Logistics Systems Dynamics Group

We aim to achieve world class research and education excellence in the advancement of management theory and practice.

The Logistics Systems Dynamics Group (LSDG) is a collaborative and collegial team interested in understanding the dynamic behaviour of logistical, or supply chain, business systems.

We bring together control theory, good operations management and industrial engineering practice, business process engineering and system dynamics simulation to form an integrated approach to logistics systems dynamics problem solving. We produce high quality and influential research within the Public Value ethos of Cardiff Business School, such as EPSRC research on remanufacturing systems and sustainable supply chain management. Our research on the dynamic behaviour of organisations has a positive impact on our members and collaborators. We add value to the careers of our members, enhance the research reputation of the University, and improve the performance of our collaborators.

The group was established by Professor Denis Towill, a long-serving and distinguished Cardiff University academic. He made a significant contribution to the Business School and the wider University across 50 years and will be remembered for his personal and professional achievements. Professor Towill passed away in August 2015.

In July 2017 we held our first Alumni Conference. Dr Peter McCullen from Brighton University, a long term collaborator with the LSDG, gave The Denis Towill Memorial Lecture, more details can be found on Peter's Blog.

Logistics Systems Dynamics Group alumni conference.

Collaborative research

Academics from the LSDG also participate in Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies (ASTUTE)

Selected publications

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Some of the projects currently being worked on by members of this group:

Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies (ASTUTE 2020)

Designed to stimulate growth in West Wales and the Valleys by applying advanced engineering technologies to manufacturing challenges, driving cutting-edge research development and innovation

Find out more about the ASTUTE 2020 project.

Recently completed projects:

Yeo Valley research project

5 January 2018 to 5 January 2020
Industry sponsored project
Led by Dr. Laura Purvis and Prof. Stephen Disney
Project aim: To aide Yeo Valley in increasing the flexibility of their production systems by implementing the most advanced inventory and capacity management techniques
Award type: Research

Find out more about the Yeo Valley research project.

Resilient Remanufacturing Networks: Forecasting, Informatics and Holons

1 October 2016 to 30 September 2018
Sponsored by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Led by Professor Aris Syntetos with Professor Mohamed Naim, Dr Ying Liu (Cardiff School of Engineering)
Award type: Research

To develop and apply a novel inventory control decision support system for closed loop supply chains found in the remanufacturing environment

15 February 2016 to 14 February 2018
Sponsored by Technology Board, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Qioptiq Ltd
Led by Professor Aris Syntetos
Award type: Knowledge Transfer Partnership

To combine advanced supply chain and 3D Printing solutions

13 January 2016 to 31 January 2018
Sponsored by Technology Board, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Panalpina World Transport Ltd
Led by Professor Aris Syntetos
Award type: Knowledge Transfer Partnership

Engaged Manufacturing

1 January 2016 to 31 January 2017
Sponsored by Cardiff Business School
Led by Dr Andrew Potter with Dr Daniel Eyers, Dr Jonathan Gosling, Dr Laura Purvis and Dr Michael Ryan
Award type: Research