Modeling of Layered Supply Chain Network Considering Similarity

The supply chain network is a complex network with the risk of cascading failure. To study the cascading failure in it, an accurate supply chain network model needs to be established. In this paper, we construct a layered supply chain network model according to the types of companies in real supply chain networks. We first define the similarity between companies in the same layer by studying real-world scenarios in supply chain networks. Then, considering both the node degree and the similarity between nodes in the same layer, we propose preferential attachment probability formulas for the new nodes to join the exist network. Finally, the evolution steps of the model are summarized. We analyze the structural characteristics of the new model. The results show that the new model has scale-free property and small-world property, which conform to the structural characteristics of the known supply chain networks. Compared with the other network models, it is found that the new model can better describe the actual supply chain network.