Optimization of Stakeholders’ Interaction in the Lean Management Process via a Dynamic Game Theory Approach: A Case Study of the National Southern Oilfields Company

The aim of this paper is to assess and optimize the interaction of stakeholders in the lean management process via a dynamic game theory approach within the National Southern Oilfields Company. The present research is applied in terms of the purpose, and qualitative in terms of the data. Also, in terms of its nature and the implementation method, it is based on foundational data. To form the framework of the optimal stakeholder interaction management strategy and measure its effects on lean management (including the dimensions of components and indicators, etc.), scientific and legal documents were studied, experts who utilized the Delphi technique were interviewed, relevant data were summarized and, focus groups and brainstorming were held based on the data foundation method. The findings revealed that the organization in charge of the game selected Stackelberg’s game instead of Nash's game, since compared to the latter, the former could produce more than twice when it came to total profit, production of suppliers and manufacturers, etc., thus showing a 100% improvement compared to the cooperative games. In fact, in this study, the manufacturer under consideration preferred Stackelberg's game with the manufacturer acting as the leader and making decisions independent of the suppliers, gaining more profit and consequently more acceptance among people because of optimal production. In this model, three types of parameters played a key role in obtaining the outputs, the first of which was the cost of production. The rise in this parameter indicated the level of competition in profit and production. The second effective parameter was the coefficient of sensitivity to the level of demand for goods. An increase in this parameter caused a decrease in the profit and production of all members of the supply chain. Finally, the last effective parameter was the share of the base goods.