The multi resource leveling and materials procurement problem: an integrated approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 2135-2161
Author(s):  
Hessa Almatroushi ◽  
Moncer Hariga ◽  
Rami As'ad ◽  
AbdulRahman Al-Bar
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Resources ◽  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Lot Sizing ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Sequential Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ordering Policy ◽  
Solution Methods

PurposeThis paper proposes an integrated approach that seeks to jointly optimize project scheduling and material lot sizing decisions for time-constrained project scheduling problems.Design/methodology/approachA mixed integer linear programming model is devised, which utilizes the splitting of noncritical activities as a mean toward leveling the renewable resources. The developed model minimizes renewable resources leveling costs along with consumable resources related costs, and it is solved using IBM ILOG CPLEX optimization package. A hybrid metaheuristic procedure is also proposed to efficiently solve the model for larger projects with complex networks structure.FindingsThe results confirmed the significance of the integrated approach as both the project schedule and the material ordering policy turned out to be different once compared to the sequential approach under same parameter settings. Furthermore, the integrated approach resulted in substantial total costs reduction for low values of the acquiring and releasing costs of the renewable resources. Computational experiments conducted over 240 test instances of various sizes, and complexities illustrate the efficiency of the proposed metaheuristic approach as it yields solutions that are on average 1.14% away from the optimal ones.Practical implicationsThis work highlights the necessity of having project managers address project scheduling and materials lot sizing decisions concurrently, rather than sequentially, to better level resources and minimize materials related costs. Significant cost savings were generated through the developed model despite the use of a small-scale example which illustrates the great potential that the integrated approach has in real life projects. For real life projects with complex network topology, practitioners are advised to make use of the developed metaheuristic procedure due to its superior time efficiency as compared to exact solution methods.Originality/valueThe sequential approach, wherein a project schedule is established first followed by allocating the needed resources, is proven to yield a nonoptimized project schedule and materials ordering policy, leading to an increase in the project's total cost. The integrated approach proposed hereafter optimizes both decisions at once ensuring the timely completion of the project at the least possible cost. The proposed metaheuristic approach provides a viable alternative to exact solution methods especially for larger projects.

An integrated DEA-based approach for evaluating and sizing health care supply chains

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-231
Author(s):  
Zoubida Chorfi ◽  
Abdelaziz Berrado ◽  
Loubna Benabbou
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Interval Data ◽  
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Methodology ◽  
Dea Models ◽  
Health Care Supply

Purpose Evaluating the performance of supply chains is a convoluted task because of the complexity that is inextricably linked to the structure of the aforesaid chains. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present an integrated approach for evaluating and sizing real-life health-care supply chains in the presence of interval data. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the objective, this paper illustrates an approach called Latin hypercube sampling by replacement (LHSR) to identify a set of precise data from the interval data; then the standard data envelopment analysis (DEA) models can be used to assess the relative efficiencies of the supply chains under evaluation. A certain level of data aggregation is suggested to improve the discriminatory power of the DEA models and an experimental design is conducted to size the supply chains under assessment. Findings The newly developed integrated methodology assists the decision-makers (DMs) in comparing their real-life supply chains against peers and sizing their resources to achieve a certain level of production. Practical implications The proposed integrated DEA-based approach has been successfully implemented to suggest an appropriate structure to the actual public pharmaceutical supply chain in Morocco. Originality/value The originality of the proposed approach comes from the development of an integrated methodology to evaluate and size real-life health-care supply chains while taking into account interval data. This developed integrated technique certainly adds value to the health-care DMs for modelling their supply chains in today's world.

Supply chain performance measurement for third party logistics

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 944-963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhanya Jothimani ◽  
S.P. Sarmah
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Third Party Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Scor Model

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the applicability of the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the service-oriented sector – namely a third-party logistics (3PL) service provider. Design/methodology/approach – The performance attributes of SCOR model (reliability, responsiveness, flexibility, cost measures and asset management efficiency) are used as the basis for defining the KPIs. A questionnaire was sent to relevant decision makers. Findings – This paper illustrates the use of the integrated approach of SCOR, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for measuring the supply chain performance (SCP) in the light of a real life case study company. Research limitations/implications – This method forms the basis for performance measurement using the SCOR model to evaluate strategy. In this work, the performance of the company has been compared with its own previous performance. The work can be extended to external benchmarking and also to other sectors. Practical implications – The paper attempts to overcome the conflict between the top-down strategy and bottom-up implementation process. The paper links the strategic objective with operations which would aid managers at different levels of an organization with decision making. The KPIs, when implemented in a business intelligence (BI) tool, would result in real time performance measurement. Originality/value – The paper focusses on 3PLs. It provides a base for measuring the SCP using SCOR model. The paper also identified KPIs for three domains of 3PL, namely freight forwarding, customs and warehousing.

scholarly journals Discounted costs and obsolescence with the Joint replenishment problem

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Afonso ◽  
Pedro Godinho ◽  
João Paulo Costa
Keyword(s):  
Lot Sizing ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Joint Replenishment ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Joint Replenishment Problem ◽  
Ordering Policy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Item Types

Real life inventory lot sizing problems are frequently challenged with the need to order different types of items within the same batch. The Joint Replenishment Problem (JRP) addresses this setting of coordinated ordering by minimizing the total cost, composed of ordering (or setup) costs and holding costs, while satisfying the demand. The complexity of this problem increases when some or all item types are prone to obsolescence. In fact, the items may experience an abrupt decline in demand because they are no longer needed, due to rapid advancements in technology, going out of fashion, or ceasing to be economically viable. This article proposes an extension of the Joint Replenishment Problem (JRP) where the items may suddenly become obsolete at some time in the future. The model assumes constant demand and the items’ lifetimes follow independent negative exponential distributions. The optimization process considers the time value of money by using the expected discounted total cost as the minimization criterion. The proposed model was applied to some test cases, and sensitivity analyses were performed, in order to assess the impact of obsolescence on the ordering policy. The increase in the obsolescence risk, through the progressive increase of the obsolescence rates of the item types, determines smaller lot sizes on the ordering policy. The increase in the discount rate causes smaller quantities to be ordered as well.

An integrated fuzzy approach for classifying slow-moving items

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 595-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irem Otay ◽  
Embiye Senturk ◽  
Ferhan Çebi
Keyword(s):  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Classification Problem ◽  
Ahp Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Method ◽  
Slow Moving ◽  
Abc Analysis ◽  
Interval Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new integrated method for evaluating inventory of slow-moving items by introducing the application of fuzzy AHP method with interval Type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2FSs) and ABC analysis. Design/methodology/approach In the study, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method with IT2FSs is employed to set the importance of criteria. The weights obtained from IT2 fuzzy AHP are used to classify slow-moving items in ABC analysis. In the application part, a real-life case study is presented. Findings The result of this study indicates that an integrated approach utilizing IT2 fuzzy AHP and ABC analysis can be used as a supportive tool for classification of slow-moving items. The problem is solved under fuzzy environment to handle uncertainties and lack of information about slow-moving items. Practical implications Actual data are provided from an automotive company for prioritizing a various criteria to evaluate and classify stocks and a hypothetical model integrated with IT2 fuzzy AHP and ABC analysis is demonstrated. Originality/value Apart from inventory classification literature, the study integrates fuzzy AHP method by employing interval IT2FSs and ABC analysis to solve the real-life inventory classification problem.

Project scheduling and performance prediction: a fuzzy-Bayesian network approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pejman Rezakhani
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Network ◽  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Critical Path ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unknown Risk ◽  
And Performance

PurposeDespite the extensive research in project risk management and availability of several techniques and tools, quantifying uncertainty in project schedules remains a challenge. Current risk analysis models suffer from several shortcomings that need to be addressed to provide more reliable and valid schedules. This paper aims to present a dynamic decision support system with the purpose of providing project managers with necessary tool for making real-time informed decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach incorporates the widely accepted critical path method (CPM) calculations in a Bayesian network (BN). BN is employed to conduct inferencing and causal analysis and provide probabilistic results, which can improve the decision-making process. Time parameters of each activity in the CPM network is modeled by a set of simulation nodes in the BN. Prior probability distribution of activities duration is extracted from experts using a fuzzy analytical solution.FindingsThe model proposed in this paper is able to address some key outstanding issues of current project scheduling techniques through: (1) modeling the causality among different sources of schedule uncertainty, (2) minimizing uncertainty in experts' evaluations, (3) assessing effects of unknown risk factors and (4) using actual activity data for learning the behavior of project and predicting crew productivity.Originality/valueThe purposed methodology provides a framework for the new generation of project schedule analysis tools that are better informed by available knowledge and data, and hence, more reliable and useful.

Investigating preconditions for a financially advantageous cloud usage

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Jede ◽  
Frank Teuteberg
Keyword(s):  
Formal Model ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Capital Taxation ◽  
It Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Systems

Purpose Information technology (IT) expenses constitute an important factor when choosing efficient IT systems. Especially with regard to cloud computing (CC), decision-makers tend to associate cost benefits. In this context, cloud providers present often undifferentiated sample calculations which aim to verify the financial favorability of their IT solutions. However, the scientific literature tries to encounter this by means of various total costs of ownership approaches. But science mostly neglects essential factors and does not provide an integrated approach involving factors, such as cost of capital, taxation effects, use intensity or duration of use. Hence, the purpose of this study is to involve these factors accordingly. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a multi-method approach. First, existing literature is analyzed by a systematic literature review. Afterwards, the initial model is developed by means of a formal notation. Finally, the suitability of the formal model is evaluated by a real-life case study, where simulation software is used for investigating various scenarios. Findings The underlying paper discusses a formal model which integrates the four stated factors and enables decision-makers to compare cloud-based IT services on a comprehensive financial basis. Thus, the rational cost comparisons with traditional IT systems such as on-premise (OP) increase the transparency of the CC field significantly. Originality/value This paper shows impressively the importance of the four mentioned factors and their influence on the decision whether to implement cloud services or OP services. Herein, to the best of our knowledge and for the first time, a cash-flow-based comparison model is created for comparing cloud services and OP solutions.

Benchmarking the relationship between supply chain risk mitigation strategies and practices: an integrated approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 1683-1715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Kumar Tarei ◽  
Jitesh J. Thakkar ◽  
Barnali Nag
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Supply Chain Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between various risk management strategies and risk management practices in order to design and hence enact a suitable supply chain risk mitigation (RM) plan. Additionally, this study proposes a hierarchical framework to explain the mutual relationship between supply chain risk management (SCRM) practices and strategies by considering the underlying dimensions between them.Design/methodology/approachAn amalgamation of systematic literature analysis (SLA) and correspondence analysis (CA) has been performed to develop the conceptual framework. A real-life case of Indian petroleum supply chain has been considered to validate and explain the proposed model.FindingsThe results reveal three underlying dimensions, which associate the relationship between RM strategies. They are, risk adaptability of SC managers with a variance of 34.71%, followed by resource capability of the firm and the degree of sophistication of RM practices, with variances of 27.72 and 20.35%, respectively. Risk avoidance strategy comprises of practices such as supplier evaluation, technology adaption, flexible process and information security. On the other extreme, the risk sharing strategy includes revenue sharing, insurance, collaboration, public–private partnership and so on as essential RM practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe study not only focuses on the distinction between RM strategies and practices, which were used interchangeably in the prior literature, but also provides an association between the same by exploring the underlying dimensions. These underlying dimensions perform a crucial role while developing a risk management plan. This study explicitly focuses on the RM step of SCRM process. Pre and post risk mitigation phases of SCRM process, such as risk assessment and risk monitoring, are beyond the scope of the current research.Originality/valueThe paper develops a framework for mapping various RM strategies with their corresponding practices by considering the Indian petroleum supply chain as a viable case study. Various theoretical and business implications are derived in the context of the developing country.

scholarly journals Scheduling Optimization of Prefabricated Construction Projects by Genetic Algorithm

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5531
Author(s):  
Linlin Xie ◽  
Yajiao Chen ◽  
Ruidong Chang
Keyword(s):  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Engineering Application ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Scheduling Optimization ◽  
Implementation Method ◽  
Traditional Construction ◽  
Construction Project Scheduling

Prefabricated buildings are the direction of the future development of the construction industry and have received widespread attention. The effective execution of prefabricated construction project scheduling should consider resource constraints and the supply arrangement of prefabricated components. However, the traditional construction resource-constrained project scheduling implementation method cannot simultaneously consider the characteristics of the linkage between component production and on-site assembly construction. It cannot also fully adapt to the scheduling implementation method of the prefabricated construction projects. It is difficult to work out a reasonable project schedule and resource allocation table. In order to determine the relevant schedule parameters that can reflect the actual construction situation of the prefabricated building and meet the scheduling requirements of the prefabricated project, this study proposes a prefabricated construction project scheduling model that considers project resource constraints and prefabricated component supply constraints. Additionally, it improves the design of traditional genetic algorithms (GAs). Research results of the experimental calculation and engineering application show that the proposed project scheduling optimization model and GA are effective and practical, which can help project managers in effectively formulating prefabricated construction project scheduling plans, reasonably allocating resources, reducing completion time, and improving project performance.

Would integrating women's professional care of pelvic organ prolapse improve the symptoms and quality of life: an integrative literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-133
Author(s):  
Nicola Davies ◽  
Teresa Burdett
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pelvic Organ Prolapse ◽  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Conservative Management ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Pelvic Organ ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeIntegrated healthcare is a central tenant of the NHS Long Term Plan (NHS, 2019). NICE in 2019 published guidelines; advising the integration of multidisciplinary professionals which may lead to an improvement in conservative treatment methods of pelvic organ prolapse. Therefore, current literature on the conservative treatments for pelvic organ prolapse needs to be reviewed to ascertain if an integrated approach would improve the symptoms and quality of life for women.Design/methodology/approachA systematic review of the literature between 2013 and 2018 was implemented. Papers included were written in English, peer-reviewed and consisted of treatments of pelvic organ prolapse in women. Papers containing surgical interventions, postpartum participants, reviews, evaluations, guidelines, follow-up studies, focusing on cost effectiveness, sexual function were excluded.FindingsSeven studies in total were included, and two overarching themes were identified: quality of life after treatment and the effect of conservative treatment on pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. The literature suggested that integrating care had a more positive outcome on pelvic organ symptoms and quality of life.Research limitations/implicationsTo develop a robust enhanced model of care for conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse through more mixed method or qualitative research, that incorporates integrative treatment methods with collaboration from multidisciplinary professionals.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of integrating the conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse is the communication between the multidisciplinary team must be exceptional to ensure everyone understands and agrees the treatment that is being provided to patient. Also, effective teamwork is important to ensure the patient receives the best care with input from the correct disciplines. The multi-professional team will need to have regular meetings to discuss and implement care plans for patients that might prove difficult to schedule due to differing commitments and priorities. This must be overcome to insure a successful and effective integrated approach to pelvic organ prolapse is delivered.Social implicationsThe social implications of integrating the professional approach to women's care of pelvic organ prolapse involves reducing the severity of the symptoms therefore, increasing the quality of life. This may result in the reduction of surgical intervention due to the patient being satisfied with the conservative management. Through integrating the management of the prolapse the patient will receive an accessible individualised care plan pathway that focuses on treating or reducing the impact of the symptoms that are bothersome to the patient whilst managing patient expectations. Patients will also, be reassured by the number of multi-disciplinary professionals involved in their care.Originality/valueGlobal integration of conservative treatments and multidisciplinary-professionals specialising in pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction is needed.

scholarly journals Identifying integrated options for agricultural climate change mitigation

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Tzilivakis ◽  
Kathleen Lewis ◽  
Andrew Green ◽  
Douglas Warner
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Mitigation ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mitigation Options ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Environmental Objectives ◽  
Change Mitigation

Purpose – In order to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is essential that all industry sectors have the appropriate knowledge and tools to contribute. This includes agriculture, which is considered to contribute about a third of emissions globally. This paper reports on one such tool: IMPACCT: Integrated Management oPtions for Agricultural Climate Change miTigation. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – IMPACCT focuses on GHGs, carbon sequestration and associated mitigation options. However, it also attempts to include information on economic and other environmental impacts in order to provide a more holistic perspective. The model identifies mitigation options, likely economic impacts and any synergies and trade-offs with other environmental objectives. The model has been applied on 22 case study farms in seven Member States. Findings – The tool presents some useful concepts for developing carbon calculators in the future. It has highlighted that calculators need to evolve from simply calculating emissions to identifying cost-effective and integrated emissions reduction options. Practical implications – IMPACCT has potential to become an effective means of provided targeted guidance, as part of a broader knowledge transfer programme based on an integrated suite of guidance, tools and advice delivered via different media. Originality/value – IMPACCT is a new model that demonstrates how to take a more integrated approach to mitigating GHGs on farms across Europe. It is a holistic carbon calculator that presents mitigation options in the context other environmental and economic objectives in the search for more sustainable methods of food production.

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