Dissertations / Theses: 'Chains of operation'

1

Worinu, Mark. "The operation and effectiveness of formal and informal supply chains for fresh produce in the Papua New Guinea highlands." Master's thesis, Lincoln University. Agriculture and Life Sciences Division, 2007. http://theses.lincoln.ac.nz/public/adt-NZLIU20080318.100431/.

Full text

Abstract:

The research aim was to gain a more detailed understanding of the operation of different key segments for fresh produce supply chains originating in the Highlands Provinces in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The research investigates a number of supply chain dimensions of effectiveness which include, value creation and integration of processes, logistics, quality, information, relationship/vertical integration and overall effectiveness. These were linked together in SC framework. Two potato chains were investigated, one formal, the other informal. The informal potato chain involves small holder farmers, input suppliers and local markets including kai bars and the urban market. The chain originates and ends within the Western Highlands Province. The formal potato chain has farmers, input suppliers, wholesaler/marker, transport companies (trucking and coastal shipping agents), supermarkets, hotels and kai bars. This chain originates in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province and ends in Port Moresby, National Capital District. The effectiveness of both the formal and informal chains was identified, and comparisons were made to see how each chain differed. The informal chain was found to have different problems to the formal chains. However, participants to both chains demonstrate a high entrepreneurial behavior. A key finding of the study was that the chains spread their risk by operating in multiple market segments and this can help to solve issues with variable quality. The marketers in each chain position themselves in these different market segments. It was clear from this work that focusing on functions and not the whole chain can lead to a distorted view of chain performance. For example, for the informal chain, a focus on logistics issues, particularly poor roads and problems with availability of seeds, can misrepresent the effectiveness of this chain. Therefore, it was concluded that it is important to look at the overall performance of each chain rather than looking specifically at particular chain functions in isolation.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Baker, Peter. "The Role, Design and Operation of Distribution Centres in Agile Supply Chains." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1826/3022.

Full text

Abstract:

The aim of this research is to explore the role of distribution centres (DCs) in agile supply chains, together with how they should be designed, operated and their performances measured within this context. The research is based, first of all, on a survey to ascertain the current situation, and then a series of case studies of international supply chains, DC designs, DC operations, and warehouse automation projects. The techniques used include questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, quantitative measures where appropriate and qualitative measures based on 5-point Likert scales. A number of constructs are used, particularly from supply chain agility and manufacturing agility literature, and these are refined and extended to form the basis for the research. The findings indicate that a prime role of distribution centres, particularly in terms of inventory-holding, is consistent with the decoupling point concept. Further roles for distribution centres in agile supply chains include cross-docking, postponement activities, and returns. The research identifies five types of agility, namely volume, time, unit quantity, presentation and information. The responses to these different types can then be categorised according to the combination of levels (i.e. supply chain, business unit, distribution network, and distribution centre), by the type of resource used (i.e. land / building, equipment, staff, and process / systems), and by how these are deployed (i.e. extra capacity, additional resources when needed, and flexible resources). Agility measurement can be undertaken using the categories of range, mobility and uniformity. With markets becoming more volatile, agility can offer a key source of competitive advantage. However, warehouses are by their nature long-term fixed assets and therefore difficult to incorporate into an agile strategy. The series of frameworks developed during this research begins to address this important area and thus forms a basis for further research as well as providing some initial frameworks to assist practitioners.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Riahi, Ramin. "Enabling security and risk-based operation of container line supply chains under high uncertainties." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 2010. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/5991/.

Full text

Abstract:

Container supply chains are vulnerable to many risks. Vulnerability can be defined as an exposure to serious disturbances arising from the risks within the supply chain as well as the risks external to the supply chain. Vulnerability can also be defined as exposure to serious disturbances arising from a hazard or a threat. Containers are one of the major sources of security concerns and have been used, for example, to smuggle illegal immigrants, weapons, and drugs. The consequences of the use of a weapon of mass destruction or discovery of such a device in a container are serious. Estimates suggest that a weapon of mass destruction explosion and the resulting port closure could cost billions of dollars. The annual cost of container losses as consequences of serious disturbances arising from hazards is estimated as $500 million per year. The literature review, historical failure data, and statistical analysis in the context of containerships' accidents from a safety point of view clearly indicate that the container cargo damage, machinery failure, collision, grounding, fire/explosion, and contact are the most significant accident categories with high percentages of occurrences. Another important finding from the literature review is that the most significant basic event contributing to the supply chains' vulnerability is human error. Therefore, firstly, this research makes full use of the Evidential Reasoning (ER) advantages and further develops and extends the Fuzzy Evidential Reasoning (FER) by exploiting a conceptual and sound methodology for the assessment of a seafarer's reliability. Accordingly, control options to enhance seafarers' reliability are suggested. The proposed methodology enables and facilitates the decision makers to measure the reliability of a seafarer before his/her designation to any activities and during his/her seafaring period. Secondly, this research makes full use of the Bayesian Networks (BNs) advantages and further develops and extends the Fuzzy Bayesian Networks (FBNs) and a "symmetric method" by exploiting a conceptual and sound methodology for the assessment of human reliability. Furthermore a FBN model (i. e. dependency network), which is capable of illustrating the dependency among the variables, is constructed. By exploiting the proposed FBN model, a general equation for the reduction of human reliability attributable to a person's continuous hours of wakefulness, acute sleep loss and cumulative sleep debt is formulated and tested. A container supply chain includes dozens of stakeholders who can physically come into contact with containers and their contents and are potentially related with the container trade and transportation. Security-based disruptions can occur at various points along the supply chain. Experience has shown that a limited percentage of inspection, coupled with a targeted approach based on risk analysis, can provide an acceptable security level. Thus, in order not to hamper the logistics process in an intolerable manner, the number of physical checks should be chosen cautiously. Thirdly, a conceptual and sound methodology (i. e. FBN model) for evaluating a container's security score, based on the importer security filling, shipping documents, ocean or sea carriers' reliability, and the security scores of various commercial operators and premises, is developed. Accordingly, control options to avoid unnecessary delays and security scanning are suggested. Finally, a decision making model for assessing the security level of a port associated with ship/port interface and based on the security score of the ship's cargo containers, is developed. It is further suggested that regardless of scanning all import cargo containers, one realistic way to secure the supply chain, due to lack of information and number of variables, is to enhance the ocean or sea carriers' reliability through enhancing their ship staff's reliability. Accordingly a decision making model to analyse the cost and benefit (i.e. CBA) is developed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Vogt, John Joseph. "The design principles and success factors for the operation of cross dock facilities in grocery and retail supply chains." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/50133.

Full text

Abstract:

Dissertation (PhD)--Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dissertation reflects the research done on the design principles and success factors for the operation of cross dock facilities in grocery and retail supply chains. The cross dock is a particular facility in the supply chain where goods are received from suppliers, sorted without storage of the goods, and then efficiently moved to downstream customers. Cross docks are not a new operation. However, the use in high volume grocery and retail operational capabilities is poorly understood and is not uniquely defined. The problem is that cross docks are often seen as extensions of warehouses. The same personnel, systems and processes are applied and the efficiency potential of the cross dock is not achieved. Warehouses are orientated towards storing the full range of product and allowing the pick to be done from this storage buffer to provide any or all of these products to a customer. Cross docks will only handle products that are used in larger quantities and that are sent to most, if not all, the customers. The cross dock is therefore distinct and very different from the traditional warehouse. The published research tends to focus on the technical aspects of the cross dock layout. This research is primarily in the scheduling of the trucks into the yard of the facility; the allocation of trucks to specific doors of the facility; and the allocation of doors to receiving and despatch functions within the facility. Very little information or research reflects the design principles and success factors for the cross dock and its supply chain. The only classification of the cross dock in the literature is whether the barcode is added to the item before or after receipt at the cross dock. For this research work a literature survey was conducted and five major operations were reviewed, in South Africa and the USA. The research empirically drew logical conclusions, which were tested in the operations and found to be correct. This allowed the design principles and success factors to be determined for a successful cross dock. The research extends the knowledge of the cross dock operation and design: - • A new classification for the feasible types of cross docks in the supply chain was developed. Three factors are shown to be of primary importance: - o Where in the supply chain the identification of specific items for a customer is done; o Where the sort is done for the items to be delivered to a customer; and o Whether the supplier is providing one product or multiple products to the sort. From these three factors, eight potential classifications could be defined. However, only three practical types of cross dock can be determined from these eight alternatives. These are named in this research as Cross Dock Managed Load (CML); Joint Managed Load (JML); and the Supplier Managed Load (SML). The cross dock is far more effective than the warehouse when the total work (excluding inventory) is considered. The earlier in the supply chain the product is identified for the use of the entire downstream supply chain, the more effective will be the total supply chain. Thus the greatest supply chain effectiveness possible is with the SML, then the JML and finally the CML. • The operation of a cross dock is very similar to a continuous manufacturing process. There is no buffer of stock to decouple the inbound and outbound processes, and the operation takes place in a restricted area. However, in the retail chain, the workload alters with different orders and different days. Daily load differences vary by as much as 90%. This results in vastly different workloads and variations of throughput. This is similar to a batch operation with highly variable workloads between batches. The literature recommends the use of Just in Time (JIT) practice for cross docks. This is inappropriate as its primary requirements are continuous full volume operation and continuous small improvements to achieve a balanced operation. The most appropriate method of process improvement is the Theory of Constraints (TO C) and not JlT. • The management must have a detailed, disciplined approach. This implies standardised methods of operation, and a high degree of training. Equally there is the requirement for a special type of personnel to operate the cross dock. These operating personnel must be able to operate with precision (i.e. very low error rates) and be able to maintain this capability for continuous periods. • The systems required for a successful operation must include the capabilities of Yard Management, WMS for cross docking, Order Management with Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) capability and Track and Trace across the supply chain. The items need to be identified by a barcode. The information required on the barcode will be determined by. the information systems capability of the least advanced service provider in the supply chain. If this service provider can receive and transmit all the data required for the supply chain from and to the other members, then the barcode need only be an identification number of the specific item. The data pertaining to the items is then passed from system to system in the supply chain. If data movement is not possible between all the parties in the entire supply chain, then the barcode must contain the information that will identify the item, the origin and the final delivery destination. If the items are delivered as part of a consignment, a further quantum of information is required to identify the total number of items in the consignment and the specific item within the consignment. • The research shows that the overall capability of the cross dock or its maximum capacity is the combination of the capability of the personnel and the cross dock design. Restrictions on either the personnel capability or the design of the cross dock, or both, severely reduces the effectiveness of the cross dock. • The previous research on the sequence of allocation of trucks to specific doors within the cross dock can be enhanced with a new sequencing method. The new method allocates the transport, in sequence of arrival, to the open door that either numrruses the walk distance in the facility; or maximises the completion of the consignments in order to minimise the area required to build the consignments; or a combination of both. The choice of these will be determined by the constraints imposed by the design of the building. This is an important extension as this ties the supply chain into the cross dock operation, rather than looking at the cross dock in isolation as has been done in this previous research. • The factors that influence the design of a cross dock as to its size, shape, number of doors, and the specifically required additional areas, is defined in detail. The principles of these factors and their inter-relationships and dependencies are used in a detailed design for a cross dock. The detailed design process is set out from data analysis through to the actual size calculations and layouts. Measurements of walk distance and sort movement are used to determine the most effective design. The design is shown to be considerably more effective than the older designs. This work has significantly extended the research on the design principles and success factors for implementation of cross docks in retail supply chains. The research derives a unique new classification for cross docks. An improvement is made to existing research on the allocation of the transport to particular doors in the cross dock. The operation, management and personnel are shown to require specific characteristics. The information systems required for effective cross docks is determined and defined. The identification of the individual items by barcode and the information required within the barcode depending on the information sophistication of the service providers in the supply chain is defined. A detail process to design a cross dock is evolved, with the full knowledge of the factors that must be considered and their interrelationships. Measurements to determine the effectiveness of the design are used to choose the most appropriate design. All these are then synthesised into a new design, which is far more effective than any of the other designs researched. The design process will produce a very effective cross dock as has been demonstrated with a new facility.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Bodea, Tudor Dan. "Choice-based revenue management a hotel perspective /." Diss., Atlanta, Ga. : Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/24739.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2008.
Committee Chair: Garrow, Laurie Anne; Committee Member: Castillo, Marco; Committee Member: Ferguson, Mark; Committee Member: McCarthy, Patrick; Committee Member: Meyer, Michael.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Oliveira, André Marcorin de. "Estimating and control of Markov jump linear systems with partial observation of the operation mode." Universidade de São Paulo, 2018. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/3/3139/tde-01032019-144518/.

Full text

Abstract:

In this thesis, we present some contributions to the Markov jump linear systems theory in a context of partial information on the Markov chain. We consider that the state of the Markov chain cannot be measured, but instead there is only an observed variable that could model an asynchronous phenomenon between the application and the plant, or a simple fault detection and isolation device. In this formulation, we investigate the problem of designing controllers and filters depending only on the observed variable in the context of H2, H?, and mixed H2/H? control theory. Numerical examples and academic applications are presented for active-fault tolerant control systems and networked control systems.
Nesta tese, apresentamos algumas contribuições para a teoria de sistemas lineares com saltos markovianos em um contexto de observação parcial da cadeia de Markov. Consideramos que o estado da cadeia de Markov não pode ser medido, porém existe uma variável observada que pode modelar um fenômeno assíncrono entre a aplicação e a planta, ou ainda um dispositivo de detecção de falhas simples. Através desse modelo, investigamos o problema da síntese de controladores e filtros que dependem somente da variável observada no contexto das teorias de controle H2, H?, e misto H2/H?. Exemplos numéricos e aplicações acadêmicas são apresentadas no âmbito dos sistemas de controle tolerantes a falhas e dos sistemas de controle através da rede.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Ben-Zvi, Noa. "(OR)² : operations research applied to operating room supply chain." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/91096.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2014. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.
Thesis: M.B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2014. In conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (page 63).
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is ranked as the top hospital in New England and second nation-wide. It is also the largest hospital in New England; it uses an average of 58 operating rooms, where approximately 150 surgical procedures are performed daily. Management of surgical supplies is a critical component of the processes supporting this infrastructure. Specifically, ensuring the right equipment and supplies are available at the right time is critical for the efficiency and quality outcomes of each of the procedures. The materials management group handles over 10,000 unique items, purchased from more than 400 vendors. The majority (60-70%) of disposable supplies are ordered through Owens & Minor, a medical and surgical supplies distributor. The supplies are stored in multiple locations throughout the hospital, including two central locations as well as carts and cabinets on the surgical floors and in the operating rooms. The work described in this thesis focuses on the inventory management of disposable surgical supplies, where the current system design has inefficiencies in the inventory levels and location of items. Using a data-driven approach, based on historical demand, we calculate base stock levels by item that maintain three days of inventory at a 99 percent service level. In addition, we suggest a methodology to support decisions on inventory locations of the different items. Implementation of the recommended changes is estimated to result in savings of 30-40% in inventory levels (and space), corresponding to a one time saving of $700,000-$900,000, depending on the implementation scenario. In addition, the reduction in inventory levels can be translated to future savings in inventory holding costs at an estimated 40% rate, leading to a saving of roughly $300,000 annually.
by Noa Ben-Zvi.
S.M.
M.B.A.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Shum, Wanhang. "Effective contracts in supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/40385.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-121).
In the past decade, we have seen significant increase in the level of outsourcing in many industries. This increase in the level of outsourcing increases the importance of implementing effective contracts in supply chains. In this thesis, we study several issues in supply chain contracts. In the first part of the thesis, we study the impact of effort in a supply chain with multiple retailers. The costly effort engaged by a retailer may increase or decrease the demands of other retailers. However, effort is usually not verifiable and hence not contractible. Based on the impact of a retailer's effort on its own and other retailers' revenue, we classify each retailer into different categories. According to the corresponding categories of all retailers, we identify coordinating contracts and general classes of contracts that cannot coordinate. Second, we study the stability of coordinating contracts in supply chains. We illustrate that, due to competition, not all coordinating contracts are achievable. Thus, we introduce the notion of rational contracts, which reflects the agents "bargaining power". We propose a general framework for coordinating and rational contracts. Using this framework, we analyze two supply chains, a supply chain with multiple suppliers and single retailer, and a supply chain with a single supplier and price-competing retailers.
(cont.) We identify coordinating contracts for each case and characterize the bounds on profit shares for the agents in any rational contracts. Finally, we study the robustness of coordinating contracts to renegotiation. Applying the concept of contract equilibrium, we show that many coordinating contracts are not robust to bilateral renegotiation if the relationship between the supplier and the retailers is a one-shot game. If the supplier and retailers engage in long-term relationship, then many coordinating contracts are robust to bilateral renegotiation. We also extend concept of contract equilibrium to the concept of strong contract equilibrium to study the robustness of contracts to multilateral renegotiation. We show that, in repeated game setting, the concept of strong contract equilibrium is related to the concept of rational contracts.
by Wanhang (Stephen) Shum.
Ph.D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Cruz-Mejia, Oliverio. "Merge-in-transit supply chains : operations analysis." Thesis, Lancaster University, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.543964.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Haloukas, Daniel G. "Strategies to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruption Risks." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6573.

Full text

Abstract:

Businesses with global supply chains typically have a minimum of 1 interruption to their supply chain annually, which can decrease profitability and affect overall company performance. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies personal care business supply chain managers used to mitigate supply chain disruption risk. The targeted population was 9 supply chain managers working in 5 different Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods personal care companies in the northeastern United States who have successfully used strategies to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Corporate risk management was used as the conceptual framework of the study to determine how company leaders plan for supply chain disruptions and how leaders prioritize and resource implementation and assessment of these plans. Data collection included semistructured interviews, with review of each company's documents as the secondary source of data. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two main themes emerged: identification of a qualified alternative supplier is a common strategy in supply chain disruption mitigation plans, and business top management support is essential in the execution of supply chain disruption plans and strategies. Results of this study might contribute to social change by empowering supply managers to make alternative choices relative to suppliers that will make products more affordable to consumers. An empowered supply management team leads to high return of investments for companies, which can support employment and additional tax revenue to support social programs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Kaffman, Gabriel, and Michael Kaffman. "Invoice Accuracy Analysis : In the Distribution and Logistics Chain at ERICSSON AB." Thesis, KTH, Integrerad produktutveckling, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-127905.

Full text

Abstract:

Ericsson är ett världsledande telekommunikationsföretag som förhandlar två gånger per år med logistik tjänsteleverantörer, om priser och transportsträckor som är anslutna till logistisk nätverket. Förhandlingar resulterar i avtal och nya priser för den kommande perioden. Tidigare interna undersökningar visar att Ericsson har fakturerats högre, i jämförelse med de överenskomna priserna. Sammanlagt uppgår det till 7 - 8 siffrigt värde årligen. De tidigare interna undersökningarna identifierar överbetalningar, upptäckta med hänsyn till de uppsatta villkoren för accepterad överbetalningsmarginal i systemet. Inom denna studie skall fokus läggas på kostnader under de uppsatta kostnadsvillkoren i systemet. Genom detta redovisa kostnader som inte tas upp av den integrerade filtret i systemet.Uppdraget är att identifiera avvikelser kopplade till fakturaprocessen. Genom att identifiera uppkomna avvikelser, är målet att hitta främsta orsak för respektive avvikelse. Syftet är att finna en lämplig process för att förebygga framtida avvikelser. För att genomföra studien inom den uppsatta tidsramen, har avgränsning bestämts till att undersöka och analysera två stora logistikföretag. Dessa har anknytning till de tre länder som bidrog till flest överbetalningar under 2012. Teorier inom lean utveckling, processutveckling, supply chain management och EDI gentemot manuellt fakturaflöde, har studerats djupgående. Genom att kombinera en kvalitativ och kvantitativ studie, har det empiriska resultatet lett till identifiering av de mest frekventa avvikelser, kopplade till fakturaprocessen.Resultat från den genomförda studien har legat till grund, för att föreslå konkreta förbättringar, kopplade till fakturaprocessen. En uppsättning av sju genomförbara och kostnadseffektiva förbättringar inom informationsflödet, arbetsmetodik samt processflödet presenteras.1. Produktifiering av logistiktjänster2. Integration av prislistor in till SAP One3. Plattform för kommunikation4. Tydliggör aktörers ansvarsområde5. Andon lösning för kvalitetssäkring inom fakturaprocessen6. LSP tilldelas Ericssonsfraktkalkylator7. Informationsutökning till Prime log från LSPSamlingen består av kortsiktiga förslag som kan implementeras omgående, samt långsiktiga förslag i förebyggande syfte. Presenterade förbättringar är anpassade till respektive angelägen aktör. Rekommendation är att implementera föreslagna förbättringar, för att minska/eliminera de redovisade avvikelserna.
A world leading telecommunication company, Ericsson negotiates twice a year with the logistics service providers, regarding prices and lanes connected to the logistics network. The negotiations results in agreements and new prices for the upcoming period. Previous internal studies reveal that Ericsson is being invoiced higher, compared to the agreed prices. The study reveals an overpayment value of 7 - 8 digits annually. Hence, revealing the overpayments detected by the set cost condition in the system. The conducted study will focus on the overpayments that are under the set cost condition in the system. By that, identifying the costs that are not been taken in consideration currently.The mission is to identify upcoming discrepancies, connected to the invoice process. By identifying upcoming discrepancies, the goal is to find the main reason for each detected discrepancy. By that, propose suitable processes for preventing future discrepancies.In order to investigate and conduct the required study, delimitation was made to analyse two major logistics providers. The study includes three targeted countries, which contributed to most discrepancies during 2012. Theories in lean development, process development, supply chain management and EDI vs. manual invoice flow have been studied in detail. By combining a qualitative and quantitative scientific approach, the empirical results have revealed the most upcoming discrepancies, connected to the invoice process.The result from the conducted study has been the main foundation, in order to suggest tangible improvements, connected to the invoice process. A set of seven tangible and cost efficient improvements, within the information flow, work methodology and process flow are presented.1. Productify Logistics Services2. Integration of Pricelists into SAP One3. Platform for Communication4. Stakeholder Clarification5. Andon Solution for Invoice Quality Assurance6. Provide LSP with Ericsson Freight Calculator7. Extended Information into Prime log from LSPThe collection consists of short term proposals that can be implemented immediately and long term proposals for preventive purposes. The proposed improvements are adapted to each involved stakeholder. Recommendation is to implement the proposed improvements, in order to reduce/eliminate the detected discrepancies.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Turner, Brent (Brent Jason). "Toward effective common operating policies for medical items in ongoing humanitarian operations : the science and art of segmentation : a case study." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/117927.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis: M. Eng. in Supply Chain Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Supply Chain Management Program, 2018.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 70-73).
Ongoing humanitarian operations can suffer from the lack of medical item availability. The central problem thus becomes how to ensure the right item in the right place at the right time while maintaining appropriate costs. By means of a case study, this research grouped items by various item characteristics and assigned each group a common operating policy. The results of such item segmentation, and the application of common operating policies, was a theoretical increase over the current rule of thumb, single operating policy by 22% in average expected item availability and a decrease in total costs of 2-8%. Yet, similar results were achieved without segmentation. The major conclusion is that consideration of demand variability as a means to achieve greater item availability is key. The determination of appropriate costs becomes a transparent one for the decision-maker. More generally, this approach facilitates the comparison of various inventory management scenarios and the assumption of informed levels of risk.
by Brent Turner.
M. Eng. in Supply Chain Management

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Lesnaia, Ekaterina. "Optimizing safety stock placement in general network supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/28856.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 207-214).
The amount of safety stock to hold at each stage in a supply chain is an important problem for a manufacturing company that faces uncertain demand and needs to provide a high level of service to its customers. The amount of stock held should be small to minimize holding and storage costs while retaining the ability to serve customers on time and satisfy most, if not all, of the demand. This thesis analyzes this problem by utilizing the framework of deterministic service time models and provides an algorithm for safety stock placement in general-network supply chains. We first show that the general problem is NP-hard. Next, we develop several conditions that characterize an optimal solution of the general-network problem. We find that we can identify all possible candidates for the optimal service times for a stage by constructing paths from the stage to each other stage in the supply chain. We use this construct, namely these paths, as the basis for a branch and bound algorithm for the general-network problem. To generate the lower bounds, we create and solve a spanning-tree relaxation of the general-network problem. We provide a polynomial algorithm to solve these spanning tree problems. We perform a set of computational experiments to assess the performance of the general-network algorithm and to determine how to set various parameters for the algorithm. In addition to the general network case, we consider two-layer network problems. We develop a specialized branch and bound algorithm for these problems and show computationally that it is more efficient than the general-network algorithm applied to the two-layer networks.
by Ekaterina Lesnaia.
Ph.D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Sherif, Hassan S. A. "Marketing hotel operations : an investigation into the marketing behaviour of national and international chain affiliated hotels operating in Egypt." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 1986. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21475.

Full text

Abstract:

The inception of the marketing concept has been closely associated with tangible consumer products. However, the successful application of the concept in consumer, and later in industrial product industries has prompted marketers to examine its transferability and application to other areas of significance. The purpose of this study is to examine the broadening of the marketing concept beyond its traditional boundaries of commercially orientated amnufacturing concerns by discussing its relevance, transferability and contribution to industries of a service nature in general and to the hotel industry in particular. The study also aims at examing the extent to which the marketing concept and its associated practices have been accepted and implemented by both local and foreign chain affiliated hotel operations in Egypt. A thorough examination of the literature regarding the applicability of marketing concepts and techniques to hotel operations was carried out. Towards this end, the literature examines the nature of services marketing and discusses the similarities it shares with product marketing, as well as the unique implications associated with marketing intangibles. It thus capitalizes on theories drawn from both resources and examines their applicability to the industry in question. The empirical study was carried out in the period between April and the end of June, 1985. Two studies were conducted in order to assess the marketing behaviour of international hotel firms operating in Egypt and those which are state owned and managed. The gathering of data was based on the tentative supposition that the relative success achieved by the international firms over their local counterparts is attributed, partially, to their application of marketing or marketing-like activities. The first study involved a self-administered questionnaire directed at the executives carrying out marketing responsibilities at the hotels concerned. It aimed at examining the extent of their integration of marketing into their overall business strategies. The second study examined the hotels' marketing behaviour from a different perspective by eliciting the opinions of guests regarding their experiences at the properties in which they stayed. The findings of the field work reveal that the Egyptian hotel authorities are far from being market orientated as they have not adopted the marketing concept either conceptually or in practical terms. They have some distance to travel before they achieve an organizational straucture that integrates marketing and operations in ways calculated to achieve customer satisfaction and a higher profitable position. As for the operations which are under management contracts with international hotel firms, marketing has been introduced at an uneven rate with some operations taking major steps while others lag behind. In many of these operations, there is still room for improvement by means of which they could implement a fully comprehensive and integrated philosophy of marketing.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Sun, Wei Ph D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Price of anarchy in supply chains, congested systems and joint ventures." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/77823.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2012.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-174).
This thesis studies the price of anarchy in supply chains, congested systems and joint ventures. It consists of three main parts. In the first part, we investigate the impact of imperfect competition with nonlinear demand. We focus on a distribution channel with a single supplier and multiple downstream retailers. To evaluate the performance, we consider several metrics, including market penetration, total profit, social welfare and rent extraction. We quantify the performance with tight upper and lower bounds. We show that with substitutes, while competition improves the efficiency of a decentralized supply chain, the asymmetry among the retailers deteriorates the performance. The reverse happens when retailers carry complements. We also show that efficiency of a supply chain with concave (convex) demand is higher (lower) than that with affine demand. The second part of the thesis studies the impact of congestion in an oligopoly by incorporating convex costs. Costs could be fully self-contained or have a spillover component, which depends on others' output. We show that when costs are fully self-contained, the welfare loss in an oligopoly is at most 25% of the social optimum, even in the presence of highly convex costs. With spillover cost, the performance of an oligopoly depends on the relative magnitude of spillover cost to the marginal benefit to consumers. In particular, when spillover cost outweighs the marginal benefit, the welfare loss could be arbitrarily bad. The third part of the thesis focuses on capacity planning with resource pooling in joint ventures under demand uncertainties. We distinguish heterogeneous and homogeneous resource pooling. When resources are heterogeneous, the effective capacity in a joint venture is constrained by the minimum individual contribution. We show that there exists a unique constant marginal revenue sharing scheme which induces the same outcome in a Nash equilibrium, Nash Bargaining and the system optimum. The optimal scheme rewards every participant proportionally with respect to his marginal cost. When resources are homogeneous, we show that the revenue sharing ratio should be inversely proportional to a participant's marginal cost.
by Wei Sun.
Ph.D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Xu, Shubin, and Shubin Xu. "Essays in Operations and Supply Chain Management." Thesis, University of Oregon, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1794/12408.

Full text

Abstract:

This dissertation is based on three essays in operations and supply chain management. In essay 1, we study an operations scheduling problem in a complex manufacturing system, most notably, semiconductor manufacturing. In particular, we study the scheduling problem of minimizing total weighted tardiness on parallel non-identical batch processing machines. We formulate the (primal) problem as a nonlinear integer programming model. Moreover, we prove that the primal problem can be solved exactly by solving a corresponding dual problem with nonlinear relaxation. Since both the primal and the dual problems are NP-hard, we propose to use genetic algorithms, based on random keys and multiple choice encodings, to heuristically solve them. We found that the genetic algorithms consistently outperform a standard mathematical programming package in terms of solutions and computation times. We also found that for small scale problem instances, the multiple choice genetic algorithm outperforms the random keys genetic algorithm, while for medium and large scale problem instances, the random keys genetic algorithm outperforms the multiple choice genetic algorithm. In essay 2, we study a monopolist firm offering successive versions of a durable good (e.g., software) that improves over time. The firm decides the time between successive introductions as well as price. In turn, consumers strategically decide whether to purchase or wait for a later version. We model and analyze three alternative strategies for offering successive product versions: the partial-, continuous-, and no-updates policies. We first consider the firm's profit maximizing policy assuming a homogeneous market and subsequently address consumers with heterogeneous product valuations. Our analytic model's simple structure and results highlight the important tradeoff between price and release timing for products with successive versions. In essay 3, we study the effect of time series structure of customer demand models on the value of information sharing within a supply chain. We contribute to the literature by incorporating a nonlinear demand model based on exponential disturbances, coupled with temporal heteroscedasticity, which captures more complex patterns in the demand process. We examine the conditions under which information sharing is valuable.
10000-01-01

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Almansoori, Ali Sultan Ali Ibrahim. "Design and operation of a future hydrogen supply chain." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/8621.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Anoun, Amine. "A data-driven approach to mitigate risk in global food supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/112084.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2017.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 141-143).
Economically motivated adulteration of imported food poses a serious threat to public health, and has contributed to several poisoning incidents in the past few years in the U.S. [1]. Prevention is achieved by sampling food shipments coming to the U.S. However, the sampling resources are limited: all shipments are electronically sampled [2], but only a small percentage of shipments are physically inspected. In an effort to mitigate risk in shipping supply chains, we develop a data-driven approach to identify risky shippers and manufacturers exporting food to the U.S., as well as U.S. based consignees and importers receiving imported products. We focus our analysis on honey and shrimp, two products that are routinely imported and frequently adulterated. We obtain over 62,000 bills of lading of honey entering the U.S. between 2006 and 2015 from public sources, and over a million shipment records of shrimp entering the U.S. between 2007 and 2015 from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). We analyze these data to identify common patterns between high risk shippers, manufacturers, U.S. consignees and importers, and use them to determine structural features of shipping supply chains that correlate with risk of adulteration. In our analysis of shrimp manufacturers, we distinguish two types of adulteration: intentional (driven by economic motivation) and unintentional (due to negligence or poor sanitary conditions). We use a Bayesian approach to model both the sampling or inspection procedure of the FDA, and the risk of adulteration. Our model is able to predict which companies are at risk of committing adulteration with high out-of-sample accuracy. We find that both geographical features (e.g., travel route, country of origin and transnational paths) and network features (e.g., number of partners, weight dispersion and diversity of the product portfolio) are significant and predictive of suspicious behavior. These outcomes can inform various decisions faced by the FDA in their sampling policy for honey and shrimp shipments, and their site inspection policy for consignees and importers. This work can also extend to other commodities with similar mechanisms, and provides a general framework to better detect food safety failures and mitigate risk in food supply chains.
by Amine Anoun.
S.M.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Mamani, Hamed. "Supply chain coordination and influenza vaccination." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/45944.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2008.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 125-129).
Annual influenza outbreaks incur great expenses in both human and monetary terms, and billions of dollars are being allocated for influenza pandemic preparedness in an attempt to avert even greater potential losses. Vaccination is a primary weapon for fighting influenza outbreaks. The influenza vaccine supply chain has characteristics that resemble the Newsvendor problem, but possesses several characteristics that distinguish it from many other supply chains. Differences include a nonlinear value of sales (caused by the nonlinear health benefits of vaccination that are due to infection dynamics) and vaccine production yield issues. In this thesis we present two models in the interface of operations and supply chain management and public health policy. In the first model, we focus on a supply chain with a government and a manufacturer. We show that production risks, taken currently by the vaccine manufacturer, lead to an insufficient supply of vaccine. Several supply contracts that coordinate buyer (governmental public health service) and supplier (vaccine manufacturer) incentives in many other industrial supply chains can not fully coordinate the influenza vaccine supply chain. We design a variant of the cost sharing contract and show that it provides incentives to both parties so that the supply chain achieves global optimization and hence improves the supply of vaccines. In the second mode, we consider the influenza vaccine supply chain with multiple countries.
(cont.) Each government purchases and administers vaccines in order to achieve an efficient cost-benefit tradeoff. Typically different countries have different economics sensitivities to public outcomes of infection and vaccination. It turns out that the initiating country, while having a significant role in the spread of the disease, does not receive enough vaccine stockpiles. Our model indicates that lack of coordination results in vaccine shortfalls in the most needed countries and vaccine excess in the regions where are not as effective, if the governments in the model act rationally. We show the role of contracts to modify monetary flows that purchase vaccination programs, and therefore modify infectious disease flows.
by Hamed Mamani.
Ph.D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Shantia, Ali. "Operational Strategies to Foster Technology Improvement in Value Chains." Thesis, Université Paris-Saclay (ComUE), 2018. http://www.theses.fr/2018SACLH007/document.

Full text

Abstract:

Cette recherche se situe à l'interface de la gestion des opérations durables, de la gestion de la technologie et de la finance. Plus précisément, dans mes recherches, j'essaie d'examiner les mesures incitatives des entreprises pour adopter des mesures d'amélioration technologique qui conduisent à une utilisation plus efficiente des intrants et affectent ainsi la structure des coûts, l'exposition aux risques et la performance environnementale des entreprises. Ainsi, je cherche à identifier les facteurs qui affectent --- et les mécanismes par lesquels ils le font --- la décision d'une entreprise d'investir dans TI: forces dans une chaîne d'approvisionnement, incertitude des prix sur les marchés des intrants, contraintes de trésorerie, couverture financière mécanismes, la concurrence de l'industrie et la stratégie de prix compétitive de l'entreprise. En collaborant avec des professeurs dans les domaines de la recherche opérationnelle, de l'économie et de la finance, j'ai adopté une approche multidisciplinaire pour étudier l'adoption de technologies efficaces et durables.En particulier, dans mon premier chapitre, «L'amélioration des technologies dans les chaînes d'approvisionnement sous pouvoir de négociation asymétrique», j'examine comment le pouvoir de négociation asymétrique --- entre les acheteurs et les fournisseurs --- affecte le niveau optimal d'investissement dans l'amélioration technologique. Dans mon deuxième chapitre, «Gestion des risques liés aux prix des intrants: amélioration de la technologie et couverture financière», j'explore le mécanisme qui guide l'intérêt d'une entreprise pour TI en raison de l'incertitude accrue sur les prix des intrants. Enfin, dans le troisième chapitre, «La valeur de la gestion des risques financiers dans l'investissement dynamique de capacité et l'amélioration technologique», j'étudie le rôle de la contrainte budgétaire et de la couverture financière sur le choix de la technologie
This research is in the interface of sustainable operations management, technology management, and finance. Specifically, in my research I strive to examine firm's incentives to adopt `technology improvement' (TI) measures that lead to the more efficient use of inputs in operations and thereby affect the cost structure, risk exposure, and environmental performance of firms. Thus I seek to identify the factors that affect---and the mechanisms by which they do so---a firm's decision to invest in TI: forces within a supply chain, price uncertainty in the markets for inputs, cash constraints, financial hedging mechanisms, industry competition, and the firm's competitive pricing strategy. By collaborating with professors in the fields of operations research, economics, and finance, I have embraced a multidisciplinary approach to studying the adoption of efficient and sustainable technologies.In particular, in my first chapter, ``Technology Improvement Contracting in Supply Chains under Asymmetric Bargaining Power'' I examine how asymmetric bargaining power---between buyers and suppliers---affects the optimal level of investment in technology improvement. In my second chapter, ``Input-price Risk Management: Technology Improvement and Financial Hedging'', I explore the mechanism driving a firm's interest in TI under increased uncertainty about input prices. Finally, in the third chapter, ``The Value of Financial Risk Management in Dynamic Capacity Investment and Technology Improvement'', I study the role of budget constraint and financial hedging on the choice of technology

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Schwartz, Karen Christine. "Sustainable supply chain management in UK tour operations." Thesis, Leeds Beckett University, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.492945.

Full text

Abstract:

This research furthers understanding of UK tour operator approaches to sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Although the wider tour operating industry is only just beginning to demonstrate some responsibility and Interest in addressing business impacts, it is an increasingly important feature of the global business agenda. It is therefore important that an understanding is gained of how sustainability can be addressed in a way which meets both commercial imperatives and societal interests.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Ebrahimi, Seyed M. "Examining the impact of supply chain integration on organization structure and operational performance in oil and gas supply chains : a contingency approach." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2015. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/10170/.

Full text

Abstract:

This study adopts a contingency approach in order to analyze the mediating role of internal, customer and supplier integration on the relationship between organization structure (OS) (centralization, formalization and hierarchical relationship) and operational performance. Using a global sample from the oil and gas industry, this research examines the direct relationship between the dimensions of organization structure (centralization, formalization and hierarchical relationship) and operational performance. In addition the direct relationship between the dimensions of supply chain integration (SCI) and operational performance is also examined. A quantitative approach using structural equation modeling is used to test the research hypotheses. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey and explored using statistical techniques. Findings revealed that centralization, formalization, and hierarchical relationship negatively impact operational performance of oil and gas supply chains, and that SCI dimensions positively affect operational performance. By further testing for the mediation this study found that by increasing internal and external SCI, oil and gas companies can mitigate the negative effect of high centralization, formalization and hierarchical relationship, on operational performance. More specifically by classifying OS into the “structuring” and “structural” aspects, this research provides evidences on which of the two (the physical or the process) has a stronger negative impact on operational performance. From a practical point of view, it may be a difficult and daunting task for oil and gas companies to restructure and reform their OS (physical aspect), since this process might be timely and expensive to implement. Therefore oil and gas companies by investing in higher internal and external integration create more inter and intra collaboration and communication which could ultimately encourage organizational restructuring and the move towards organic structures. Therefore instead of viewing organizational theory (OS) and operations management (SCI) in isolation, this study endorses a combined approach (OS and SCI) to improve the operational performance of the oil and gas supply chains. Theoretical contributions to the field of operations management and organizational studies are provided.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Marsillac, Erika. "Supply Chain Partner Interactions in an Environmental Context." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1290187490.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

SRINIVASAN, KRISHNA. "DESIGNING AN OPTIMAL SUPPLY CHAIN FOR A FAST GROWING SPECIALTY RETAIL CHAIN." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2001. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin990729979.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Ben, Jebara Marouen. "Essays on Biopharmaceutical Supply Chains." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1438776838.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Margono, Edric. "Generic modelling and simulation of operations and stock levels in supply chains." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/7292.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Mallett, Brian. "The Role of Trust and Collaboration toward Innovation in Outsourced Manufacturing Supply Chains| A Systematic Review." Thesis, University of Maryland University College, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10686030.

Full text

Abstract:

As organizations shift more work to outsourced partners, a problem for management is how to accomplish not only short-term/tactical performance but also how to leverage network relationships for long-term/strategic advantage. Outsourced manufacturing supply chains represent a unique context for study as internal and external participants share a common goal for supply chain performance but also have separate and independent goals. Trust and collaboration are among the inputs that can influence supply chain outcomes, but there is a gap in understanding these variables with respect to strategic outcomes like innovation. This research uses systematic review of peer reviewed literature to examine the role of trust and collaboration in outsourced manufacturing supply chains, and specifically the potential for these variables to shape relationships for advancing innovation. Two conditions are found that derive from the presence of trust: 1) willingness to engage, and 2) commitment for long-term relationship and to overcome failures. Three conditions are found that derive from the presence of collaboration: 1) awareness of capability, 2) sharing information, and 3) integration of resources. These conditions shape an underlying mindset that can either advance or diminish innovation, and together create either transactional, operational, serendipitous, or strategic orientations. The conclusion is that a strategic orientation promotes the path for innovation and arises from high willingness, commitment, awareness, sharing, and integration that are shaped by trust and collaboration. The findings have implication for organizations that seek to foster interactions for innovation and to go beyond what is necessary to accomplish short-term operational objectives.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Zaretsky, M. (Marina). "Essays on variational inequalities and competitive supply chain models." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/28859.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 103-107).
In the first part of the thesis we combine ideas from cutting plane and interior point methods to solve variational inequality problems efficiently. In particular, we introduce "smarter" cuts into two general methods for solving these problems. These cuts utilize second order information on the problem through the use of a gap function. We establish convergence results for both methods, as well as complexity results for one of the methods. Finally, we compare the performance of an approach that combines affine scaling and cutting plane methods with other methods for solving variational inequalities. The second part of the thesis considers a supply chain setting where several capacitated suppliers compete for orders from a single retailer in a multi-period environment. At each period the retailer places orders to the suppliers in response to the prices and capacities they announce. Our model allows the retailer to carry inventory. Furthermore, suppliers can expand their capacity at an additional cost; the retailer faces exogenous, price-dependent, stochastic demand. We analyze discrete as well as continuous time versions of the model: (i) we illustrate the existence of equilibrium policies; (ii) we characterize the structure of these policies; (iii) we consider coordination mechanisms; and (iv) we present some computational results. We also consider a modified model that uses option contracts and finally present some extensions.
by Marina Zaretsky.
Ph.D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Elmachtoub, Adam Nabil. "New approaches for integrating revenue and supply chain management." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/92612.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2014.
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
Cataloged from PDF student-submitted version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 165-172).
First, we describe a general framework called online customer selection that describes natural settings where suppliers must actively select which customer requests to serve. Unlike traditional revenue management models that have sunk costs, we assume there are supply chain costs that depend on the demand being served. Specifically, customers arrive in an online manner, each with a set of requirements and associated revenue, and are either accepted or rejected upon arrival. Rejected customers incur a lost-sales cost, while accepted customers are satisfied with minimum possible production cost. The goal of the supplier is to minimize the total cost of lost sales and production. We provide algorithms with strong performance guarantees that are based on new variants of repeated optimization as well as concepts from mechanism design. Second, we study the use of opaque products in a retail setting. A product is said to be opaque when one or more of its attributes are hidden until the transaction is complete. Opaque products have been used in the hotel and airline industry where customers purchase rooms or airfare without a priori knowledge of the brand name. In this work, we propose the use of opaque product selling in the retail industry, where there are nonperishable goods and supply chain costs. We show that a small amount of opaque selling can achieve significant ordering and holding costs savings for the supply chain. Moreover, we describe settings when a stationary opaque selling strategy can outperform a common dynamic pricing strategy. Third, we focus on a variant of the joint replenishment problem, which arises in the previous two parts as well as in inventory management, logistics, and maintenance scheduling. In this problem, there are multiple item types that each has a given time-dependent sequence of demands that need to satisfied. Every time an order of item types is placed, there is an associated fixed setup cost that is submodular in the subset of item types ordered. The overall goal is to minimize the total fixed ordering costs plus inventory holding costs. We provide a variety of approximation algorithms for this problem and some special cases.
by Adam Nabil Elmachtoub.
Ph. D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Liang, Catherine G. (Catherine Gloria). "Segmentation strategies for managing retail supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/66081.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 100-101).
High-technology manufacturing companies often face rapid price decline and capacity constraints. Especially in the retail side of the business where the supply chain is much longer and revenue is sometimes not recognized until the sell-through point, optimizing inventory positioning is critical. No longer is a one-size-fits-all approach sufficient; in order to perform optimally, manufacturers should categorize their retailers, stores, and products, and tailor their strategy for each accordingly. This work shows how to use metrics such as gross margin return on inventory investment, models and tools such as assortment, promotional risk, supply chain, and replenishment segmentation to drive improvements in inventory performance and recommends ways to apply them in different retail chains. In particular, three retailer types - discount retailers, specialty retailers, and convenience retailers are discussed.
by Catherine G. Liang.
S.M.
M.B.A.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Yang, Shilei. "Supply chain sales promotion : the operations and marketing interface." Online access for everyone, 2007. http://www.dissertations.wsu.edu/Dissertations/Summer2007/s_yang_062707.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Liu, Baolong. "Dynamic modeling in sustainable operations and supply chain management." Thesis, Cergy-Pontoise, Ecole supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales, 2018. http://www.theses.fr/2018ESEC0006.

Full text

Abstract:

Cette thèse articule plusieurs questions importantes dans les opérations durables et la gestion de la chaîne d'approvisionnement, non seulement afin de fournir des idées pour améliorer la performance des entreprises, mais aussi pour inciter ces dernières à adopter les moyens appropriés pour un meilleur environnement de notre société. Le lien entre le niveau de l'entreprise et le niveau de la société est que l'amélioration de la performance écologique par une meilleure gestion des opérations dans les entreprises et les chaînes d'approvisionnement est un élément indispensable pour améliorer l'environnement dans notre société. Prenons la Chine comme exemple. Depuis quelques années, le gouvernement a commencé à favoriser toutes les initiatives pour résoudre les problèmes de pollution de l'air. Un moyen important et utile est de mettre en place une réglementation stricte et de surveiller les efforts des entreprises qui seront passibles d'amendes sérieuses si certaines normes ne sont pas respectées par des inspections aléatoires. Par conséquent, les entreprises doivent coopérer pour améliorer leur rentabilité et, plus important encore, leurs impacts environnementaux. Grâce à cet effort prolongé, malgré le fait que la situation future est incertaine, la qualité de l'air s'est progressivement améliorée en Chine. Cette thèse, dans un cadre plus général, vise à fournir aux entreprises des informations importantes afin qu'elles soient non seulement en mesure de respecter la réglementation, mais aussi en mesure d'apporter véritablement leur contribution à la construction d'un environnement meilleur pour les générations futures. Notre objectif fondamental est d'obtenir une compréhension approfondie des compromis auxquels les entreprises sont confrontées, de modéliser les problèmes de recherche de solutions possibles et d'aider les entreprises/chaînes d'approvisionnement à améliorer leur performance d'un point de vue théorique. Ensuite, la thèse aidera indirectement les entreprises à réaliser l'importance du développement de moyens de gestion durable des opérations et de la chaîne d'approvisionnement sur notre société. La thèse est organisée comme la structure suivante. Le chapitre 3 est le premier essai, Environmental Collaboration and Process Innovation in Supply Chain Management with Coordination. Le chapitre 4 comprend le contenu du deuxième essai, Remanufacturing of Multi-Component Systems with Product Substitution, et le troisième essai, Joint Dynamic Pricing and Return Quality Strategies Under Demand Cannibalization , est présenté au chapitre 5. Le chapitre 6 donne les remarques finales générales des trois essais, suivies de la liste de référence, et les annexes
This thesis articulates several important issues in sustainable operations and supply chain management not only to provide insights for enhancing the performance of firms but also to appeal to the enterprises to adopt appropriate means for a better environment of our society. The link from firm level to society level is that, to improve the green performance through better operations management efficiency in firms and supply chains, is an indispensable element to ameliorate the environment in our society. Taking China as an example. Since a few years ago (The Straitstimes, 2017; Stanway & Perry, 2018), the government started to spare no effort in resolving the air pollution problems. An important and useful means is to put strict regulations and monitoring the efforts of firms which will face serious fine if certain standards are not met by random inspection. Therefore, firms have to cooperate for the betterment of its profitability and, more importantly, the environmental impacts. Throughout the endeavor, despite the uncertain future situation, the air quality has gradually improved in China (Zheng, 2018). This thesis, in a more general setting, aims to provide important insights to firms so that they are not only able to meet the regulations but genuinely to make contributions to building a better environment for our future generations. Basically, our goal is to obtain deep understanding of the trade-offs with which companies are faced, and to model the problems for seeking possible solutions and helping firms/supply chains to enhance their performance from a theoretical point of view. Then, indirectly, the work will help firms to realize the importance of developing sustainable operations and supply chain management means on our society. The structure of the thesis is organized as follows. Chapter 2 introduces the thesis in French. Chapter 3 is the first essay, Environmental Collaboration and Process Innovation in Supply Chain Management with Coordination. Chapter 4 includes the contents of the second essay, Remanufacturing of Multi-Component Systems with Product Substitution , and the third essay, Joint Dynamic Pricing and Return Quality Strategies Under Demand Cannibalization, is introduced in Chapter 5. Chapter 6 gives the general concluding remarks of the three essays which is followed by the reference list and the appendices

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Li, Hantao. "Essays in Operations and Financial Contract in Supply Chain." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1175002494.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Pariazar, Mahmood. "Designing a Robust Supply Chain Network Against Disruptions." Thesis, University of Missouri - Columbia, 2019. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=13877160.

Full text

Abstract:

Supply chains are vulnerable to disruptions at any stage of the distribution system. These disruptions can be caused by natural disasters, production problems, or labor defects. The consequences of these disruptions may result in significant economic losses or even human deaths. Therefore, it is important to consider any disruption as an important factor in strategic supply chain design. Consequently, the primary outputs of this dissertation include insights for designing robust supply chains that are neither significantly nor adversely impacted by disruptions.

The impact of correlated supplier failures is examined and how this problem can be modeled as a variant of a facility location problem is described. Two main problems are defined, the first being the design of a robust supply chain, and the second being the optimization of operational inspection schedules to maintain the quality of an already established supply chain. In this regard, both strategic and operational decisions are considered in the model and (1) a two-stage stochastic programming model; (2) a multi-objective stochastic programming model; and (3) a dynamic programming model are developed to explore the tradeoffs between cost and risk.

Three methods are developed to identify optimal and robust solutions: an integer L-shaped method; a hybrid genetic algorithm using Data Envelopment Analysis; and an approximate dynamic programming method. Several sensitivity analyses are performed on the model to see how the model output would be affected by uncertainty.

The findings from this dissertation will be able to help both practitioners designing supply chains, as well as policy makers who need to understand the impact of different disruption mitigation strategies on cost and risk in the supply chain.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Manataki, Areti. "Analysing supply chain operation dynamics through logic-based modelling and simulation." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/7687.

Full text

Abstract:

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is becoming increasingly important in the modern business world. In order to effectively manage and integrate a supply chain (SC), a deep understanding of overall SC operation dynamics is needed. This involves understanding how the decisions, actions and interactions between SC members affect each other, and how these relate to SC performance and SC disruptions. Achieving such an understanding is not an easy task, given the complex and dynamic nature of supply chains. Existing simulation approaches do not provide an explanation of simulation results, while related work on SC disruption analysis studies SC disruptions separately from SC operation and performance. This thesis presents a logic-based approach for modelling, simulating and explaining SC operation that fills these gaps. SC members are modelled as logicbased intelligent agents consisting of a reasoning layer, represented through business rules, a process layer, represented through business processes and a communication layer, represented through communicative actions. The SC operation model is declaratively formalised, and a rule-based specification is provided for the execution semantics of the formal model, thus driving the simulation of SC operation. The choice of a logic-based approach enables the automated generation of explanations about simulated behaviours. SC disruptions are included in the SC operation model, and a causal model is defined, capturing relationships between different types of SC disruptions and low SC performance. This way, explanations can be generated on causal relationships between occurred SC disruptions and low SC performance. This approach was analytically and empirically evaluated with the participation of SCM and business experts. The results indicate the following: Firstly, the approach is useful, as it allows for higher efficiency, correctness and certainty about explanations of SC operation compared to the case of no automated explanation support. Secondly, it improves the understanding of the domain for non-SCM experts with respect to their correctness and efficiency; the correctness improvement is significantly higher compared to the case of no prior explanation system use, without loss of efficiency. Thirdly, the logic-based approach allows for maintainability and reusability with respect to the specification of SC operation input models, the developed simulation system and the developed explanation system.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Wang, Lin, and Maja Åkerlund. "Scania bus operations and supply chain management - two case studies." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Industriell teknik, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-230995.

Full text

Abstract:

With its core competence on bus chassis, Scania determined in the mid-2000s to co-produce coach products with two external bus body manufacturers, Lahden Autokori and Higer. However, after a decade’s cooperation, well-functioning work processes were not established and problems still existed. With this study, problems within Scania’s operations system and Scania’s supply chain management strategies towards these two partners have been identified and illustrated, by applying an abductive research method. With this study it has been evidenced that Scania’s bus operations management is affiliated with truck and the truck operations system does not fit the request from the collaborations with Lahden Autokori and Higer. Moreover, it has also been shown that even though the relationship with these two partners is by nature long-term, Scania’s attitude has been characterized by short-term thinking. This ambiguous supply chain management strategy has been causing problems. Furthermore, aside from problems within operations system and supply chain management, the third studied area is organizational identity. Due to the fact that some organizational identity issues caused by reorganization have largely influenced both of the collaborations, the formation of these identity issues as well as the impacts on the cooperation has been studied. Finally, some recommendations for improvements have been made based on the findings of this study.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Wang, Daisy Chen-yu. "MODERATING EFFECT OF SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS STRATEGIES: THE MISSING LINK BETWEEN SUPPLY CHAIN RELATIONSHIP AND PERFORMANCE." OpenSIUC, 2011. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/dissertations/320.

Full text

Abstract:

This is the first research to empirically study the congruity in supply chain operations strategies. The tests show that the congruity in supply chain operations strategies are related to performance and also moderate the association between performance and the types of supply chain relationships. 308 manufacturing firms were studied for empirical tests. Various methods including multiple regressions, cluster analyses, and logistic regressions are applied in this study. Based on the tests, five hypotheses are supported and only one hypothesis is inconclusive. This dissertation contributes in different thresholds. First, by studying operations strategies through a different angle (the supply chain instead of a firm) this study reconciles results in the relationships between performance and operations strategies and between performance and supply chain relationships. Therefore, this study contributes to reconciling two long-term puzzles in both operations strategies and supply chain management literatures. Second, this research draws on three different disciplines, operations strategies, supply chain management and organization theory (resource dependence theory). This interdisciplinary approach provides a broader perspective in operations management research. Third, through this research, guidelines are provided for not only powerful firms but also the weak ones on how to improve their performance through developing different types of supply chain relationships and integrating their operations strategies with their supply chain members.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Roels, Guillaume. "Information and decentralization in inventory, supply chain, and transportation systems." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/36228.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 2006.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-213).
This thesis investigates the impact of lack of information and decentralization of decision-making on the performance of inventory, supply chain, and transportation systems. In the first part of the thesis, we study two extensions of a classic single-item, single-period inventory control problem: the "newsvendor problem." We first analyze the newsvendor problem when the demand distribution is only partially specified by some moments and shape parameters. We determine order quantities that are robust, in the sense that they minimize the newsvendor's maximum regret about not acting optimally, and we compute the maximum value of additional information. The minimax regret approach is scalable to solve large practical problems, such as those arising in network revenue management, since it combines an efficient solution procedure with very modest data requirements. We then analyze the newsvendor problem when the inventory decision-making is decentralized. In supply chains, inventory decisions often result from complex negotiations among supply partners and might therefore lead to a loss of efficiency (in terms of profit loss).
(cont.) We quantify the loss of efficiency of decentralized supply chains that use price-only contracts under the following configurations: series, assembly, competitive procurement, and competitive distribution. In the second part of the thesis, we characterize the dynamic nature of traffic equilibria in a transportation network. Using the theory of kinematic waves, we derive an analytical model for traffic delays capturing the first-order traffic dynamics and the impact of shock waves. We then incorporate the travel-time model within a dynamic user equilibrium setting and illustrate how the model applies to solve a large network assignment problem.
by Guillaume Roels.
Ph.D.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Clottey, Toyin. "Planning and Control for Core Acquisitions from Third Parties in Remanufacturing Supply Chains." The Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1275066866.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Alhas, Haydar Ali. "An innovative operational management method for process excellence in global operations and in the production of composite materials throughout the aeronautics supply chain." Thesis, Châtenay-Malabry, Ecole centrale de Paris, 2014. http://www.theses.fr/2014ECAP0035.

Full text

Abstract:

Dans le cadre de cette thèse, nous rechercherons comment éliminer les opérations de non-valeur-ajoutée dans la fabrication des pièces en matériaux composites incluant la fixation des puces RFID directement dans les pièces en matériaux composites utilisées dans les industries aéronautiques et spatiales. Nous proposerons une nouvelle méthode innovante. Cette méthode industrielle utilise la technologie RFID pour aider éliminer les étapes de non-valeur-ajoutée qui empêchent des améliorations opérationnelles. En plus d’aider à éliminer des opérations de non-valeur-ajoutée, cette technologie peut permettre d’augmenter la communication transverse entre des processus opérationnels. L'utilisation appropriée de technologie RFID peut aussi aider à augmenter la visibilité des produits, des données et des outils dans la fabrication. Les étapes de contrôle inutiles qui induisent des délais de processus plus importants et des coûts additionnels plus élevés peuvent automatiquement être éliminées. De plus, cette méthode permet d’assurer une macro et micro traçabilité. La technologie RFID marche très bien tant avec la fibre de verre qu'avec les composés de fibre de carbone industriels. L’intégration de ces aides technologiques dans les pièces composites permet de créer des matériaux "intelligents" et de communiquer avec d'autres systèmes industriels qui sont voisins, ou dans un autre pays via le logiciel. Et cette capacité peut aider à réduire la documentation et améliorer la traçabilité pendant les phases industrielles transverses de l'entreprise. Les Informations peuvent être stockées sur la puce à l’avance ou bien après chaque processus. Ceci permet aussi d’élaborer de nouveaux processus et des occasions de traitement de la part de la société pour les parties qui sont en service. De cette façon, la puce peut permettre une communication entre le fabricant et le client. Les informations sur l'Étiquette RFID permettent aux pièces d'être gérées plus rapidement et à distance pendant tout le cycle de vie de la pièce. Les informations enregistrées sur la puce pendant la fabrication de la pièce composite peuvent même être lues, avec un ajout d’information, pendant que la pièce est en service. La méthode que nous proposons est la fixation la puce RFID dans les pièces en matériaux composites. Le dépistage et le contrôle automatiques de ces parties permettra à nos processus industriels d'être plus efficaces et visibles pendant la fabrication, aussi bien que le support après la livraison du produit. Dans un proche avenir, des entreprises nationales et internationales transformeront leur ingénierie et procédés de fabrication en appliquant cette méthode novatrice qui accélère les cycles de vie, maximise l'efficacité et élimine des étapes inutiles dans le processus. En conséquence, ces entreprises seront dans une bien meilleure position pour maximiser leur productivité et des nouvelles occasions de produit/marché aussi bien que la documentation de produit efficace et les processus de production aideront des entreprise ou les clients à abaisser leurs coûts d'exploitation, à augmenter la productivité des salariés, à améliorer la conformité, le délai de diminution et à faire des progrès plus rapides dans le domaine de la durabilité. En résumé, le fait de diminuer le délai de livraison à chaque étape dans le processus "On-Target" soutiendra) grandement la performance de " On-Cost" et " On-Quality". En utilisant cette méthode, les fabricants deviendront capables de diminuer considérablement leurs coûts, d’améliorer de façon significative les améliorations de processus, d’augmenter l’innovation à chaque étape du processus et de lancer dans l’entreprise des actions qui lui conféreront une vaste excellence opérationnelle
The main objective of this thesis is to improve the traditional manufacturing processes in the company and to replace the traditional manufacturing methodology by new method in order to improve the manufacturing efficiency (time, cost, quality, safety of the products etc.). In the frame of this thesis, we will focus on how to eliminate the non-value added operations in the manufacturing by the embedding RFID tags directly in the composite parts used in aerospace companies. We will propose a new innovative state of the art composite manufacturing method that uses RFID technology to help eliminate non-value added manual steps that impede operational improvements. This technology can help to eliminate non-value added operations and increase the communication across operational processes. The appropriate use of RFID technology can also help increase the visibility of the products, data, and tools in manufacturing. The unnecessary control steps which induce higher process lead-times and higher additional costs can automatically be eliminated. The macro and micro traceability of processes and products (such as the part information, lifecycle, movement history and location) can all be automated and digitized with less manual intervention and less paper documentation. Carefully using this technology across our production processes, we can rapidly transform operational processes and improve their accuracy, control and efficiency. This is a lean, innovative and value adding innovative approach that significantly increases the visibility and monitoring of processes. RFID technology works very well with both glass and carbon fibre composites’ manufacturing. This technology helps makes the composite parts “smart” and communicate with other manufacturing systems that are nearby or in another country via software. And this capability can help reduce documentation and improve traceability during the manufacturing phases and across the company. Information can be stored on the tag before and/or after each process. This also enables new process and company service opportunities for parts that are in-service. In this way, the tag can enable a communication between the manufacturer and customer. The information on the RFID Tag enables the parts to be managed faster and remotely across the full lifecycle of the part. The information recorded on the RFID Tag during the manufacturing of the composite parts can even be read and more information can be read during in-service. This information can create an advantage for any modification of the parts, repair, and maintenance in the future. In this way, RFID based processes can reduce unnecessary steps across the whole supply chain and reduce the high workload of manual processes and documentation. Furthermore, costs can be minimized due to increased visibility and elimination of unnecessary steps across processes. Using RFID technology by direct embedding of the RFID Tag in the composite parts intends to measure and reduce “Process Variation”. The idea here is not to move the tasks, but to optimize and eliminating the non-value added tasks by using RFID based production method “embedding of RFID Tag in Composite parts”. The method that we propose is embedding the RFID tag in the composite parts. Automatically tracking and monitoring these parts will enable our industrial processes to be more efficient and visible during manufacturing as well as in service-processes that occur after delivery of the product. As mentioned previously, the intention here to enable our composite parts to be “smart” so they can be communicated to automatically across their lifecycle. This will help create an industrial "Internet of Things”. [...]

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Masse, Brian Robert. "Inventory optimization in high volume aerospace supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/66057.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2011.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [51]).
The supply chains of aerospace products can be complex, involving thousands of components per product and hundreds of vendors spaced out over an increasingly global landscape. Managing all inputs necessary for these complex aerospace supply chains is a task that is critical to the success of any firm and requires extensive planning, close partnerships, and detailed analysis. This thesis outlines a system for optimal safety stock management in high volume aerospace supply chains. Given such supply chain parameters as component inventory values, procurement and manufacturing lead times, demand distributions, and bills of material, the ideal safety stock locations and sizes which result in minimal overall inventory levels are calculated by a nonlinear optimization program. With this safety stock structure, aerospace firms can operate their supply chains with higher customer service rates and lower inventory levels. A methodology is also developed to help aerospace companies improve their existing supply chains as efficiently as possible. Considering the limited time and resources available, a company may not be able to enhance all areas of its operations and determining where to improve with the greatest effect on customer service levels and inventory can be difficult. The framework developed provides general guidelines to ensure improvement resources are being deployed most efficiently. Finally, business environment and operations considerations are discussed to aid companies in the process of implementing supply chain improvements and instituting organizational change.
by Brian Robert Masse.
S.M.
M.B.A.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Transchel, Sandra. "Integrated supply and demand management in operations." [S.l. : s.n.], 2008. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:180-madoc-21226.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Li, Bo. "Supply Chain Inventory Management with Multiple Types of Customers: Motivated by Chinese Pharmaceutical Supply Chains among Others." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1371136834.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Pretorius, Dewald Jacobus. "Effective medicine control for Platinum Health pharmacies / Dewald Jacobus Pretorius." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4443.

Full text

Abstract:

Effective Medicine Control is the essence of pharmaceutical service delivery and of financial management in Platinum Health Pharmacies. Platinum Health Pharmacies implement medicine control measures to enhance and optimise service delivery. As Platinum Health Pharmacies deliver a pharmaceutical service as business associates of Anglo Platinum, it serves the same workforce. The requirement of the pharmaceutical service delivery for Anglo Platinum is timely, appropriate and available medicine. Therefore, Platinum Health Pharmacies need to adhere to set criteria, those of ?Good Pharmacy Practice in South Africa? as applied to the control, procurement and prescribing of medication. The ordering and receiving of necessary medication forms a significant part of the criteria, as this is the source of medication to pharmacies. The subsequent management of medication as inventory and control over recall, storage, excess and disposal of expired medication serves the same purpose. Effective dispensing and distribution methods are therefore mandated to ensure timeously availability of correct medication. Finally, the success of effective medicine control is defined by the accuracy of the stock take ascertaining the results of managerial methods of medication. Platinum Health Pharmacies recorded an overall adherence level of 85 percent to the abovementioned criteria. This is a good indication of a strong, reliable and experienced pharmaceutical workforce that delivers an outstanding pharmaceutical service and is capable of maintaining effective medicine control. Although few shortcomings were identified, it is nevertheless recommended that Platinum Health Pharmacies plan the improvement of their risk management plans, and identify quality improvement projects in areas of medicine procurement. The implementation of key performance indicators, relevant to stock control, is also recommended. These, put into effect will assure optimisation of effective medicine control for Platinum Health Pharmacies, maintaining the benefits of cost containment and cost effective pharmaceutical service delivery.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

Wike, Carl E. 1948. "Supply chain optimization : formulations and algorithms." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/9763.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, 1999.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-106).
In this thesis, we develop practical solution methods for a supply chain optimization problem: a multi-echelon, un capacitated, time-expanded network of distribution centers and stores, for which we seek the shipping schedule that minimizes total inventory, backlogging, and shipping costs, assuming deterministic, time-varying demand over a fixed time horizon for a single product. Because of fixed ordering and shipping costs, this concave cost network flow problem is in a class of NP-hard network design problems. We develop mathematical programming formulations, heuristic algorithms, and enhanced algorithms using approximate dynamic programming (ADP). We achieve a strong mixed integer programming (MIP) formulation, and fast, reliable algorithms, which can be extended to problems with multiple products. Beginning with a lot-size based formulation, we strengthen the formulation in steps to develop one which is a variation of a node-arc formulation for the network design problem. In addition, we present a path-flow formulation for the single product case and an enhanced network design formulation for the multiple product case. The basic algorithm we develop uses a dynamic lot-size model with backlogging together with a greedy procedure that emulates inventory pull systems. Four related algorithms perform local searches of the basic algorithm's solution or explore alternative solutions using pricing schemes, including a Lagrangian-based heuristic. We show how approximate dynamic programming can be used to solve this supply chain optimization problem as a dynamic control problem using any of the five algorithms. In addition to improving all the algorithms, the ADP enhancement turns the simplest algorithm into one comparable to the more complex ones. Our computational results illustrate that our enhanced network design formulation almost always produces integral solutions and can be used to solve problems of moderate size (3 distribution centers, 30 stores, 30 periods). Our heuristic methods, particularly those enhanced by ADP methods, produce near optimal solutions for truly large scale problems.
by Carl E. Wike.
S.M.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Bojarski, Aaron David. "Life cycle thinking and general modelling contribution to chemical process sustainable design and operation." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/6486.

Full text

Abstract:

La industria es comúnmente vista como una fuente de degradación ambiental y de consumo de recursos, a pesar de ello es una parte vital del desarrollo social y de la creación de riqueza. Del mismo modo, los sistemas industriales causan y determinan los flujos de materias y energía a través de la sociedad. El desarrollo sostenible está asociado a todos los aspectos anteriores al englobarlos a todos.

Los servicios sostenibles son aquellos que restringen el consumo de recursos y generación de residuos a un nivel aceptable considerando las existencias y las velocidades de recuperación de los recursos así como la capacidad de soporte de La Tierra. Asimismo, hacen una contribución positiva a la satisfacción de las necesidades humanas y proveen de valor económico a la empresa. La selección de procesos apropiados para la provisión de un dado servicio es el tópico principal de esta tesis.

Esta tesis presenta un marco consistente para el soporte a la decisión hacia alternativas sostenibles. El marco abarca un grupo de métodos y herramientas aplicables al soporte de la decisión en cuestiones de diseño, actualización, y operación considerando criterios de sostenibilidad en términos económicos y medioambientales. Se ha enfatizado la simulación de procesos, el modelado matemático y otros métodos de estadística multivariable. El marco está materializado en un procedimiento de uso que posee cuatro pasos que imitan los de otros métodos actualmente utilizados y un set integrado de herramientas. Las herramientas usadas son en todos los casos modelos matemáticos que permiten una representación precisa de la realidad que simulan. El problema multiobjetivo resultante es resuelto usando una estrategia que permite restringir la mejor solución de compromiso. Una multitud de casos de estudio industriales muestra la forma de aplicación del marco en diferentes escenarios.

El marco se ha aplicado a casos de estudios que requieren de soporte a la decisión. El caso de diseño de procesos continuos se ha incluido tratando tres casos. El primero está relacionado con la selección de opciones de tratamiento de aguas residuales en una planta de producción de ácido fosfórico considerando incertidumbre en variables operativas. Otro caso considera las decisiones relacionadas al uso de diferentes materias primas en una usina eléctrica con tecnología de gasificación. El último caso considera la optimización de las variables operativas en el diseño de un sistema de destilación reactiva. Todos los casos son modelados rigurosamente usando noveles herramientas de simulación y modelado en conjunto con otras desarrolladas para el análisis de los aspectos económicos y medioambientales de la sostenibilidad.

Posteriormente, se ha estudiado el problema operacional de la selección de la planificación de producción. En este caso se ha puesto atención especial a la selección de métricas apropiadas considerando aspectos económicos, medioambientales y de eficiencia que reflejen las características secuenciales del problema. El modelo propuesto se ha construido usando herramientas de programación matemática y la producción de fibras acrílicas es la aplicación considerada.

Finalmente el marco se ha aplicado al diseño y planificación de una cadena de producción. En este caso se modelan decisiones de planificación a medio y largo plazo y se las aplica a la producción de anhídrido maleico en Europa del Oeste. Dadas las características del problema se han estudiado diferentes instrumentos económicos asociados al medio ambiente, como la venta de permisos de emisión y subsidios a la producción. Esto permite mostrar las capacidades del marco para el estudio de políticas gubernamentales.

Los casos de estudio muestran las diferentes compensaciones que aparecen en varios niveles de decisión. Asimismo el marco provee con un enfoque robusto para la trazabilidad y capacidad de verificación de las diferentes hipótesis de modelado, lo cual refuerza el proceso de toma de decisiones.
Industry is often seen as a source of environmental degradation and resource depletion, however it is a vital part of societal development and wealth creation. Moreover, industrial systems cause and determine flows of materials and energy through the society. Sustainable development is associated to all the former issues, by encompassing them altogether under the same umbrella.

Sustainable services are those, that restrain resource consumption and waste generation to an acceptable level, considering Earth's existing capital, rates of replenishment and carrying capacity, make a positive contribution to the satisfaction of human needs, and provide enduring economic value to the business enterprise. The selection of appropriate processes for providing a given sustainable service is the main topic of this thesis.

This thesis presents a consistent framework for decision support towards sustainable design. It encompasses a set of methods and tools applicable to decision aid in process design, retrofit and operation considering sustainability criteria in terms of economic and environmental issues. In this sense special consideration is given to process simulation, general modelling programs and other multivariate statistical methods, as well as their supporting associated tools. The framework is materialised as a procedure for its application in four steps, which mimics other current applied methods; and a set of tools which are integrated. One of the framework aims is the consideration of the uncertainty associated to parameters and values. The tools, which in all cases are mathematical models, allow for an accurate representation of the reality they simulate. In the case of alternatives generation problem, the resultant multiobjective optimisation problem is solved by an strategy that permits narrowing-in the best solution compromise. A multitude of industrial case studies teaches the way to use the framework in different scenarios.

The framework is applied to different case studies which require decision aid. The case of continuous process design is first addressed along with three different studies. The first one is related to the selection of waste water treatment options for a phosphoric acid plant considering uncertainty in operating variables, another analysis considers the decisions related to raw material management in an integrated gasification combined cycle power plant, while the last one addresses the design of a reactive distillation system considering optimisation of operating variables. All case studies are modelled rigorously using state of the art commercial simulation tools in conjunction with other tools developed for the assessment of sustainability concerns, mainly economic and environmental issues.

The operational problem of selecting appropriate schedules, for the production of different products, is addressed next. In this case, special attention is given to the selection of appropriate metrics, considering economic, efficiency and environmental concerns that reflect the sequence dependence features of this problem. The model proposed is built using mathematical programming and the production of acrylic fibres is the application considered.

Finally, the framework is applied to the design and retrofit of the whole chemical supply chain. Mid- to long-term planning decisions are modelled in this case, which studies a maleic anhydride production supply chain in Western Europe. Due to the problem nature, economic-environmental instruments such as emission trading and price subsidies are studied showing the viability of the presented approach for policy analysis.

The case studies and the proposed framework show that different trade offs appear at different decision making levels. Moreover, the framework provides with a robust approach for traceability and verifiability of different modelling hypothesis which strengthens the decision making process.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Singhvi, Somya. "Improving farmers' and consumers' welfare in agricultural supply chains via data-driven analytics and modeling : from theory to practice." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/129083.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center, September, 2020
Page 236 blank. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 223-235).
The upstream parts of the agricultural supply chain consists of millions of smallholder farmers who continue to suffer from extreme poverty. The first stream of research in this thesis focuses on online agri-platforms which have been launched to connect geographically isolated markets in many developing countries. This work is in close collaboration with the state government of Karnataka in India which launched the Unified Market Platform (UMP). Leveraging both public data and platform data, a difference-in-differences analysis in Chapter 2 suggests that the implementation of the UMP has significantly increased modal price of certain commodities (5.1%-3.5%), while prices for other commodities have not changed. The analysis provides evidence that logistical challenges, bidding efficiency, market concentration, and price discovery process are important factors explaining the variable impact of UMP on prices.
Based on the insights, Chapter 3 describes the design, analysis and field implementation of a new two-stage auction mechanism. From February to May 2019, commodities worth more than $6 million (USD) had been traded under the new auction. Our empirical analysis suggests that the implementation has yielded a significant 4.7% price increase with an impact on farmer profitability ranging 60%-158%, affecting over 10,000 farmers who traded in the treatment market. The second stream of research work in the thesis turns to consumer welfare and identifies effective policies to tackle structural challenges of food safety and food security that arise in traditional agricultural markets. In Chapter 4, we develop a new modeling framework to investigate how quality uncertainty, supply chain dispersion, and imperfect testing capabilities jointly engender suppliers' adulteration behavior.
The results highlight the limitations of only relying on end-product inspection to deter EMA and advocate a more proactive approach that addresses fundamental structural problems in the supply chain. In Chapter 5, we analyze the issue of artificial shortage, the phenomenon that leads to food security risks where powerful traders strategically withhold inventory of essential commodities to create price surge in the market. The behavioral game-theoretic models developed allow us to examine the effectiveness of common government interventions. The analysis demonstrates the disparate effects of different interventions on artificial shortage; while supply allocation schemes often mitigate shortage, cash subsidy can inadvertently aggravate shortage in the market. Further, using field data from onion markets of India, we structurally estimate that 10% of the total supply is being hoarded by the traders during the lean season.
by Somya Singhvi.
Ph. D.
Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, Operations Research Center

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Bazerghi, Audrey. "Inventory modeling for active pharmaceutical ingredient supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/126946.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis: M.B.A., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, May, 2020
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, May, 2020
Cataloged from the official PDF of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 66-68).
Pharmaceutical companies traditionally manufactured drugs in-house, and have only recently been increasingly outsourcing production to contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). In this work, we use inventory modeling to explore the trade-off between the attractive purchase price and the hidden costs of outsourcing for two active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) supply chains at AstraZeneca (AZ). We assess the inventory levels recommended by a base stock policy with deterministic purchase order lead times at each contracted stage of the supply chains. The single-echelon calculations reveal that safety stock levels are not systematically inflated at individual stages. The current inventory costs and service levels vary widely across products studied, as performance is hard to track over long periods of time and different inventory types. However, we demonstrate with a multi-echelon inventory optimization that a fully integrated API supply chain would yield savings compared to a purely external chain. Today, AZ's organizational processes allow it to partially coordinate with CMOs and capture up to 60 % of the value left on the table by not being able to optimize the full chain due to outsourcing. We propose using cost premium frontiers to prioritize further improvements at strategic outsourced nodes and align incentives. Partnering with CMOs to shorten lead times and increase flexibility is set to become a key advantage in a changing pharmaceutical environment with exacerbated volatility.
by Audrey Bazerghi.
M.B.A.
S.M.
M.B.A. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management
S.M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Parrish, Mark A. (Mark Allen). "The impact of indirect distribution strategies on supply chain operations." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/35030.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Ponnaiyan, Subramaniam. "Supply Chain Network Planning for Humanitarian Operations During Seasonal Disasters." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2013. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc271880/.

Full text

Abstract:

To prevent loss of lives during seasonal disasters, relief agencies distribute critical supplies and provide lifesaving services to the affected populations. Despite agencies' efforts, frequently occuring disasters increase the cost of relief operations. The purpose of our study is to minimize the cost of relief operations, considering that such disasters cause random demand. To achieve this, we have formulated a series of models, which are distinct from the current studies in three ways. First, to the best of our knowledge, we are the first ones to capture both perishable and durable products together. Second, we have aggregated multiple products in a different way than current studies do. This unique aggregation requires less data than that of other types of aggregation. Finally, our models are compatible with the practical data generated by FEMA. Our models offer insights on the impacts of various parameters on optimum cost and order size. The analyses of correlation of demand and quality of information offer interesting insights; for instance, under certain cases, the quality of information does not influence cost. Our study has considered both risk averse and risk neutral approaches and provided insights. The insights obtained from our models are expected to help agencies reduce the cost of operations by choosing cost effective suppliers.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Chains of operation'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles