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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2021

Srikant Gupta, Sachin Chaudhary, Prasenjit Chatterjee and Morteza Yazdani

Logistics is the part of the supply chain (SC) that plans, executes and handles forward and reverse movement and storage of products, services and related information, in order to…

Abstract

Purpose

Logistics is the part of the supply chain (SC) that plans, executes and handles forward and reverse movement and storage of products, services and related information, in order to respond to customers' needs effectively and efficiently. The main concern for logistics is to ensure that the correct product is placed at the right time. This paper introduces a linear model of shipping focused on decision-making, which includes configuration of shipping network, choosing of transport means and transfer of individual customer shipments through a particular transport system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, authors try to address the problem of supply chain network (SCN) where the primary goal is to determine the appropriate order allocation of products from different sources to different destinations. They also seek to minimize total transportation cost and inventory cost by simultaneously determining optimal locations, flows and shipment composition. The formulated problem of getting optimal allocation turns out to be a problem of multi-objective programming, and it is solved by using the max-addition fuzzy goal programming approach, for obtaining optimal order allocation of products. Furthermore, the problem demand and supply parameters have been considered random in nature, and the maximum likelihood estimation approach has been used to assess the unknown probabilistic distribution parameters with a specified probability level (SPL).

Findings

A case study has also been applied for examining the effectiveness and applicability of the developed multi-objective model and the proposed solution methods. Results of this study are very relevant for the manufacturing sector in particular, for those facing logistics issues in SCN. It enables researchers and managers to cope with various types of uncertainty and logistics risks associated with SCN.

Research limitations/implications

The principal contribution of the proposed model is the improved modelling of transportation and inventory, which are affected by different characteristics of SCN. To demonstrate computational information of the suggested methods and proposed model, a case illustration of SCN is provided. Also, environmentalism is increasingly becoming a significant global concern. Hence, the concept proposed could be extended to include environmental aspects as an objective function or constraint.

Originality/value

Efficient integration of logistical cost components, such as transportation costs, inventory costs, with mathematical programming models is an important open issue in logistics optimization. This study expands conventional facility location models to incorporate a range of logistic system elements such as transportation cost and different types of inventory cost, in a multi-product, multi-site network. The research is original and is focused on case studies of real life.

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

S. Mahdi Hosseini and Peyman Akhavan

This paper aims to develop a model for selecting project team members. In this model, while knowledge sharing among individuals is maximized, the project costs and the workload…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a model for selecting project team members. In this model, while knowledge sharing among individuals is maximized, the project costs and the workload balance among employees are also optimized.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem of project team formation is formulated as a fuzzy multi-objective 0-1 integer programming model. Afterward, to deal with uncertainty in the decision-making on the candidates’ abilities and the project requirements, the fuzzy multi-objective chance-constrained programming approach is adopted. Finally, by combining the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II and the fuzzy simulation algorithms, a method is proposed to solve the problem.

Findings

The computational results of the proposed model in a case study of project team formation in a large Iranian company from the shipbuilding industry evidently demonstrated its effectiveness in providing Pareto-optimal solutions for the team composition.

Originality/value

Seemingly for the first time, this paper develops a model to optimize knowledge sharing and improve the project efficiency through the selection of appropriate project team members.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 46 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2021

Peng Yan, Junying Liu, Xianbo Zhao and Martin Skitmore

The objective of this research is to develop a decision method that can generate appropriate risk response strategies for international construction project managers (PMs) and…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this research is to develop a decision method that can generate appropriate risk response strategies for international construction project managers (PMs) and allow these strategies to reflect their different risk preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimal model approach is adopted. A credibility-based fuzzy chance constrained programming (CFCCP) model is developed, which simultaneously minimizes the expected losses of risk events and total costs of risk response. To solve this multi-objective model, a fuzzy interactive solution method is used. Moreover, the model performance is demonstrated by a real international industrial plant project. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the model is conducted.

Findings

The result of the sensitivity analysis indicates that PMs with a greater risk aversion can lead to a higher mitigation ratio of expected losses of risk events and a higher total cost of risk response.

Practical implications

This research provides contractors with an effective decision-making model to develop a project risk response plan, and it will assist contractors to minimize risk losses and enhance the project performance in the international construction market.

Originality/value

Previous studies overlook the risk preference, which is an important behavioral factor influencing decisions in risk response strategy selection. This research proposed a novel risk response strategy selection decision method that considers different attitudes toward risk among decision makers.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 December 2021

Sara Nodoust, Mir Saman Pishvaee and Seyed Mohammad Seyedhosseini

Given the importance of estimating the demand for relief items in earthquake disaster, this research studies the complex nature of demand uncertainty in a vehicle routing problem…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the importance of estimating the demand for relief items in earthquake disaster, this research studies the complex nature of demand uncertainty in a vehicle routing problem in order to distribute first aid relief items in the post disaster phase, where routes are subject to disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

To cope with such kind of uncertainty, the demand rate of relief items is considered as a random fuzzy variable and a robust scenario-based possibilistic-stochastic programming model is elaborated. The results are presented and reported on a real case study of earthquake, along with sensitivity analysis through some important parameters.

Findings

The results show that the demand satisfaction level in the proposed model is significantly higher than the traditional scenario-based stochastic programming model.

Originality/value

In reality, in the occurrence of a disaster, demand rate has a mixture nature of objective and subjective and should be represented through possibility and probability theories simultaneously. But so far, in studies related to this domain, demand parameter is not considered in hybrid uncertainty. The worth of considering hybrid uncertainty in this study is clarified by supplementing the contribution with presenting a robust possibilistic programming approach and disruption assumption on roads.

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2024

Pengyun Zhao, Shoufeng Ji and Yuanyuan Ji

This paper aims to introduce a novel structure for the physical internet (PI)–enabled sustainable supplier selection and inventory management problem under uncertain environments.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a novel structure for the physical internet (PI)–enabled sustainable supplier selection and inventory management problem under uncertain environments.

Design/methodology/approach

To address hybrid uncertainty both in the objective function and constraints, a novel interactive hybrid multi-objective optimization solution approach combining Me-based fuzzy possibilistic programming and interval programming approaches is tailored.

Findings

Various numerical experiments are introduced to validate the feasibility of the established model and the proposed solution method.

Originality/value

Due to its interconnectedness, the PI has the opportunity to support firms in addressing sustainability challenges and reducing initial impact. The sustainable supplier selection and inventory management have become critical operational challenges in PI-enabled supply chain problems. This is the first attempt on this issue, which uses the presented novel interactive possibilistic programming method.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2019

Hassan Heidari-Fathian and Hamed Davari-Ardakani

This study aims to deal with a project portfolio selection problem aiming to maximize the net present value of the project portfolio and minimize the resource usage variation…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to deal with a project portfolio selection problem aiming to maximize the net present value of the project portfolio and minimize the resource usage variation between successive time periods.

Design/methodology/approach

A bi-objective mixed integer programming model is presented under resource constraints. The parameters related to outlays and net cash flows of existing and new projects are considered to be uncertain. An augmented ε-constraint (AUGMECON) method is used to solve the proposed model, and a fuzzy approach is used to find the most preferred Pareto-optimal solutions among those generated by AUGMECON method. The effectiveness of the proposed solution method is compared with three other multi-objective optimization methods. Finally, some sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the effect of changing a number of parameters on the values of objective functions.

Findings

The proposed approach helps corporations make optimal decisions for rebalancing their project portfolio, through launching some new candidate projects and upgrading some of the existing projects.

Originality/value

A novel bi-objective optimization model is proposed for designing a project portfolio problem under budget constraints and profit risk controls. Two types of projects including existing and new projects are considered in the problem. Minimization of resource usage variation between successive periods is considered in the model as one objective function. An AUGMECON method is used to solve the proposed bi-objective mathematical model. A fuzzy approach is applied to find the best Pareto-optimal solutions of AUGMECON method. Results of the proposed solution approach are compared with three other multi-objective decision-making methods in different numerical examples.

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2018

Harpreet Kaur and Surya Prakash Singh

Procurement planning has always been a huge and challenging activity for business firms, especially in manufacturing. With government legislations about global concern over carbon…

Abstract

Purpose

Procurement planning has always been a huge and challenging activity for business firms, especially in manufacturing. With government legislations about global concern over carbon emissions, the manufacturing firms are enforced to regulate and reduce the emissions caused throughout the supply chain. It is observed that procurement and logistics activities in manufacturing firms contribute heavily toward carbon emissions. Moreover, highly dynamic and uncertain business environment with uncertainty in parameters such as demand, supplier and carrier capacity adds to the complexity in procurement planning. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a novel attempt to model environmentally sustainable stochastic procurement (ESSP) problem as a mixed-integer non-linear program. The ESSP optimizes the procurement plan of the firm including lot-sizing, supplier and carrier selection by addressing uncertainty and environmental sustainability. The model applies chance-constrained-based approach to address the uncertain parameters.

Findings

The proposed ESSP model is solved optimally for 30 data sets to validate the proposed ESSP and is further demonstrated using three illustrations solved optimally in LINGO 10.

Originality/value

The ESSP model simultaneously minimizes total procurement cost and carbon emissions over the entire planning horizon considering uncertain demand, supplier and carrier capacity.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2021

Peiman Ghasemi, Fariba Goodarzian, Angappa Gunasekaran and Ajith Abraham

This paper proposed a bi-level mathematical model for location, routing and allocation of medical centers to distribution depots during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposed a bi-level mathematical model for location, routing and allocation of medical centers to distribution depots during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The developed model has two players including interdictor (COVID-19) and fortifier (government). Accordingly, the aim of the first player (COVID-19) is to maximize system costs and causing further damage to the system. The goal of the second player (government) is to minimize the costs of location, routing and allocation due to budget limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach of evolutionary games with environmental feedbacks was used to develop the proposed model. Moreover, the game continues until the desired demand is satisfied. The Lagrangian relaxation method was applied to solve the proposed model.

Findings

Empirical results illustrate that with increasing demand, the values of the objective functions of the interdictor and fortifier models have increased. Also, with the raising fixed cost of the established depot, the values of the objective functions of the interdictor and fortifier models have raised. In this regard, the number of established depots in the second scenario (COVID-19 wave) is more than the first scenario (normal COVID-19 conditions).

Research limitations/implications

The results of the current research can be useful for hospitals, governments, Disaster Relief Organization, Red Crescent, the Ministry of Health, etc. One of the limitations of the research is the lack of access to accurate information about transportation costs. Moreover, in this study, only the information of drivers and experts about transportation costs has been considered. In order to implement the presented solution approach for the real case study, high RAM and CPU hardware facilities and software facilities are required, which are the limitations of the proposed paper.

Originality/value

The main contributions of the current research are considering evolutionary games with environmental feedbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and location, routing and allocation of the medical centers to the distribution depots during the COVID-19 outbreak. A real case study is illustrated, where the Lagrangian relaxation method is employed to solve the problem.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Javad Behnamian and Z. Kiani

This paper aims to focus on a medical goods distribution problem and pharmacological waste collection by plug-in hybrid vehicles with some real-world restrictions. In this…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on a medical goods distribution problem and pharmacological waste collection by plug-in hybrid vehicles with some real-world restrictions. In this research, considering alternative energy sources and simultaneous pickup and delivery led to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and distribution costs, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, this problem has been modeled as mixed-integer linear programming with the traveling and energy consumption costs objective function. The GAMS was used for model-solving in small-size instances. Because the problem in this research is an NP-hard problem and solving real-size problems in a reasonable time is impossible, in this study, the artificial bee colony algorithm is used.

Findings

Then, the algorithm results are compared with a simulated annealing algorithm that recently was proposed in the literature. Finally, the results obtained from the exact solution and metaheuristic algorithms are compared, analyzed and reported. The results showed that the artificial bee colony algorithm has a good performance.

Originality/value

In this paper, medical goods distribution with pharmacological waste collection is studied. The paper was focused on plug-in hybrid vehicles with simultaneous pickup and delivery. The problem was modeled with environmental criteria. The traveling and energy consumption costs are considered as an objective function.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2023

Misagh Rahbari, Alireza Arshadi Khamseh and Yaser Sadati-Keneti

The Russia–Ukraine war has disrupted the wheat supply worldwide. Given that wheat is one of the most important agri-food products in the world, it is necessary to pay attention to…

Abstract

Purpose

The Russia–Ukraine war has disrupted the wheat supply worldwide. Given that wheat is one of the most important agri-food products in the world, it is necessary to pay attention to the wheat supply chain during the global crises. The use of resilience strategies is one of the solutions to face the supply chain disruptions. In addition, there is a possibility of multiple crises occurring in global societies simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the resilience strategies of backup suppliers (BS) and inventory pre-prepositioning (IP) were discussed in order to cope with the wheat supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, the p-Robust Scenario-based Stochastic Programming (PRSSP) approach was used to optimize the wheat supply chain under conditions of disruptions from two perspectives, feasibility and optimality.

Findings

After implementing the problem of a real case in Iran, the results showed that the use of resilience strategy reduced costs by 9.33%. It was also found that if resilience strategies were used, system's flexibility and decision-making power increased. Besides, the results indicated that if resilience strategies were used and another crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, supply chain costs would increase less than when resilience strategies were not used.

Originality/value

In this study, the design of the wheat supply chain was discussed according to the wheat supply disruptions due to the Russia–Ukraine war and its implementation on a real case. In the following, various resilience strategies were used to cope with the wheat supply chain disruptions. Finally, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wheat supply chain in the conditions of disruptions caused by the Russia–Ukraine war was investigated.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 792