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30 June 2012, Volume 15 Issue 3 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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A Game Approach to Carbon Emission Reduction for Multi-Enterprises Based on CDM Baseline Selection under Stochastic Output Zhao Daozhi, Gao Shuai, He Longfei 2012, 15 (3):  1-6.  Abstract ( 2378 )   Save The problem of carbon emission reduction is discussed in this paper in the scenario of clean development mechanism (CDM) project adopted by multiple enterprises with stochastic output. A game model is developed to describe the problem. With the model, under the same CDM baseline, the profit, cost, equilibrium output, and carbon emission reduction are analyzed with different number of enterprises that adopt the CDM project. The same analysis is also done under different CDM baselines. Results show that, when there are different CDM baselines, an enterprise should take both its profit and the government preference into consideration. Also, it suggests that an enterprise should select a right baseline so as to obtain the government approval and get the maximal profit. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Fuzzy Optimization Method and Its Application to Comprehensive Ulilization of Salt Mud in ChlorAlkali Industry Zhao Tao, Wang Xin 2012, 15 (3):  7-12.  Abstract ( 2613 )   Save In the chloralkali chemical manufacturing process, a kind of byproduct called salt mud is produced. The best way to deal with such a byproduct is to develop its downstream products. The question is what downstream products should be produced such that the benefit is maximized. Based on credibility measure, this problem is formulated as a fuzzy chanceconstrained goal programming problem. When the fuzzy variables are triangular fuzzy numbers, in some cases, the fuzzy chanceconstrained goal programming problem is shown to be equivalent to a simplified deterministic problem. Consequently, it can be efficiently solved by existing methods. For the cases that such an equivalence cannot be established, a genetic algorithm based on fuzzy simulation is presented. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the application and effectiveness of the proposed method. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Impact Analysis of Carry Cost on Long Term Diffusion of Electric  Vehicle in Competitive Market Ren Yulong, Chen Rong, Yin Xinzhe, Guan Ling 2012, 15 (3):  13-19.  Abstract ( 2265 )   Save In taking the advantages of energy saving and environment protection, electric vehicles have being rapidly developed in the market. Their long term diffusion on the competitive market is very important for the stakeholders to make their decision. To analyze the long term diffusion of electric vehicles, after analyzing the technical and economical properties of electric and combustion vehicles, a model is developed for this problem by using the innovation and diffusion theory, and biological population competition theory. Then, simulation and theoretical analysis is carried out to show the impact of the carry cost advantage of the electric vehicles over the combustion vehicles on the competition and diffusion trend, and on the final market as well. It is found that the advantage of the carry cost is the key factor that affects if the electric vehicles can replace the combustion vehicles and finally capture the market. The greater the advantage is, the more possibility is for the electric vehicles to capture the market. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Modeling and Its Stability Analysis of Supply Chain with Grey and Time Delay Properties Zhang Xuelong1,2,Wang Daoping1, Zhao Xiangzhong2 2012, 15 (3):  20-23.  Abstract ( 2493 )   Save In supply chain management, it is important to operate a supply chain smoothly. However, with grey and time delay properties, it is very challenging to model and control a supply chain. By using interval gray characteristics matrix and time delay system method, a multilayer model with grey and time delay properties is developed for such a supply chain. Then, a Lyapunov function is presented to analyze the stability of the system. Thus, an effective and practical criterion of stability is obtained. A supply chain system with 2layer interval grey and time delay is used to test the performance of the proposed method. By using Matlab 70, numerical results show that the supply chain system is randomly stable. The results obtained are useful and can be used as guide in practical application. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Incentive Recycling Contracts with Double Moral Hazard in Reverse Supply Chain Hu Xinping， Wang Yiguo 2012, 15 (3):  24-28.  Abstract ( 2255 )   Save The double moral hazard problem in a reverse supply chain composed of a manufacturer and a retailer for used product recycling is discussed. To solve this problem, a linear contract is designed by using the principalagent theory and effort elastic coefficient. With this contract, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are carried out. It is found that the ratio of effort level of the manufacturer to that of the retailer, the ratio of effort efficiency of the manufacturer to that of the retailer, and the ratio of marginal profit of the manufacturer to that of the retailer are equal to each other. Also, the retailers fixed cost increases as the manufacturers effort efficiency and effort cost coefficient increase, while it decreases as the manufacturers output coefficient increases. Thus, manufacturer and retailers effort level should be decided according to the corresponding effort elastic coefficient. When price contract is designed, it should take the effort elastic coefficient, output coefficient, and effort cost factor into full consideration so as to eliminate the impact of double moral hazard. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Game Model for Pricing in Bertrand Closedloop Supply Chain Systems Gao Peng, Lu Yumei 2012, 15 (3):  29-34.  Abstract ( 2492 )   Save The operation of reverse supply chain is discussed in this paper. Based on the Bertrand duopoly pricing game, a game model is developed for a closedloop supply chain composed of a supplier and two oligopoly retailers. With this model, the pricing mechanism for wholesale, retail, and recycling is analyzed under both centralized and decentralized decision making modes. Also, by using the model, the relationship between the supply chain profit and the product replacement rate is investigated. Based on the analysis, a twostage quantity discount policy in pricing is proposed such that the performance is improved in the sense of Pareto optimization. The range of discount and subsidy rates is given for both centralized and decentralized modes. The results obtained provide the basis for establishing the theory of closedloop supply chain system. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Optimal JIT Ordering and Setup Strategy with Lot-Size Ordering Cost Considered Zhou Xin 2012, 15 (3):  35-40.  Abstract ( 2433 )   Save  As large lot size per order may decrease the flexibility of the buyer, lotsize ordering cost is introduced to measure the buyers risk cost related to the lot size during the time period from ordering to receiving. By comprehensively assessing the costs resulting from ordering, transporting, inventory, and lotsize ordering, the buyer can find the optimal lot size. Based on the results obtained, the lotsize ordering problem is studied for a supply chain composed of one buyer and one supplier. For such a supply chain, with just in time (JIT) lotsplitting strategy, optimal ordering and setup strategies can be found for both centralized and decentralized decisionmaking modes. Then, the bargaining power of both sides is analyzed and a method to yield a strategy that is acceptable by both sides is proposed. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Pareto Analysis of Order Timing Based on Supplier‘s Service Level Xiong Hengqing1,2, Gao Dandan2, Guan Xu2 2012, 15 (3):  41-45.  Abstract ( 2453 )   Save There is little research report on order timing from the perspective of service level. In this paper, such a problem is studied for a supply chain system composed of a single supplier and a single retailer. Based on the newsboy model, a mathematical model is developed for the problem. With the model, the impact of service level on both sides preference in order timing is analyzed. Based on game theory, for different suppliers service level, corresponding Pareto optimal areas can be found. Results show that, when the suppliers service level is low, advance order is beneficial to the retailer, otherwise delayed order is favorable for the supplier. Also, it shows that, normally, a supplier prefers retailers advance order, which is consistent with the reality. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Supplier Selection Based on Uncertain Linguistic Information Tan Dixi1,2, Chen Jiao2, Wang Xiaotun2 2012, 15 (3):  46-51.  Abstract ( 6847 )   Save In the existing supplier selection methods, the solution is dependent on the opinions of experts. Thus, it needs to deal with the uncertain and fuzzy judgments made by experts. To solve this problem, based on uncertain linguistic information, a logistic service supplier selection method is put forward in this paper. By this method, uncertain linguistic variables are used to represent experts evaluation information such that the decision information can be preserved. With the uncertain linguistic variables, an attribute weighted optimization model of logistics service quality evaluation is developed. This model is solved by using Lagrange function such that the weights of attributes are determined. Then, by using the uncertain linguistic weighted geometric(ULWG) operator，the expert judgment information is collected such that we can order the candidate suppliers according to the objectives. A case study from a corporation is presented to show the application and the effectiveness of the proposed method. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Research on Bilateral Multi-Issue Intelligent Negotiation Based on TOPSIS Algorithm Ku Hongfeng, Wu Qinglie 2012, 15 (3):  52-56.  Abstract ( 2372 )   Save The negotiation problem of bilateral multiissues with incomplete information is addressed in this paper. Aiming at the maximization of joint utility of the two sides, based on Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, an intelligent negotiation model is developed for the problem. By this model, in the process of negotiation, one side can make compromise according to certain rules. With this model, by using TOPSIS method, one side finds best solution for the other side, while it ensuring the utility for itself. Thus, the utility of both sides is maximized. An example is used to validate the proposed method. This is done by numerical simulation to check the gap of the joint utility under complete and incomplete information environment. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Based on Chaos Particle Swam Optimization Xie Yang， Ye Chunming, Chen Junlan, Zhou Rong 2012, 15 (3):  57-61.  Abstract ( 2362 )   Save The resourceconstrained project scheduling problem is addressed in this paper. As the basic particle swarm optimization (BPSO) method is easy to be trapped in a local optimum, a chaos particle swarm optimization (CPSO) algorithm is proposed. It combines the chaos algorithm with the BPSO and is used to solve the typical multiple resourcesconstrained project scheduling problem. To test the performance of the proposed method, both BPSO and CPSO are used to solve an instance. Comparison shows that CPSO performs better than BPSO in average deviation from the optimum and the percentage of reaching the optimal value, etc. Also, it has better convergence than BPSO. However, in the average time to achieve the optimum, the CPSO is not as good as BPSO. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Hybrid Flow Shop Scheduling by Using Ant Colony System Combined with Dispatching Rules Qu Guoqiang1,2, Li Junfang1, Hou Dongliang1,3 2012, 15 (3):  62-68.  Abstract ( 2279 )   Save The scheduling problem of hybrid flow shop with makespan as objective is discussed. In a hybrid flow shop, there are multiple machines at each stage and its scheduling problem is known to be NPhard. A new method is proposed in this paper. By the proposed method, for the first stage, the job sequencing is formulated as a traveling salesman problem and the ant colony method is used to solve it. For the following stages, dispatching rules, such as first come first served and first available machine first, are used to obtain an initial solution. Then, the initial solution is improved by identifying the bottleneck stage in taking the advantage of knowledge about job processing times and machine configurations. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, it is tested by using the Carlier and Nerons benchmark problems. It is shown that proposed method is effective and outperforms the wellknown NawazEnscoreHam (NEH) heuristic. References | Related Articles | Metrics

An Entropy Approach to Structural and Operational Evaluation of Manufacturing Resource Organization Modes Ding Rong， Sun Yanming 2012, 15 (3):  69-74.  Abstract ( 2142 )   Save Up to now, there is no systematical quantitative method to evaluate the structural and operational effectiveness of different manufacturing resource organization modes. Based on the concept of order degree and the principle of the information entropy, for different manufacturing resource organization modes, structural and operational entropy models are developed to evaluate the order degree of structure and operation, respectively. The structural entropy model presents both the time effect entropy and the quality entropy, while the operational entropy model covers both the static and dynamic operational entropy. A case study is given to test the method. By using the proposed method, it evaluates the structural and operational effectiveness for a manufacturing workshop under two organization modes:  before and after the implementation of a dynamic cellular organization．Results show that, by reasonable planning and scheduling of the system, the dynamic cellular organization mode can enormously reduce material delivery requirements and equipment idle time. Thus, it has high order degree and high productivity. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Research on Identification of Critical-to-Quality Characteristics for Complex Products Yan Wei， He Zhen， Tian Wenmeng 2012, 15 (3):  75-79.  Abstract ( 2824 )   Save Often, most of products to be inspected are qualified, and only a small fraction is unqualified. In other words, the number of qualified and unqualified products are highly unbalanced. In the identification of criticaltoquality characteristics (CTQ), significant performance deviation is observed when traditional method is applied. The performance of identifying CTQ for the unqualified products is significantly inferior to that for the qualified products. In order to solve problem, improved information gain (IG) algorithm is proposed to process such highdimension imbalance data. By this method, it reduces the influence of imbalance data on the performance such that the identification of CTQ is significantly improved. Numerical simulation for an example verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Coefficient Determination of Multivariate Quality Loss Model Fan Shuhai1, Amanda Elizabeth2 2012, 15 (3):  80-82.  Abstract ( 2230 )   Save The quality loss model proposed by Genichi Taguchi in the early 1970s is based on the absolute deviation and it is a oneorder model. However, in practice, product quality is affected by multiple factors with correlation. Thus, in this paper, the Taguchis quality loss model is expanded in considering the relative deviation of the quality indices. First, a 2order multivariate quality model is presented. Then, this model is successfully extended to models with 3 or even higher order. The 2order model is then simplified to build a multivariate quality loss model. A method is proposed to determinate the coefficients in the model. Detailed procedure for the method is described. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Quality Decision of Remanufactured Products and Its Impacts on Remanufacturing Process Shao Baoyu, Shi Kuiran 2012, 15 (3):  83-86.  Abstract ( 2570 )   Save Under the assumptions that there are adequate recycling materials and, in the remanufacturing process, the quality of return parts fall off, a study is conducted on how a manufacturer makes the quality selection of the remanufactured products, and how to determine the optimal price of the new products and remanufactured products. It is shown that the variation of quality of the nonremanufactured part has significant effect on the demands of new products and remanufactured products. With the quality continuously improved for the remanufactured products, the demands for new products keep decreasing, while it continuously increases for remanufactured products. The higher the quality of the remanufactured products is, the less demand there is for the new products. This process will continue until the remanufactured products occupy the market. In this process, the increase of the manufacturers profit is fast at first and then slows down. Finally, the manufacturer gains the largest profit when the market is totally occupied by the remanufactured products. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Statistical Performance Analysis of a VP X Control Chart with B&L Switching Rule by Using a Markov Chain Model Guo Zhifang， Cheng Longsheng 2012, 15 (3):  87-91.  Abstract ( 2094 )   Save In statistical process control, variable parameter (VP)X  chart is widely used. To improve the performance of the VPXchart, Bai & Lee (B&L) switching rules are applied to design the VPX chart. By this method, a Markov chain model is developed to obtain the expressions of Average Time to Signal (ATS),  Adjusted Average Time to Signal (AATS), and average number of switches (ANSW). To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, comparison is done between the chart designed by the proposed method and the existing VPX chart by using two samples. Results show that, with the same average runtime, the proposed method outperforms the existing VPX chart in both shortening the alarm time and in reducing the number of switch times. The larger the parameter L is, the better the performance of the proposed method is. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Data Depth-Based Nonparametric Change Point Control Chart in Statistical Process Control Zhao Xiaosong1, Li Xiaowei2, Nie Bin3 2012, 15 (3):  92-97.  Abstract ( 2306 )   Save In statistical process control, some variables do not follow normal distribution. To resolve the problem of nonnormal distribution multivariable process control, based on data depth theory, a changepoint control chart is proposed. In order to draw such a chart, methodology and control process are presented for the collection of statistical data. To test the performance of the proposed method, samples that follow binary Gammadistribution are collected. It is done under different conditions with the location parameter shift ranging from 0.2 to 1.0, and change point being 14, 24, and 34, respectively. The simulation results show that, the larger the shift is, the better the performance is. When the shift is less than 0.7, the larger the change point is, the better the performance is. However, when the shift ranges from 0.1 to 0.4, the marginal effect is reduced. References | Related Articles | Metrics

The robust M-estimators in Response Surface Modeling Fang Juntao1, He Zhen2, Song Linxi2, Zhang Yang2 2012, 15 (3):  98-103.  Abstract ( 2167 )   Save Response surface methodology is a powerful tool for product/process improvement and optimization. In response surface modeling, the random errors are assumed to be normally distributed independent random variables with constant variance. However, due to the fact that outliers are inevitable in the observations, the constant variance assumption does not hold in practice. To dampen the effect of such observation random errors on the least square regression model, robust regression techniques are employed. Consider that the outlier which may occur in different experimental region and based on central composite design, performance analysis of reducing the influence of outliers for the Mestimators of robust regression is made. It includes three estimators: Huberestimator, Tukeyestimator, and Welschestimator. By comparison, it shows that Welsch and Tukeyestimators are better than Huberestimator in reducing the effect of outliers among response surface optimization and in response surface design. An example from chemical industry is used to calculate the optimal value of response surface model based on different experiment region of central composite design with and without outlier. In other words, the robust Mestimators, especially Welsch and Tukeyestimators, significantly improve the robustness of response surface modeling in large magnitude outliers (10 standard deviation). References | Related Articles | Metrics

practice & application

Location Selection of Automotive Components Concentrated Supply Center by Baumol-Wolfe Method Song Shaozhong1,2,4， Kong Fansen1， Wang Lifang1, Guo Shuxin3,4 2012, 15 (3):  104-109.  Abstract ( 2340 )   Save  The location of the concentrated supply center is an important factor to the cost efficiency of logistics and distribution system. Based on 5year data of a large spare parts logistics and distribution enterprise in auto manufacturing industry, a mathematical model of logistics and distribution is set up to measure the cost in phases with Baumol-Wolfe method while considering the variable costs and fixed costs. The results show that by setting up two concentrated supply centers in Beijing and Tianjin since 2012, the cost is lower than before 2009, when there was only one supply hub in Beijing. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Evaluation of Factory Layout Schemes Based on Extension Engineering Theory Zhang Qi1,2, Wang Qiuping1 2012, 15 (3):  110-114.  Abstract ( 2088 )   Save In the existing factory layout design, a scheme is obtained by making comparison among a set of candidate schemes. However, a better solution may be obtained if comparison is done with regard to an ideal scheme (either optimal or worst) that is not in the set of the candidate schemes. Based on this idea, an extended quantitative analysis method with ideal solutions as references is presented. A matter element analysis model by using the extension engineering theory is developed to implement this method. In the model, the matter elements of schemes, including the best and worst reference schemes are obtained by standardization and eigenvalue analysis of the evaluation indexes. Then, by determining the weights of the evaluation indexes, it can calculate the distance between a scheme and a reference scheme. In this way, a satisfactory scheme can be obtained. A case study from a machining factory is used to show the results obtained. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Modeling for ScenarioSimulation in a Mold Production Workshop Yu Ailin， Li Jinqiu， Mao Ning， Chen Qingxin 2012, 15 (3):  115-121.  Abstract ( 2260 )   Save Due to the complexity of mold production process, it is very difficult to model operation flows in a workshop by using a mathematical model. However, the operational state of mold manufacturing system can be visualized by simulation with objectoriented technology. Furthermore, interface can be developed between the simulation system and the ERP production management subsystem such that realtime data can be used to drive the simulation system. With this idea in mind, a scenariosimulation prototype system is developed. With this system, simulation can be made to reflect the reality by adjusting the systemparameters online. By simulation, one can estimates the completion date of a mold order. This date can be used as due date in order processing. This system has been tested in a mold manufacturing company and results show that it is effective and reliable. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Order Completion Date Estimation and Due Date Decision under Make-to-Order Mode Hu Shengqiang, Zhang Bixi, Zhang Xiangwei 2012, 15 (3):  122-129.  Abstract ( 2593 )   Save  Under make-to-order (MTO) environment, in the small-and-medium-size manufacturing enterprises, the order fulfillment is affected by many certain and random factors such as processing time variation, urgent order insertion, machine failure, scrap and rework, waiting, and so on. Based on the assumption that each random factor has a known stochastic distribution, a model of estimating the order completion date is developed. With this model, order completion date can be obtained by simulation. Then, by considering the customer’s delivery requirement, order due date and price can be determined. Also, sensitivity analysis is done to understand the interrelations among the mean order completion date and the uncertain factors. Finally, suggestions are given for how to control the uncertain factors. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Genetic Algorithm for the Timetabling Problem in Universities Cao Cejun，Yang Qin, Liang Hongyan, Yuan Lingling 2012, 15 (3):  130-135.  Abstract ( 2254 )   Save The timetabling problem in universities is to assign the classrooms into classes. This problem is somehow similar to that of assigning machines into jobs in manufacturing systems to minimize the makespan and tardiness. With this observation, the timetabling problem is described by a triplet as a parallel machine scheduling problem with machine eligibility restrictions. Then, a mathematical model is developed for the problem. By analyzing the features of the model, a heuristic that combines dispatching rules and genetic algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. Techniques for coding, individual fitness, crossover, and mutation are presented to implement the genetic algorithm. The proposed method is tested by using a practical case problem and it is shown to be effective and feasible. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Bicycle Riders' Regulation Violation and Safety Strategy Wang Pei, Rau Peiluen, Gavriel Salvendy 2012, 15 (3):  136-141.  Abstract ( 2092 )   Save This study is conducted for the objectives: 1) determine the nature and number of bicyc riders' violation behavior in China, which was done by a field observation; and 2) investigate whether sending information of bicycle direction and speed can increase the safety during the interaction between bicycles and motor vehicles. Motor vehicle drivers perceived risk in the interaction and their reaction performance were analyzed. The results show that bicycle riders committe a lot of violations and often put themselves in dangerous situations. At rush hours, 40.6% and 55.7% of them run through a red light for two observation sites, respectively. At non-rush hours, the percentage is 60.9% and 44.6%, respectively. Riding in the wrong direction is another serious regulation violation. The simulation results indicate, with bicycle information during interaction, it can result lower perceived risk, earlier reaction, lower speed when approaching, and longer separating distance providing (p<0.05). References | Related Articles | Metrics