Design and Application of Genetic Algorithm Based on Signal Game and Newsboy Model for Optimizing Supply Chain

Reasonable communication and cooperation between enterprises are helpful for the efficient operation of a supply chain. To explore the maximum utility of an entire supply chain, we propose a supplier-manufacturer-seller supply-chain game decision-making model. We use the model as the fitness function of a genetic algorithm that calculates the optimal solution and optimizes the total utility parameters. We analyze the theoretical and practical properties of the supply-chain optimization process and implement it in MATLAB, which provides quantitative support and useful references for making business decisions and optimally managing a supply chain.

Fuzzy random Newsboy problem with chance distribution

Due to increasing difficulty and challenging issues of newsboy problem under uncertainty, managers seek newer and appropriate approaches to apprehend more accurately the demand for perishable products and or the products having a short shelf life. This paper investigates a newsboy problem with fuzzy random demand in a single product business scenario. The classical newsboy model is extended to a fuzzy random newsboy problem to determine the optimal order quantity and expected profit under hybrid uncertainty. To solve the proposed model, a new solution approach based on chance constraint programming is proposed to formulate the crisp equivalent form of the fuzzy random newsboy model. Numerical examples and a real-life case study are presented to show the utility of the projected model. From the outcomes, decision makers can make comprehensive recommendations for the optimal order quantity and expected profit obtained by our proposed model under two-folded uncertainty. Also, a sensitivity analysis suggests that the profit and order quantity will increase (or decrease) with the increase (or decrease) of the mean demand.

Optimal Replenishment Policy for Deteriorating Products in a Newsboy Problem with Multiple Just-in-Time Deliveries

Product deterioration is a common phenomenon and is overlooked in most contemporary research on the newsboy problem. In this study, we have considered product deterioration in a production–inventory newsboy model based on multiple just-in-time (JIT) deliveries. This model is solved by a classical optimization technique for the manufacturer production size, wholesale price, replenishment plan, and retailer order policy using a distribution-free approach. Moreover, in order to improve business and entice more customers, a return policy and a post-sale warranty policy is adopted in the model. Theoretical development and numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the validity of this approach.

Optimal Ordering Strategy for Goods at Multiple Retail Prices under Simultaneous Sales

To stimulate purchases from consumers, retailers nowadays use the multiple retail prices strategy (MRPS), i.e., selling the products at multiple prices simultaneously. The paper extends the current newsboy model and proposes an optimal ordering model for MRPS corresponding to uncertain consumer demands. The Lagrangian multiplier method is applied to solve the problem, and an algorithm for finding the approximate optimal total order quantity is designed. Numerical results show that MRPS is better than the single retail price strategy (SRPS). It further reveals that when there is an order quantity constraint, the retailer needs to control the number of retail prices; that is, retailer’s MRPS is affected by order quantity constraint; sensitivity analysis demonstrates that MRPS is also affected by the price discount coefficient in the case of no order quantity constraint while it is not affected by demand volatility. The research work provides some useful managerial inspirations for retailers.