## 2 Literature Review
### Empirical Studies  
The empirical studies using system dynamics methodology have focused on supplier and food distribution, as exhibited in [20]; the authors proposed a model facilitating the identification and study of the critical components of the overall supply chain, allowing the creation of an efficient and sustainable model. The model also provides a tool for the generation of multiple business situations for effective strategic planning and business decision-making.  
In [21], the authors used system dynamics to facilitate resilience planning for food security in rural communities; they found that stability in food systems was mainly driven by key actions and resources that moderate the effects of environmental changes on food availability and affordability.  
On the other hand, in [22], the authors applied game theory to a supply chain. Their supply chain consisted of a farmer and a local food retailer with stochastic exogenous demand and risk sharing policies; they used a single period inventory in which a single ordering decision was to be made before the sales period began to maximize the expected total profit.  
From another perspective, the authors in [23] exhibited the user interfaces (input and output dashboards) of a model to help decision makers modify the values of selected endogenous parameters and to see and compare the time-based values of the resilience factors and thus evaluate the risks related to the Operation Area in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The model represented the interrelationships among various resilience domains (continuity of government, energy supplies, movement of people, food and water, mass casualties, communication, and transportation) and provided a holistic methodology for a comprehensive resilience assessment for NATO.  
The authors in [24] reported recommendations on the potential of system thinking modeling in the use of causal loops; one of the phases in the system dynamics methodology encompassed the development of a causal model, considering exogenous and endogenous variables, as well as parameters that directly impact the behavior of one or more dynamic variables within the entities.  
According to the authors in [25], the system dynamics methodology could be used to develop a complex and dynamic system, such as in the energy sector and the food sector, which requires a comprehensive understanding of their constituent components and interactions. In consequence, this method requires an approach that can adapt to the complexity of the system dynamics.  
In [26], in partnership with the Wheat Society at southern Sonora, the authors reported a dynamics interface that would allow the observation of the quantitative scenarios in the distribution link. The method included the prior analysis of the wheat collection processes and delivery at the Port of Guaymas to attend to the demands of Algeria, Nigeria and Venezuela.  
The authors in [27] presented a study to find an alternative solution to the currently used production method using the system dynamics approach. Real conditions were captured in a model; then, a series of decision scenarios were performed to obtain the best results using computer assistance. The scenario results showed that soybean production could be increased to meet the needs of soybean demand in Indonesia for 20 years.  
The contribution of this research is the use of systems dynamics methodology in a regional product distribution process as a part of food supply chains. A graphical interface can be used for decision-making based on quantitative information with different policies used to run scenarios and predict possible answers before investing in and implementing solutions.