scholarly journals Solving a Real-World Urban Postal Service System Redesign Problem

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Hao Yu ◽  
Xu Sun ◽  
Wei Deng Solvang ◽  
Gilbert Laporte
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Service System ◽  
Postal Service ◽  
Service Networks ◽  
Two Stage ◽  
Location Allocation ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Postal Services ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision

Due to recent technological advancements, more diversified customer demand, and increasingly harder competition, traditional postal service systems have experienced significant changes all over the world. In Norway, through a strategic reform called post-in-shop, undertaken in 2013, most postal services are now provided at postal service counters located in retailer stores in order to improve accessibility, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This has led to a complex decision-making problem for the redesign of urban postal service networks across the country. In this paper, a two-stage method is proposed to solve a real-world urban postal service network redesign problem. First, two location models are employed to determine the optimal locations of postal service counters. In the second stage, a simulation model is built to evaluate the urban postal service system with different location and demand allocation plans under a realistic and stochastic environment. Among other insights, our results show that the proposed two-stage method can be used to effectively improve the accessibility of postal service networks by making optimal location-allocation decisions.

scholarly journals Goal-driven active learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Bougie ◽  
Ryutaro Ichise
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Real World ◽  
Imitation Learning ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fixed Set ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision

AbstractDeep reinforcement learning methods have achieved significant successes in complex decision-making problems. In fact, they traditionally rely on well-designed extrinsic rewards, which limits their applicability to many real-world tasks where rewards are naturally sparse. While cloning behaviors provided by an expert is a promising approach to the exploration problem, learning from a fixed set of demonstrations may be impracticable due to lack of state coverage or distribution mismatch—when the learner’s goal deviates from the demonstrated behaviors. Besides, we are interested in learning how to reach a wide range of goals from the same set of demonstrations. In this work we propose a novel goal-conditioned method that leverages very small sets of goal-driven demonstrations to massively accelerate the learning process. Crucially, we introduce the concept of active goal-driven demonstrations to query the demonstrator only in hard-to-learn and uncertain regions of the state space. We further present a strategy for prioritizing sampling of goals where the disagreement between the expert and the policy is maximized. We evaluate our method on a variety of benchmark environments from the Mujoco domain. Experimental results show that our method outperforms prior imitation learning approaches in most of the tasks in terms of exploration efficiency and average scores.

scholarly journals Integration of AHP and GTMA to Make a Reliable Decision in Complex Decision-Making Problems: Application of the Logistics Provider Selection Problem as a Case Study

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 766
Author(s):  
Danijela Tuljak-Suban ◽  
Patricija Bajec
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Analytic Network Process ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Selection Problem ◽  
New Method ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Network Process ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision

When solving a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problem of any degree of complexity, many researchers rely on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). To consider mutual connections between criteria and clusters at the same level and not only the hierarchical structure between criteria and subcriteria, researchers often upgrade from AHP to the Analytic Network Process (ANP), which also examines the interdependency of criteria. However, the ANP method requires a large number of pairwise comparisons. In the case of a complex decision-making problem, the authors of this paper suggest upgrading the AHP method with the graph theory and matrix approach (GTMA) for several reasons: (1) The new method is based on digraphs and permanent value computation, which does not require a hypothesis about interdependency; (2) in case of similar alternatives, the distinguishable coefficient of the new method is higher than those computed for AHP and ANP; (3) the new method allows decision makers to rank comparable alternatives and to combine structurally similar methods without increasing the number of comparisons and the understanding of the results. The developed method (AH-GTMA) is validated by a numerical example of a complex decision-making problem based on a symmetrical set of similar alternatives, a third party logistic provider (3PLP) selection problem.

Using an AHP Rating Model to Select a Suitable Approach to Intellectual Capital Management

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Carlucci ◽  
Paula Kujansivu
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Rating Model

Although a large number of models and tools for managing Intellectual Capital (IC) have been introduced in the literature, the practical operationalisation of IC management still remains challenging. In particular, how managers can better evaluate and select a proper IC management approach represents a critical issue. Selecting a suitable IC management approach is a complex decision-making problem which involves a set of factors affecting the choice. As many factors should be taken into account in that decision, the problem can be tackled using multi-criteria methods. Through a synthesis of management literature regarding the approaches to IC management and the factors affecting their choice, the paper develops an AHP rating model, which keeps in focus the most meaningful elements to be considered in making decision on IC management. The paper presents the results of the application of the model within a not-for-profit organization.

ABSOLUTE: AN INFORMATION VISUALIZATION SYSTEM FOR DECISION SUPPORT IN SOURCING

2002 ◽  
Vol 02 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
JUHNYOUNG LEE
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Information Visualization ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Visualization System ◽  
Data Manipulation ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Direct Data ◽  
Complex Decision

ABSolute is a general-purpose, multi-dimensional decision support system which has a highly sophisticated visualization-based user interface for direct data manipulation. The interface and analysis facilities of this system enable the users to effectively view, explore, search, compare and classify data items to make discoveries, decisions or explanations about patterns, groups of items, or individual items with the highest level of confidence and knowledge. The usefulness of this system is demonstrated in solving a complex decision-making problem in a business environment: a bid evaluation and selection problem in corporate procurement using a RFQ (Request-For-Quotes) process.

scholarly journals AN INTEGRATED DECISION-MAKING MODEL FOR EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF THE FORKLIFTS IN WAREHOUSING SYSTEMS

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 537
Author(s):  
Eldina Mahmutagić ◽  
Željko Stević ◽  
Zdravko Nunić ◽  
Prasenjit Chatterjee ◽  
Ilija Tanackov
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Business Applications ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Warehousing Systems ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Decision Making Model

In the logistics world, special attention should be given to warehousing systems, cost rationalization, and improvement of all the factors that affect efficiency and contribute to smooth functioning of logistics subsystems. In real time industrial practice, the issue of evaluating and selecting the most appropriate forklift involves a complex decision-making problem that should be formulated through an efficient analytical model. The forklifts efficiency plays a very important role in the company. The forklifts are being used on a daily basis and no logistical processes could be done without them. Therefore, it has been decided to determine their efficiency, which will contribute to the optimization of the process in this logistics subsystem. This study puts forward an integrated forklift selection model using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) and Measurement Alternatives and Ranking According to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) methods. Five input parameters (regular servicing costs, fuel costs, exceptional servicing costs, total number of all minor accidents and damage caused by forklifts) and one output parameter (number of operating hours) were first identified to assess efficiency of eight forklifts in a warehousing system of the Natron-Hayat company using the DEA model. This step allows sorting of efficient forklifts which are subsequently evaluated and ranked using FUCOM and MARCOS methods. A sensitivity analysis is also performed in order to check reliability and accuracy of the results. The findings of this research clearly show that the proposed decision-making model can significantly contribute to all spheres of business applications.

Determinanten der Standortattraktivität Deutschlands für die Ernährungswirtschaft – Ergebnisse einer Expertenbefragung

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
Julia Höhler ◽  
Svenja Mohr ◽  
Anne Piper
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Location Factors ◽  
The Public ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Complex Decision

Die Standortwahl stellt ein komplexes Entscheidungsproblem dar. Besonders in der Ernährungswirtschaft spielen dabei neben den bekannten Standortfaktoren auch zunehmend weitere Faktoren, wie die Wahrnehmung der Branche in der Öffentlichkeit, eine Rolle. Im Rahmen einer Expertenbefragung wurden 70 Experten aus vier Bereichen der Ernährungswirtschaft um ihre Einschätzung zu verschiedenen Standortfaktoren gebeten. Die Befragungsergebnisse wurden in einem Strukturgleichungsmodell genutzt, um die Relevanz der verschiedenen Einflussfaktoren für die wahrgenommene Standortattraktivität zu bestimmen. Die Wahrnehmung (in) der Öffentlichkeit erweist sich dabei als besonders bedeutsame Determinante. The choice of location is a complex decision-making problem. Particularly in the food industry, other factors, such as the public perception of the sector, are playing an increasingly important role in addition to the known location factors. As part of an expert survey, 70 experts from four areas of the food industry were asked to assess various location factors. The survey results were used in a structural equation model to determine the relevance of the various influencing factors for the perceived attractiveness of the location. The perception of (or in) the public proves to be a particularly important determinant.

63 Moons-NSEL Merger: A Boon or a Bane for the Stakeholders

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (02) ◽  
pp. 369-398
Author(s):  
Shernaz Bodhanwala
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Real World ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
The Real ◽  
Major Fault ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
And Control

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, had ordered the mandatory merger of 63 Moons Technologies Limited (63 Moons) with its crisis struck subsidiary company, National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL), the electronic commodity spot exchange of India. However, 63 Moons’ board and promoters did not agree with the forced merger order as they believed that they were not at major fault behind the NSEL payment crisis. The case provides an opportunity to participate in the real-world complex decision-making process which involves the forced merger of two entities that may affect the interest of various stakeholders. The case allows examination of the issues such as related party transactions, internal monitoring and control processes, organizational structure and the regulatory framework which led to the payment crisis.

scholarly journals MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES

2019 ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
A. I. Mehdialiyev ◽  
H. M. Misirov
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Decision Making Problem ◽  
Complex Decision Making ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Optimum Solution ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy Process Method ◽  
Hierarchy Process ◽  
Process Method

In the presented paper to solve the problem was used the "Analytic Hierarchy Process" method developed by Tomas L. Saaty. AHP is one of the most popular analytical techniques for complex decision-making problems. In this method a decision-making problem decomposes into a system of hierarchies of objectives, attributes (or criteria), and alternatives. Then to obtain optimum solution uses judgements of experts with a special scale for measuring non-quantitative and method of establishing priorities.

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