A fuzzy AHP based integer linear programming model for the multi-criteria transshipment problem

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a holistic approach to maximize the customer service level while minimizing the logistics cost by using an integrated multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) method for the contemporary transshipment problem. Unlike the prevalent optimization techniques, this paper proposes an integrated approach which considers both quantitative and qualitative factors in order to maximize the benefits of service deliverers and customers under uncertain environments. Design/methodology/approach – This paper proposes a fuzzy-based integer linear programming model, based on the existing literature and validated with an example case. The model integrates the developed fuzzy modification of the analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), and solves the multi-criteria transshipment problem. Findings – This paper provides several novel insights about how to transform a company from a cost-based model to a service-dominated model by using an integrated MCDM method. It suggests that the contemporary customer-driven supply chain remains and increases its competitiveness from two aspects: optimizing the cost and providing the best service simultaneously. Research limitations/implications – This research used one illustrative industry case to exemplify the developed method. Considering the generalization of the research findings and the complexity of the transshipment service network, more cases across multiple industries are necessary to further enhance the validity of the research output. Practical implications – The paper includes implications for the evaluation and selection of transshipment service suppliers, the construction of optimal transshipment network as well as managing the network. Originality/value – The major advantages of this generic approach are that both quantitative and qualitative factors under fuzzy environment are considered simultaneously and also the viewpoints of service deliverers and customers are focused. Therefore, it is believed that it is useful and applicable for the transshipment service network design.

Assessing aviation e-marketplaces:a multi-criteria approach

After a proliferation of logistics e-Marketplaces during the dot.com boom of 1998-2000, there has been a high rate of failure and survivals are developing much more slowly than expected. This is the case in the aviation industry where a large number of B2B e-Marketplaces emerged according to the focus of aviation companies’ strategies on electronic B2B in the late 1990s. However, the current use of e-Marketplaces in the industry is low and many of them have ceased trading. The traditional e-Marketplaces model has been characterised by poor quality portals and a lack of technical standards. Such an approach is unsustainable in today’s competitive scenario. Improvements in website quality attributes may strongly contribute to the simplification of website functionality by users and speed up communication with all supply chain partners. In this context, it appears critical to develop models for the evaluation of e-Marketplace web sites. This chapter, after a discussion about the development of e-Marketplaces in the transport and logistics service industry and its application in the aviation industry, proposes a multi-criteria model for assessing different types of aeronautic B2B e-Marketplaces.

Cleavage initiation in the intercritically reheated coarse-grained heat affected zone:Part II. Failure criteria and statistical effects

In part 1 of this article, cleavage initiation in the intercritically reheated coarse-grained heat affected zone (IC CG HAZ) of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels was determined to occur between two closely spaced blocky MA particles. Blunt notch, crack tip opening displacement (CTOD), and precracked Charpy testing were used in this investigation to determine the failure criteria required for cleavage initiation to occur by this mechanism in the IC CG HAZ. It was found that the attainment of a critical level of strain was required in addition to a critical level of stress. This does not occur in the case of high strain rate testing, for example, during precracked Charpy testing. A different cleavage initiation mechanism is then found to operate. The precise fracture criteria and microstructural requirements (described in part I of this article) result in competition between potential cleavage initiation mechanisms in the IC CG HAZ.

Multiple criteria optimization of contemporary logistics distribution network problems

In the contemporary customer-driven supply chain, maximization of customer service plays an equally important role as minimization of costs for a company to retain and increase its competitiveness. This article develops a multiple-criteria optimization approach, combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and an integer linear programming (ILP) model, to aid the design of an optimal logistics distribution network. The proposed approach outperforms traditional cost-based optimization techniques because it considers both quantitative and qualitative factors and also aims at maximizing the benefits of deliverer and customers. In the approach, the AHP is used to determine the relative importance weightings or priorities of alternative warehouses with respect to some critical customer-oriented criteria. The results of AHP prioritization are utilized as the input of the ILP model, the objective of which is to select the best warehouses at the lowest possible cost. In this article, two commercial packages are used: including Expert Choice and LINDO.

Vector Combinatorial Problems in a Space of Combinations with Linear Fractional Functions of Criteria

The paper considers vector discrete optimization problem with linear fractional functions of criteria on a feasible set that has combinatorial properties of combinations. Structural properties of a feasible solution domain and of Pareto–optimal (efficient), weakly efficient, strictly efficient solution sets are examined. A relation between vector optimization problems on a combinatorial set of combinations and on a continuous feasible set is determined. One possible approach is proposed in order to solve a multicriteria combinatorial problem with linear- fractional functions of criteria on a set of combinations.

Complex skills and academic writing:a review of evidence about the types of learning required to meet core assessment criteria

Assessment criteria are increasingly incorporated into teaching, making it important to clarify the pedagogic status of the qualities to which they refer. We reviewed theory and evidence about the extent to which four core criteria for student writing-critical thinking, use of language, structuring, and argument-refer to the outcomes of three types of learning: generic skills learning, a deep approach to learning, and complex learning. The analysis showed that all four of the core criteria describe to some extent properties of text resulting from using skills, but none qualify fully as descriptions of the outcomes of applying generic skills. Most also describe certain aspects of the outcomes of taking a deep approach to learning. Critical thinking and argument correspond most closely to the outcomes of complex learning. At lower levels of performance, use of language and structuring describe the outcomes of applying transferable skills. At higher levels of performance, they describe the outcomes of taking a deep approach to learning. We propose that the type of learning required to meet the core criteria is most usefully and accurately conceptualized as the learning of complex skills, and that this provides a conceptual framework for maximizing the benefits of using assessment criteria as part of teaching. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.

Application of Methods of Multi-criteria Evaluation in Choosing a Method of Compression as a Means of Heightening the Information Security of System and Applied Objects

In this paper is proposed a model for researching the capability to influence, by selected methods’ groups of compression, to the co-efficient of information security of selected objects’ groups, exposed to selected attacks’ groups. With the help of methods for multi-criteria evaluation are chosen the methods’ groups with the lowest risk with respect to the information security. Recommendations for future investigations are proposed.

A decision support system for supplier selection and order allocation in stochastic, multi-stakeholder and multi-criteria environments

Integrated supplier selection and order allocation is an important decision for both designing and operating supply chains. This decision is often influenced by the concerned stakeholders, suppliers, plant operators and customers in different tiers. As firms continue to seek competitive advantage through supply chain design and operations they aim to create optimized supply chains. This calls for on one hand consideration of multiple conflicting criteria and on the other hand consideration of uncertainties of demand and supply. Although there are studies on supplier selection using advanced mathematical models to cover a stochastic approach, multiple criteria decision making techniques and multiple stakeholder requirements separately, according to authors' knowledge there is no work that integrates these three aspects in a common framework. This paper proposes an integrated method for dealing with such problems using a combined Analytic Hierarchy Process-Quality Function Deployment (AHP-QFD) and chance constrained optimization algorithm approach that selects appropriate suppliers and allocates orders optimally between them. The effectiveness of the proposed decision support system has been demonstrated through application and validation in the bioenergy industry.

Ideal Criteria for both Ideal Criteria for both X2-dy2 = M1 And X2-dy2 = M2 to have Primitive Solutions for any Integers M1, M2 Prime to D > 0

This article provides necessary and sufficient conditions for both of the Diophantine equations X^2 − DY^2 = m1 and x^2 − Dy^2 = m2 to have primitive solutions when m1 , m2 ∈ Z, and D ∈ N is not a perfect square. This is given in terms of the ideal theory of the underlying real quadratic order Z[√D].

About the Multi Criteria Ranging Problem in the Fuzzy Environment

Decision making and technical decision analysis demand computer-aided techniques and therefore more and more support by formal techniques. In recent years fuzzy decision analysis and related techniques gained importance as an efficient method for planning and optimization applications in fields like production planning, financial and economical modeling and forecasting or classification. It is also known, that the hierarchical modeling of the situation is one of the most popular modeling method. It is shown, how to use the fuzzy hierarchical model in complex with other methods of Multiple Criteria Decision Making. We propose a novel approach to overcome the inherent limitations of Hierarchical Methods by exploiting multiple criteria decision making.

Oscillation Criteria for First Order Delay Differential Equations

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 34K15.

On Pareto Sets in Multi-Criteria Optimization

Здравко Д. Славов - В тази работа се разглеждат Паретовските решения в непрекъсната многокритериална оптимизация. Обсъжда се ролята на някои предположения, които влияят на характеристиките на Паретовските множества. Авторът се е опитал да премахне предположенията за вдлъбнатост на целевите функции и изпъкналост на допустимата област, които обикновено се използват в многокритериалната оптимизация. Резултатите са на базата на конструирането на ретракция от допустимата област върху Парето-оптималното множество.

Assessment Criteria for Non-auditorial Educational Forms in Informatics

Report published in the Proceedings of the National Conference on "Education in the Information Society", Plovdiv, May, 2013

A Method for Solving a Class of Multiple-Criteria Analysis Problems

AMS subject classification: 90C29.

Oscillation Criteria for Nonlinear Differential Equations of Second Order with Damping Term

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 34C10, 34C15.