Structural mapping of public distribution system using multi-agent systems

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for mapping the Indian Public Distribution System (PDS) using multi-agent system (MAS). The entire PDS supply chain from purchase to the distribution is mapped in detail by integrating stages of PDS supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – Literature related to PDS, food grain supply chain (FGSC) and MAS is reviewed and critically assessed. Based on this a framework is proposed which will help in improving functioning of PDS. Findings – The PDS has many shortcomings arising from its complex structure and practices which are used to implement it. The authors propose an MAS to model it in which each entity will be modelled as an agent. The authors propose two stages of supply chain. First stage models the processes from procurement to storage of food grain and second stage model the distribution process. Practical implications – This paper will be of interest to the policy makers and decision makers involved in the PDS by providing the shortfalls in the system and also suggesting a method to model the PDS based on practices of food supply chains. Originality/value – This paper provides the decision makers in the PDS, a framework to model and assess the entire supply chain. This will help them in effective implementation of the PDS and also improve in the areas of concerns which are pointed the study.

Towards Auditability Requirements Specification using an Agent-based Approach

“…An agent-based framework is proposed for the managing of the Indian Public Food Distribution System that has been largely criticized due to its lack of transparency. It enhances the capacity of understanding the impacts on decisions about the supply chain, although transparency as a system requirement was not formally applied [14]. Carneiro et al [15] proposed an agentoriented architecture to increase effectiveness and awareness of dispute resolution of court processes.…”

Managing welfare driven supply chains: insights from the Indian PDS

“…A recent study has explored linkages of food availability through PDS with caloric intake (Shaw and Telidevara, 2014). The inbuilt complexity of PDS results in its poor performance (Ambekar et al, 2015) which necessitates ICT driven (Bohtan et al, 2017) structural reforms in PDS for implementation of food security (Tanksale and Jha, 2015). Literature is not much developed from analysis of PDS operations from supply chain perspective.…”

“…Ambekar et al (2015) Modelling of PDS using multi-agent systemTanksale and Jha (2015) Role of PDS in implementation of National Food Security Act, 2013Bohtan et al (2017) Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of PDS.…”

Implementing E-government Processes Distribution with Transparency using Multi-Agent Systems

“…As an example, a research focusing on data-mining techniques addressed by a multi-agent approach to detect the formation of cartels in Brazil was proposed by Ralha and Silva (2012). In Ambekar et al (2015), authors proposed a framework using MAS for the managing of Indian Public Distribution System of food.…”