspective

Impact studies relating to information security breach are few and somewhat understudied. This study was carried out with a view to create a better understanding of how information security breaches affect the performance of the supply chain and the role certain strategic factors (also called complexity drivers) play in either mitigating the level of impact or exacerbating it. Three categories of strategic factors are considered: ordering policy; supply chain structure; and information sharing/integration, and each category has 3 or more alternatives used for comparison. Using discrete event simulation (DES), the study found that these strategic factors help improve supply chain performance in the face of supply chain disruption as long as the right combination of alternatives are used. At another level, this thesis exposes the counter-intuitiveness of combining certain strategic factors. Beyond estimating the cost impact of information security breach, this study found that impact uncertainty has been overlooked in previous studies and this could be misleading and ultimately become the bane of existence for organisations that do not factor in the consequence of uncertainty in their impact cost estimation. This may result in treating a serious security threat as benign. Using the concept of entropy theory the study developed a methodology that helps measure the uncertainty associated with impact cost estimation. In addition a decision framework was developed, which includes an uncertainty cost implication component that helps make better strategic decisions. This study advances the field of impact assessment in that it proposes a more inclusive approach to impact assessment and helps in understanding where supply chain priorities lay both under normal and disruption circumstances. This understanding is key to making sustainable improvements to the supply chain either with a short term view or from a long term perspective.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of East Anglia

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Durowoju, Olatunde

Language dc:language

en