Propagation of Cascades in Complex Networks: From Supply Chains to Food Webs

TL;DR

This paper presents a unified theory explaining cascade phenomena in complex networks, such as supply chains and ecological food webs, linking their dynamics and structure to observed amplification effects.

Contribution

It introduces a general framework that explains and predicts cascade effects across different types of complex networks based on their interaction dynamics and structure.

Findings

Explains the 'bullwhip effect' in supply chains.

Describes trophic cascades in food webs.

Provides a predictive model for cascade amplification.

Abstract

A general theory of top-down cascades in complex networks is described which explains two similar types of perturbation amplifications in the complex networks of business supply chains (the `bullwhip effect') and ecological food webs (trophic cascades). The dependence of the strength of the effects on the interaction strength and covariance in the dynamics as well as the graph structure allows both explanation and prediction of widely recognized effects in each type of system.