What does this research mean for the field?

An exact mixed-integer model based on the least-core solution concept can identify optimal coalition structures in economic lot-sizing games, demonstrating that coalition formation among retailers is most beneficial when demand is high and joint ordering secures the lowest price from the closest supplier. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To formulate an integrated mathematical modeling approach based on cooperative game theory for identifying stable and optimal coalition structures in economic lot-sizing problems.

September 4, 2026Operations Management ResearchOpen Access

Optimal coalition structures in supply chains: a cooperative game approach to economic lot-sizing in emerging markets

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To formulate an integrated mathematical modeling approach based on cooperative game theory for identifying stable and optimal coalition structures in economic lot-sizing problems.
Developed an exact mixed-integer programming model applying the least-core solution concept to multi-agent economic lot-sizing games.
Tested and validated the formulation using Design of Experiments (DOE) on an empirical rebar retail market dataset from an emerging economy.
Identified that coalition stability among retailers is highest when product demand is consistently elevated across planning periods.
Demonstrated that combining orders to secure minimum pricing from the geographically closest supplier produces greater social welfare gains than other operational configurations.

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Implication

Optimization study demonstrates stable coalition formation maximizes social welfare in retail supply chains, indicating high demand and joint ordering optimize cooperation benefits.

Cite This Study

Razghandi et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a9ab0dc5d9e33f25c631ee2 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12063-026-00616-w

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Implication

Optimization study demonstrates stable coalition formation maximizes social welfare in retail supply chains, indicating high demand and joint ordering optimize cooperation benefits.

Optimal coalition structures in supply chains: a cooperative game approach to economic lot-sizing in emerging markets

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Optimal coalition structures in supply chains: a cooperative game approach to economic lot-sizing in emerging markets

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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