Complexity Analysis and Control of Output Competition in a Closed-Loop Supply Chain of Cross-Border E-Commerce Under Different Logistics Modes Considering Chain-to-Chain Information Asymmetry.

To investigate the dynamic complexity of chain-to-chain output decisions in a closed-loop supply chain system of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), this study decomposes the system into four product-market (PM) chains, based on the e-commerce platform's information-sharing strategy and the manufacturer's selected logistics mode (direct mail or bonded warehouse). By combining game theory with complex systems theory, discrete dynamic models for output competition among PM chains under four scenarios are constructed. The Nash equilibrium solution and stability conditions of the models are derived according to the principles of nonlinear dynamics.

Seeding strategies for new product launch: The role of negative word-of-mouth.

When launching a new product, firms often give away free samples to seed the market. This paper aims to identify the optimal seeding targets, such as early adopters, social hubs, or randomly chosen consumers while considering the presence of negative word-of-mouth (WOM). Using agent-based modeling, it was found that seeding early adopters can generate the highest profit and the largest market penetration, followed by the social hubs and random consumers.