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31 October 2012, Volume 15 Issue 5 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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practice & application

Warning Threshold Value Determination of Team Safety Behavior Risks in Air Traffic Control Yang Zhi, Luo Fan 2012, 15 (5):  1-7.  Abstract ( 1929 )   Save According to the types of the team safety behavior risks in air traffic control (ATC), team behavior risk indexes are selected through practical investigation. Then, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to build an index system. A comprehensive evaluation model is developed by weighting team safety behavior risks described by the risk destruction and resistance factors. In the model, it takes the age, professional level, and education as the control variables.  By using the orderly clustering of optimal partition algorithm, we take team's performance as reference sequence to define the risk threshold value of the team safety behavior. Results show that the team's safety risk behavior depends heavily on variable titles and ages in ATC. Its alarm threshold division is relatively stricter and obviously narrower than the part of diploma control. With full consideration of the total control variables by the proposed method, the risk threshold value is reasonable such that the threshold is neither too loose nor too strict, which can reduce both false positive and negative. References | Related Articles | Metrics

On the Optimal Marketing Strategy for Seasonal Products under the CVaR Criterion Li Ji-cai1,2, Zhou Yong-wu2, Xiao Dan2, Liu Zhe-rui2 2012, 15 (5):  8-14.  Abstract ( 2408 )   Save The traditional Newsvendor problem is based upon risk neutrality with an objective of maximizing the expected profit or minimizing the expected cost. However, the demands of a seasonal product are random and dependent on selling price and advertising cost. With the effect of selling price and advertising cost considered, a Newsvendor model with Conditional ValueatRisk (CVaR) criterion as objective is derived. Based on this model, an optimal marketing strategy is found and the effect of risk aversion on the optimal strategy is analyzed. Examples are used to show the application of the proposed method and the managerial insights. The results are useful for retailers who sell seasonal products. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Application of MahalanobisTaguchi Method to Optimal Selection of Influential Factors for Single Disease Cost Analysis 2012, 15 (5):  15-20.  Abstract ( 2255 )   Save To analyze the disease cost by existing statistical methods, it is based on premise of hypothesis, the judgment process is complex, and it involves large amount of computation. To overcome these shortcomings, the key is how to select the influential factors. In this paper, MahalanobisTaguchi is proposed to do so for single disease cost analysis. Based on the relative factors in the literature, a case study for pure appendicitis in a hospital is conducted. By using MahalanobisTaguchi method, influential factors are selected such that the fitting degree of regression reaches to 82%. This implies that the method is effective and practically applicable References | Related Articles | Metrics

Medical Risk Cost Estimation of Clinical Pathway Based on Failure Mode and Effect Analysis Tong Peng1，Liu Zi-xian1， Ni Xin2，Song Qing-lu1 2012, 15 (5):  21-25.  Abstract ( 2290 )   Save  Existing studies on medical risk cost mainly pay attention to complication cost, but ignore medical risk cost of clinical pathway. To solve this problem, based on reliability theory, a new inventory method is developed in this paper. By combining fault tree analysis (FTA) with failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), this method is able to analyze the risk factors in clinical pathway. Then, with average cost of resolve and risk score, the medical risk cost of clinical pathway can be calculated. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by an esophageal cancer surgery clinical pathway in a hospital in Beijing. It is estimated that the weighted average cost of resolve for an esophageal cancer surgery is 14 710, while the weighted average cost of resolve for an annual esophageal cancer surgery is 397 290, which is a good estimation. Thus, the proposed method can effectively estimate the medical risk cost of a clinical pathway and provides guidance for the practical application. References | Related Articles | Metrics

eM-Plant-Based Simulation Method for Optimal Scheduling of Single-Arm Cluster Tools with Wafer Revisiting Sun Yu-xi， Wu Nai-qi 2012, 15 (5):  26-32.  Abstract ( 2057 )   Save For some wafer fabrication processes in cluster tools, wafer revisiting is required. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is such a typical revisiting process. It is a challenging problem to schedule a cluster tool for such a process. A study is conducted to schedule single-arm cluster tools to find an optimal schedule of the revisiting process of ALD. To do so, a Petri net model is developed to describe the behavior of the system. With this model, an optimal schedule can be obtained from very limited number of candidate schedules by just comparing the cycle time of these schedules. Based on the Petri net model, a simulation system is developed by using eM-Plant platform such that the cycle time of a schedule for the revisiting process can be efficiently obtained. In this way, given the parameters of the system for the revisiting process, an optimal schedule can be efficiently found. Illustrative examples are given to show the application of the proposed method. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Rescheduling Model and Algorithm for Steelmaking and Continuous Casting with New Tasks Arrival Hou Dong-liang1,2,3, Li Tie-ke1,2 2012, 15 (5):  33-38.  Abstract ( 2313 )   Save A rescheduling problem of steelmaking-continuous casting with new tasks arrival was studied in this paper. By mapping new tasks that would be insert an initial schedule to the added time constraint, a dynamic constraint satisfaction model was established to minimize the difference of the start time of the old jobs between the initial schedule and the adjust one. And according to this model, a local repair rescheduling algorithm based on dynamic constraint satisfaction techniques was put forward. In this method, the Little Freedom First(LFF) strategy was used to select variables and the Biggest Idle time Feasible Distribution(BIFD) strategy to assign one value to a variable. The conflict identification and elimination principles were used to identify and eliminate the time conflicts and resource conflicts in the assignment. In simulation experiment, three different insertion time points were generated randomly. Target value were all zero. The results demonstrate that the algorithm can satisfy the needs of realtime and stability as much as possible. References | Related Articles | Metrics

JIT Inbound Logistics Planning of Auto Parts for Whole Vehicle Manufacturer Wang Li-fang1，2，Kong Fan-sen1，Song Shao-zhong3，Gu Xin1 2012, 15 (5):  39-44.  Abstract ( 2668 )   Save In some whole vehicle manufacturers, there are problems in part supply, such as late inbound delivery, unevenly busy or idle in port unloading, non-transparent logistics cost, low transportation efficiency and service level, uncontrollable management, and so on. To solve this problem, by using ‘5W3H’ and questionnaire survey, a study is conducted for engine and transmission production of A-type car in a whole vehicle manufacturer. Then, with Milk-run system, solution is presented for the problem. Thus, based on the concept of equalization and justintime (JIT), logistics and information flows are established. Further, based on the idea of integrating three flows into one, information flow, cash flow, and operation process are also established. Result shows that, for typical large parts, the inventory in distribution center has been reduced from 10 days to three days, and transport vehicle quantity has been reduced from 16 to 8, and it saves transportation cost 10 million Yuans per year. This is a significant improvement. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Study on Raw Material Batch Mixing Problem for Optimal Quality Tracing of Shrimp Products Mao Zhi-hui, Chen Xin-du, Hu Chang-wei, Wang Zong-zhong 2012, 15 (5):  45-50.  Abstract ( 2160 )   Save It is crucial for a shrimp exporting enterprise to have a reliable and accurate quality tracing system. The key for such a system is the quality tracing accuracy. It is found that to improve the shrimp quality tracing accuracy is to optimize the raw material batch mixing such that the mixing degree can be reduced. This problem is formulated as a multi-objective mixed integer programming problem and an algorithm is proposed to solve it. The proposed method is tested by a case problem from a leading aquatic product processing enterprise. Result shows that it can effectively narrow the responsible tracing range of the raw material suppliers. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Grouping Methodology for Furniture Parts Based on Fuzzy Cluster Analysis Hao Jing-xin1，2，Liu Wen-jin1，2，Wu Xin-feng1 2012, 15 (5):  51-54.  Abstract ( 2151 )   Save Reasonable part grouping is one of the key factors to increase productivity. A case study on part grouping is conducted for a panel furniture factory at Dezhou city. By using process analysis, a similarity matrix for the parts is built. Then, an equivalent matrix is constructed by transfer closure method such that part grouping can be done. With Matlab, an algorithm is presented to solve the complex part grouping problem. By this method, the number of part groups obtained is dependent on the threshold value. As the threshold value increases, the number of part groups increases and the average similarity index increases accordingly. Thus, if a furniture company is small, the threshold value should be set to be smaller than that for a larger company so as to obtain a small number of part groups, while for a large company the threshold value should be set to be relatively larger. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Application of Ergonomics to Automotive Design Zeng Man-lin, Dai Li-qiang, Zhao Fu-quan 2012, 15 (5):  55-59.  Abstract ( 2529 )   Save In automotive design and development, it is crucial to enhance the functions of an automotive in the sense of ergonomics. This paper introduces how ergonomics is used to improve the functions, such as field of vision, comfortableness of sitting position, convenience of peoples entry or exit, ease for opening engine cover and back door, and so on. With the authors work experience in automotive design, guidelines are also presented for automotive design reference. References | Related Articles | Metrics

articles

A Fuzzy Evaluation Method for Measuring the Reliability of New Product Development Process Zhang Peng-wei, Su Qin, Li Cheng-long 2012, 15 (5):  60-65.  Abstract ( 2186 )   Save In a new product development (NPD) process, it is difficult to obtain reliability data. To solve this problem, a fuzzy scoring method is employed to get the reliability data. Based on IDEF0 (Integrated Definition for Function Modeling), a fuzzy influencing matrix is constructed by using fuzzy evaluation method. With expert experience, the reliability of the NPD process is assessed by taking quality of the “output” as process reliability. Simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively assess not only the reliability of the NPD process, but also quantitatively ascertain critical factors that influence the reliability of the NPD process. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Integrated Approach of Quality Function Deployment to Quality Assurance in Service Product Design Wang Ning, Xu Ji-chao 2012, 15 (5):  66-72.  Abstract ( 1910 )   Save Due to the scattered customer demand information in service product design, when traditional quality function deployment (QFD) method is applied, judgment consistency and overall satisfaction with unfold accuracy are low. To solve this problem, a new method for service product design is proposed by integrating fuzzy cluster analysis, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and house of quality. By this method, customer quality demands are differentiated hierarchically in fuzzy cluster analysis. The weight of customer quality demands is determined by fuzzy AHP. And the relationship matrix in the house of quality is judged by introducing the fuzzy sets. Thus, the natural language is associated with the fuzzy numbers to accurately grasp the customer demands. At the same time, the fuzzy numbers are used to judge the result of weight analysis and degree of relation such that the accuracy and stability of the evaluation can be improved. Consequently, a quantitative analysis method for achieving the quality assurance in service product design is presented. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Detection of Overlapping and Simultaneous Two Faults Based on the Improved LDA Li Tian-en, He Zhen 2012, 15 (5):  73-78.  Abstract ( 2153 )   Save  In the two-dimension space, when there is a correlation between two critical-to-quality (CTQ) attributes, two predefined faults overlap each other. In this case, if fuzzy  c-means  (FCM) method is applied to detect these two faults that happen simultaneously, the detection rate is low. In order to solve this problem, a new algorithm called linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant intervals (PILDA) is proposed. By this algorithm, PCA-shaping is used to eliminate the effects of overlapping and to determine the discriminant intervals so as to overcome the difficulty in detecting two faults that are not predefined. To verify the proposed method, simulation is made for the detection of simultaneous faults and single faults by using 864 fault combinations in different variable relations and different variable shifts. By the proposed method, the average detection rate is 84.94% compared with 58.13% by FCM. This is a significant improvement. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Users Advertising Tolerability of Web Page Wu Feng, Li Ji-chen, Ma Qi, Zhou Rong-gang 2012, 15 (5):  79-85.  Abstract ( 2242 )   Save  For a long time, it is quite difficult to quantitatively monitor and compare the advertising tolerability on a website. To remedy this situation, a comprehensive evaluation model based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) is proposed. Firstly, advertisements on a website are figured out and an evaluation system with eight primary indexes and 64 secondary indexes is constructed. The AHP is used to get the weight vector of index by measuring the relative importance of indexes obtained from questionnaires and in-depth interview. Then, based on index transformation, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is conducted so that the advertising tolerability of web pages is assessed by synthesizing operations of weight vector and fuzzy relationship matrix. Four main portal pages are used to verify this model. Result shows that this model is able to do quantitative measurement by overcoming the difficulty of large number of elements and advertisement attribute variation. Thus, it is valuable to help advertisers choose websites and operators for monitoring and controlling the advertising tolerability of their web pages. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Distribution Network Design for Carbon Tax-Constrained Urban Cold Chain Logistics Yang Jian-hua, Guo Ji-dong, Ma Shu-gang 2012, 15 (5):  86-91.  Abstract ( 2228 )   Save To mitigate cost burden resulting from the forthcoming carbon emission tax to the urban cold chain distribution activities, an extended distribution network model for carbon taxconstrained capacitated cold chain logistics is developed. Under varying carbon tax rates ranging from 0.01 to 0.20 RMB per kg carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2eq), the model is expressed in YALMIP toolbox and exactly solved by an optimization kit. By this method, solutions for the distribution network and product flows are obtained under different carbon tax rates. Results show that, when the policy of progressive carbon tax rates comes into effect, by finetuning strategies on the distribution network, a cold chain service company can decrease its carbon emission by at most 30%, while the total corresponding operation cost increase by less than 10% only. This shows the effectiveness of the proposed method. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Research on Return Policy of Multi-Suppliers and Single-Retailer under Asymmetric Information Zhu Lin-lin, Xiao Ren-bin 2012, 15 (5):  92-98.  Abstract ( 2326 )   Save A study is conducted on a newsvendor supply chain composed of multi-suppliers and one assembler who also acts as retailer and possesses private demand information. The suppliers provide return policies to overcome information asymmetry so as to make the retailers order equal to the optimal order obtained by a supply chain with symmetric information. It is assumed that demands can be described by two states: high and low demand ones. Thus, the suppliers should offer two sub-contracts with respect to the two different demand states without knowing demand information, while the retailer should make order decision based on the actual demand state. Then, the optimal order is analyzed under both centralized and decentralized supply chain. Further, the game behavior between different suppliers is also analyzed for the setting of the wholesale price and buyback price. Numerical example shows that incentive is a reasonable way to make the retailer choose a subcontract based on actual demand state and the suppliers return polices can overcome the information asymmetry. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Buy Back Contracts in Supply Chain under Emergence and Asymmetric Information Cao Xi-yu, Qin Yan-hua 2012, 15 (5):  99-104.  Abstract ( 2183 )   Save A supply chain composed of one manufacturer and one retailer with market demand uncertainty is addressed in this paper. After coordination function with buy back contract is analyzed, the supply chain coordination by using buy back contract is studied in considering that emergency occurs such that market demand and retailer's marginal cost are changed with asymmetric cost information. Result shows that the supply chain coordination can be broken off by an emergency. Thus, an optimal strategy for such a supply chain to handle emergency is proposed. By this strategy, a buy back contract is adjusted such that it has the ability to effectively response to an emergency. Numerical examples are used to show application of the proposed method.  References | Related Articles | Metrics

Risk Allocation Model of Supply Chain Option Contract under  Demand Uncertainty Zhao Tao， Zong Ma-li 2012, 15 (5):  105-111.  Abstract ( 2393 )   Save Supply chain option contract is one of the important ways to respond to demand uncertainty. However, such a contract brings new risks into a supply chain. While dealing with the problem of risk sharing in supply chain option contract, decision makers are advised to determine option price and share risks by bargaining power. In this paper, the risk sharing by using option contract is studied for a supply chain composed of one manufacturer and one retailer. With the effect of bargaining power on order quantity, production scheduling, and profit being considered, a risk sharing model is proposed. Based on the model, analysis shows that, by option contract, it can increase the expected profit for both the manufacturer and retailer. When the manufacturers bargaining power is increased, the retailers order quantity increases, but option quantity decreases. When the manufacturers bargaining power is decreased, the total expected profit in supply chain is reduced. Simulation experiments verify the obtained results. Based on the results, suggestions are made for decision making of option price. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Modeling and Optimization of MultiStage Dynamic Service Matchmaking for Service Systems Pan Hai-xia, Wang jing 2012, 15 (5):  112-117.  Abstract ( 2061 )   Save In a multistage service process, for each stage, there are many alternative service matchmaking options. The decision made at each stage directly impacts the cost and the related requirements of the next phase of service matchmaking. Therefore, dynamic service matchmaking presents a great challenge to the service resource planning. Thus, global optimization is vitally important to a successful service system. With the focus on the dynamic service matchmaking in service supply system, a dynamic service matchmaking model is developed to describe multistage dynamic decision making process. Then, dynamic programming method is used to solve the global optimization matchmaking problem. Finally, a case study is conducted to demonstrate the proposed method. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Robust Single Machine Scheduling Algorithm with Rush Orders Zhang Xian-chao, Zhou Hong 2012, 15 (5):  118-124.  Abstract ( 2001 )   Save Rush orders are common in practical production. With high priority, rush orders disturb the schedule being executed and degrade scheduling performance. Aiming at reducing the degradation of scheduling performance and hedging against the rush orders, a robust scheduling algorithm is presented for single machine job release problem with total tardiness as objective. Due to the NPhard nature of the problem, a special structure called toppyramid is established in the light of relationship between the release time and due dates of different jobs. In this way, dominant properties can be obtained. Then, the dominant properties are analyzed when rush orders arrives by considering the characteristics of rush orders, and alternative robust schedules are found. With simulation, an example is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. It shows that the proposed robust scheduling algorithm can effectively reduce scheduling performance degradation caused by rush orders. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Recognition of Control Chart Pattern by Using Adaptive Mutation  Particle Swarm Optimization and Support Vector Machine Zhang Min，Cheng Wen-ming 2012, 15 (5):  125-129.  Abstract ( 2126 )   Save Due to the complexity of production processes resulting from multi-item production, effective production control is necessary. For this purpose, an intelligent control chart pattern recognition method is proposed. This method can improve the recognition accuracy by using adaptive mutation particle swarm optimization (AMPSO) and support vector machine (SVM) classifier. It uses one-against-one SVM multi-class classifier to recognize the control patterns because of its excellent small sample learning. Meanwhile, AMPSO is used to optimize the parameters of SVM kernel function. 20-dimension simulated data sets of ten control chart patterns, including six fundamental patterns and four mix patterns, are used to test the proposed method. Also, it is compared with BP, SVM, and PSO-SVM methods. Simulation results show that the proposed method can get high recognition accuracy, which is up to 98.14%, while it is 75% if BP is applied. This implies that it is a feasible way to recognize control chart pattern in practice. References | Related Articles | Metrics

On the Relationship between Social Capital and Innovation Performance with Dynamic Capability as Mediator Zhang Hui-ying，Wu Hong-cui，Dai Wan-liang 2012, 15 (5):  130-136.  Abstract ( 2095 )   Save  Based on resource and capability theory, a conceptual model for the relation among supplier’s social capital, dynamic capability, and innovation performance is developed. With the data collected from 211 survey samples, this model is tested by using multiple regression method. Result shows that dynamic capability plays a full mediating role between structural and innovation financial performance, structural and innovation growth performance, relationship and innovation financial performance, and cognitive and innovation growth performance. However, it plays a partial mediating role between relationship and innovation growth performance, and cognitive and innovation financial performance. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Development of Intelligent Maintenance Scheduling Experimental Platform for Serial Production System Yan Ji-hong， Li Xin 2012, 15 (5):  137-143.  Abstract ( 1988 )   Save To serve for the education of industrial engineering major, an intelligent maintenance scheduling experimental platform for a serial production system with limited buffer is developed. The experimental platform consists of two modules: maintenance scheduling computing and maintenance scheduling demonstration modules. Based on an intelligent maintenance scheduling model for serial production system with limited buffers, three different strategies are adopted for maintenance scheduling in Maintenance Scheduling Computing Module by using Matlab. The Maintenance Scheduling Demonstration Module is based on Flexsim simulator. With this platform, experiments, such as analysis of maintenance scheduling parameters, analysis of maintenance scheduling policies, maintenance scheduling simulation, etc., can be carried out, and optimization model of maintenance scheduling related parameters can be established.  References | Related Articles | Metrics