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29 June 2013, Volume 16 Issue 3 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Effect of Patent Protection on Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Market Segmentation Considered Xiong Zhong-kai, Li Xue 2013, 16 (3):  1-7.  Abstract ( 1621 )   Save By segmenting green consumer and primary consumer, the effect of patent protection on closed-loop supply chain where OEM competes with an independent remanufacturer is studied. By establishing supply chain pricing models with and without patent protection fee, optimal pricing strategy and optimal protection fee decision strategy are derived. Comparison is made between the two different models. By using numerical simulation, the impacts of the degree of primary consumer acceptance to remanufactured products, the impacts of the green consumer share on the optimal price, profit, and patent protection fee are analyzed, respectively. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Low-Carbonization Supply Chain Coordination Based on Option Contracts Li Yuan, Zhao Dao-zhi 2013, 16 (3):  8-13.  Abstract ( 1551 )   Save In the context of low-carbonization supply chain, an option contract coordination problem of two-stage supply chain composed of one manufacturer and one retailer is investigated based on the “cap-and-trade” mode. The wholesale price mechanism is viewed as a benchmark. The option contract model is constructed by using the cooperative game method. By analysis, we get the parameters to implement the option contract and the profit distribution plan according to supply chain members' risk preferences and negotiating power. Results show that, compared with the benchmark, the option contract can coordinate supply chain efficiently and robustly. Risk preferences of decision makers play an important role in profit allocation. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Benefit Distribution of Renewable Energy Electricity Supply Chain under Mandatory Access Policy Wu Wen-jian，Ren Yu-long, Shi Le-feng 2013, 16 (3):  14-20.  Abstract ( 1372 )   Save Mandatory access policy has a significant impact on the benefit distribution among the renewable electricity supply chain parts. Aiming at the analysis of the effect, four policy scenarios about price or quantity control are set. Based on a two-level supply chain composed of a generator and a grid model, a game model is built by using Stackberg theory, and the optimal benefit of the parties is solved by backward induction. Analysis of the benefit distribution results under four policy scenarios is compared. Results show that the generation cost is a key factor to the benefit distribution. Control policies about price or quality contribute to the benefit improvement, but cannot guarantee the rational allocation. Quantitative control is conducive to the realization of the renewable energy development goals, and price relaxes conducive to the internalization of the additional cost of power generation. It is concluded that the quota policy is the renewable electricity policy direction, in view of benefit increase and distribution. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Pricing Decision and Coordination Research on Consumer Returns under E-commerce Environment Shen Chengran 2013, 16 (3):  21-26.  Abstract ( 1341 )   Save The pricing problem for a supply chain system composed of a supplier and one online retailer under E-commerce environment is discussed. Two consumer returns processing modes are considered: processing returns by the manufacturer (M-mode) or by the retailer (R-mode). Based on game theory, the optimal price, the optimal return price, and optimal profits of the supply chain are analyzed. The difference of two modes is compared with numerical simulation. Results show that R-mode is better than Mmode under E-commerce environment. By the use of revenue-and-expense sharing contracts, the coordination of supply chain about consumer returns can be achieved and enhance supply chain profit and customer utility. References | Related Articles | Metrics

ThreeStage Supply Chain Coordination under Disruptions Based on False Failure Return Yao Zeyou, Cao Xiyu 2013, 16 (3):  27-31.  Abstract ( 1555 )   Save A three-stage supply chain composed of one manufacturer, one distributor, and one retailer is considered in this paper. The manufacturer supplies to the distributor short-life-cycle products with a wholesale price, the distributor supplies them with a wholesale price to the retailer, and then the retailer sells product to customers with a retail price. The retailer buys back customers false failure return products with a retail price, the distributor and the manufacturer reclaim the products from the retailer by stage. The retailer‘s effort has influence not only on demands but also on return rate. Under these conditions, the coordination function with rebate and penalty contract is analyzed. Then, coordination with rebate and penalty contract for such a supply chain is studied, in which market demand is changed under disruption. Result shows that this supply chain coordination may be broken off by a disruption. Thus, an optimal strategy for this supply chain to deal with the disruption is given and an improved rebate and penalty contract whith antidisruption ability is proposed. Finally, the proposed models are employed to examples with numerical analysis. References | Related Articles | Metrics

On Stability of Retailers Coalition for Items with Imperfect Quality Xiao Dan, Zhou Yongwu, Tang Qinshen 2013, 16 (3):  32-37.  Abstract ( 1518 )   Save 〖The stability of retailers′ coalition with deterministic demands and existence of product defects is dealt with. A mathematical model of multiretailer ordering from a uniform supplier via forming coalition is established to obtain optimal order quantity of retailers coalition. It is shown that operational cost can be reduced due to the subadditivity of the coalition. Subsequently, proportion sharing rules are proposed to share inventory costs among retailers. By these rules, the grand coalition is a stable structure. Numerical example is presented to illustrate the rationality of the proportion sharing rules. Results are useful for retailers to decide how to form coalition with others and what operational strategies should be adopted. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Decentralized Supply Chain System for Deteriorating Items with Credit-Linked Demands and Varying Credit Period Tang Qin-shen, Zhou Yong-wu, Zheng Qian-qian 2013, 16 (3):  38-44.  Abstract ( 1419 )   Save With existing inventory models for deteriorating items under trader credit, it was assumed that the credit period M offered by supplier is fixed, or that the demand rate is constant or price-linked, but few of studies considers that demand rate is affected by credit period. However, in reality, credit period N has an effect on demand, and supplier offers credit period M according to the order quantity. Customers buy more items if a retailer gives more credit period, especially for those who lack money at that time, and a retailer orders a larger quantity if more credit period is offered by a supplier. A decentralized inventory model is proposed under credit-linked demands and with the credit period offered by the supplier depending on retailer’s order quantity. Consequently, the problem of determining the optimal credit period M, the optimal order cycle time T, and economic order quantity Q, is dealt with to maximize retailer and supplier‘s profit per unit time. For a special case with deteriorating rate being zero, approximate solutions are developed. Numerical examples and sensitive analysis of the major parameters are presented to illustrate the proposed models. In the analysis, some conclusions are obtained with enlightenment. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Study on Dual Channel Supply Chain Inventory Strategy with Channel Preference Li Li, Liu Xin, Yan Yan 2013, 16 (3):  45-49.  Abstract ( 1356 )   Save When conducting both online sale and conventional retail, manufacturers need to coordinate the logistics conflict between these two channels. In considering consumer channel preference, the dual channel supply chain system is analyzed and an inventory decision-making quantitative model is built. Based on this model, simulation is made by using Matlab. Results indicate that as demand uncertainty increases, manufacturers and retailers increase their inventory and suffer a loss of profit, while the increase of online channel preference rate can result manufacturers inventory increase, which results in the profit decrease of retailers and the supply chain. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Coal Supply Chain Network Equilibrium Model in Multi-Commodity and Multi-Modal Transport Peng Yong-tao, Zhang Jin, Chen Gang 2013, 16 (3):  50-56.  Abstract ( 1376 )   Save In this paper, a coal supply chain network is addressed, where transport capacity and storage capacity of a coal enterprise are restricted. For such a supply chain network, a supply chain network equilibrium model is established. By analyzing independent decisions of the coal producers, vendors, demand markets, and the effect of their interaction, conditions for achieving an equilibrium state are solved by using the variable inequality theory. Hence, coal trade volume and prices for different decisionmakers in the system are determined. Finally, through solving numerical examples，a conclusion is obtained that logistics service level affects the equilibrium relationship of the supply chain network. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Profit Distribution Mechanism of VMI at Upstream Segment of Supply Chain Based on Shapley Value Algorithm Li Lei1, Yang Huai-zheng2, Tan Yang-bo3 2013, 16 (3):  57-64.  Abstract ( 1477 )   Save How to distribute incomes under vender managed inventory (VMI) is directly related to profits of all participants. For a long time, this issue has been discussed in academic based on the downstream segment of supply chain. In this work, by VMI, the upstream segment is addressed. In considering the impact of implementing VMI on the parameters of supply chain, economic models are developed. Based on this model, the profit distribution mechanism of VMI at upstream segment is constructed according to the basic logic of Shapley value algorithm combining with an idiographic example test. Results indicate that, through the mechanism, the profits created by carrying out VMI at upstream segment are distributed reasonably among participants. Thus, the increased costs of accessory suppliers from managing manufacturer inventory could be offset, and a win-win goal can be achieved. In reality, this mechanism could be implemented by an income sharing contract constituted by all partners before carrying out VMI. Finally, the conclusions are compared with the former counterparts, and the opportunities are predicted. References | Related Articles | Metrics

SCOR-Based Activity-Based Management and Simulation Zheng Yun， Feng Ying 2013, 16 (3):  65-71.  Abstract ( 1447 )   Save There are limitations, such as analyzing a single job in isolation and being detached from the strategic management, in the application of activitybased management (ABM). To solve this problem, from the perspective of improving the activity process, an approach is proposed to build an improved ABM system via Supply Chain Operation Reference Model (SCOR) techniques. The usage and feasibility of applying supply chain idea in an enterprise is investigated. Then, an improved ABM system from the point of view of the activity process is built via SCOR model techniques. An index system is built via strategy map combining the ABM with strategic management. These improvements expand the application range. For a train toilet maker, an ABM system is built based on SCOR model. Then, a Petri net-level model is established and simulated by ExSpect. Compared with traditional ABM, the improved method can analyze the activities to be improved from the perspective of improving activity process and thus simplifies the activity analysis. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Dynamic Scheduling for Partially Substitutability Constrained Resource Based on Critical Chain Yang Qin， Li Jin-qi，Liao Bin 2013, 16 (3):  72-76.  Abstract ( 1398 )   Save An optimal schedule of constrained resource on the critical chain can effectively improve the operational efficiency of the system. This is one of the important research issues in critical chain project management. Existing research on constrained resource mainly focuses on updating of resources rather than on the substitutability of resources. Therefore, the scheduling of partially substitutability constrained resource is studied to improve resource utilization and cut down the expense etc. Firstly, the scheduling problem is described as the parallel allometric machines with machine eligibility restriction by a triplet. With the goal of minimizing tardiness, a mathematical model is established. Then, a hybrid rescheduling strategy is used with improved particle swarm optimization to build an algorithm. Finally, simulated examples are designed, by comparing with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and GA to demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the solution. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Study on Case-Based Reasoning for Auto Service Based on Ontology Model of Automotive after-Sale Service Zeng Zhu1, Lv Shu-yu2, Li Bing1 2013, 16 (3):  77-83.  Abstract ( 1406 )   Save Ontology theories are applied to after-sale service of motor car in this paper. In modeling the problem, three ontology models are constructed, they are: ontology of driving behavior, ontology of driving environment, and ontology of automobile domain. With these models and their association, an ontology model for automotive after-sale service is built. Thus, the intrinsic factors affecting automotive after-sales service are clarified. Then, based on the model, a similarity calculation method for automotive after-sale service is put forward based on case-oriented reasoning. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Research on Customer Satisfaction Evaluation in 3PL Enterprises Based on Neural Networks Ensemble Zhang Yanliang1, Hu Linlin1, Li Yadong2 2013, 16 (3):  84-88.  Abstract ( 1360 )   Save Customer satisfaction evaluation in third party logistics (3PL) enterprises is a dynamic, multiple-input, and nonlinear problem. To solve such a problem, factors influencing customer satisfaction are analyzed in the perspective of the 3PL services. Then, to evaluate customer satisfaction in 3PL, a neural networks ensemble is trained and tested with the data of CRC Logistics and used to construct the plan to improve customer satisfaction. Results show that, with this model, the prediction is accurate and good at generalization ability. The model, with a high practical value, can be used to study the main factors influencing enterprise's customer satisfaction and provide the basis for improving customer satisfaction. References | Related Articles | Metrics

An Empirical Research on Relationship between Service Innovation Capability and Enterprises' Internal Environment Gao Shuncheng1,2 2013, 16 (3):  89-95.  Abstract ( 1429 )   Save In order to understand how the internal environment affects the service innovation of an enterprise, an enterprise innovation capacity evaluation system and a Probit Model are built for the managers. Investigation is conducted with questionnaires. Result shows that service innovation awareness, willingness of executives, and internal innovation incentive system are significant to an enterprise. Meanwhile, the service innovation strategy, the cultivation of innovation capacity, and the service innovation team are important as well. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Life Cycle Management of Resource-Saving Naval Vessels Equipment Based on Value Engineering Zhang Yu1， Wang Bo1， Tan Zhendong2 2013, 16 (3):  96-102.  Abstract ( 1381 )   Save The basic principles, intension, and extension of value engineering are introduced. Then, a life-cycle value management concept for resourcesaving naval vessels equipment is established by innovatively applying life cycle scientific management principle. With this concept, a life-cycle cost calculation model is presented by putting environmental cost into the equipment life-cycle cost. Based on reliability theory, an improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP) index weighting is proposed to analyze equipment performance indicator. The proposed performance evaluation methods are verified by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and practical examples. Then, an optimization model for cost-effective is built. With quantitative and qualitative analysis combined, the value of ships and equipment is maximized. Thus, the proposed method provides a basis for life cycle management, analysis, and employment of resource-saving naval vessel equipment. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Study on Total Factor Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction Potential of Coal-Fired Power Plants in Considering Environmental Protection Wang Xi-ping, Tian Dan-dan 2013, 16 (3):  103-109.  Abstract ( 1350 )   Save Aiming at accurately measuring total factor energy efficiency and emission reduction potential of coal-fired power plant under constraint of environment, a total factor energy efficiency and emission reduction potential model is constructed based on the introduction of environmental production technology and direction distance function. Total-factor energy efficiency and emission reduction potential of 13 large-scale coal-fired power plants in Hebei Province over the period of 2009 to 2011 have been measured based on the survey data. Energy efficiency is divided into economic performance and environmental performance. Empirical results show that during 2009~2011, the overall total factor energy efficiency of sample power plants had a descending trend, and the sample power plants had a huge potential to reduce emission reduction and every year emission reduction could be reduced by around 16% on the average. Significant plant disparities of energy efficiency and emission reduction potential exist. Total-factor energy efficiency and emission reduction of coal-fired power plant with high parameters and large capacity coalfired power generation unit whose “Catch-up effect” is relatively obvious are generally higher. Environmental performance has greater negative impacts on energy efficiency. Finally, some suggestions are made, which is expected to increase the efficiency level of coal-fired power plants in Hebei Province. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Weighted-Network-Model-Based Research on Open Source Software Community Mass Production Structure Zeng Jin-qun, Yang Jian-mei, Chen Quan 2013, 16 (3):  110-115.  Abstract ( 1391 )   Save Complex network provides a new tool for studying organizational structure of an open source software community. With the C# of the codeplex community in an open source community as a case, a project - producer weighted bipartite network and weighted cooperative network model are developed in this paper. Then, a null model is presented and analysis of the index for these two network models is carried out. It is found that weighted network is better to reflect the open source software community characteristics of organizational structure. Finally, economic significance is explained and discussed for these network indicators. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Optimization of Layout of Tour Activity Place in Considering Congestion Li Jin-hua 2013, 16 (3):  116-120.  Abstract ( 1304 )   Save An idea of alleviating the adverse effects of crowd congestion on tour activity is proposed from the perspectives of optimizing the layout of a tour activity place. The internal correlation between the distribution of attractions and resources is studied. By introducing Moran's I from spatial statistics, an optimization model of the layout of tour activity place is established with bi-objective. Then, an ant colony optimization approach is proposed. Test instance demonstrates that the algorithm can be used to solve the above problem effectively. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Fuzzy-KANO-Based Classification Method and its Application to Quality Attributes Meng Qingliang1,2, He Lin1 2013, 16 (3):  121-125.  Abstract ( 1568 )   Save Due to that the traditional Kano questionnaire cannot effectively reflect the customer‘s complex mind, a enterprise is unable to accurately classify the quality attributes of product/service. To solve this problem, a quality attribute classification method based on fuzzy Kano model is proposed. The classification method of quality attributes using Kano model and its implementation procedure is analyzed by designing a Fuzzy Kano model and using Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE). The feasibility and validity are tested by empirical research in the express industry. Innovations are made in mining customers’ needs as well as implementing effective service management strategy. References | Related Articles | Metrics

practice & application

Study on Segment Location Model and Algorithm for Power Grid Maintenance Zhang Cai-qing, Zhao Lu, Xie Ping 2013, 16 (3):  126-130.  Abstract ( 1486 )   Save Maintenance company division location selection is an important issue of the power grid companies‘ professional maintenance mode. In terms of the factor of the timeliness requirements and economic cost minimization, the maintenance division of location selection is discussed. A location selection model is established based on greedy algorithm and gravity method to find the best location construction maintenance branch point. Some effective methods for analysis and decision-making are provided for location selection of maintenance company branches in an intensive repair mode. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Research on Process Planning and Decision Problem Based on Hybrid Genetic Algorithm Liu Qi-you1,2, Li Tie-ke1,2 2013, 16 (3):  131-137.  Abstract ( 1836 )   Save In part processing, due to various processing features, different processes, and process-constrained processing sequencing rules, there are large number of processes and machine choices. Thus, it is known that flexible process planning belongs to NP-hard problems. By using segment coding for process and machine selection, a constrained adjustment algorithm is designed to solve the process-constrained processing sequencing problem. With multiple objectives for the problem, random weights are generated to configure the fitness function. External elitist strategy is used and a K-means clustering algorithm is set to clip elite sets in order to keep the diversity of population. In this way, hybrid genetic algorithm is presented by designing crossover and mutation operation. The proposed algorithm can effectively solve the problem of multiple process optimization and decision problem with process constraints. Finally, a real case study is used to verify its effectiveness for solving flexible process planning issues. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Assessment for Safety Competency of Operators in Machining Shop Wang Wei-zhong, Lu Ming-yin, Gao Yi-zi, Zhou Bo 2013, 16 (3):  138-142.  Abstract ( 1504 )   Save The safety competency of operators in a machining shop is assessed to support a reference for training. Based on research on related competency and practical production situation, concept of safety competency is discussed. Then, a safety competency hierarchical structure model is constructed, which contains target layer, criterion layer, and factor layer. These three layers are divided into 4 indexes at the second level，which are further divided into 14 indexes at the third level．In considering the shortcoming of the analytic hierarchy process, a fuzzy consistent judgment matrix is proposed to compute the index weight of each element in each hierarchy. Then, the assessment model for safety competency of operators in a machining shop is constructed based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Finally, the model is used to evaluate 4 operators- safety competency. The result is consistent with actual situation, which shows the effectiveness and accuracy of the model. References | Related Articles | Metrics

general review

Review of Network Warning of Food Quality Safety Pu Guo-li1,2, Su Qin2,3 2013, 16 (3):  143-147.  Abstract ( 1331 )   Save How to effectively build network warning methods of food quality safety is one of important and urgent problems in food quality safety management. The presence and shortage of existing research are reviewed from aspects of information disclosure mechanism, network warning mechanism, and media supervision mechanisms of food quality safety. Future research directions are proposed in three aspects of information disclosure mechanism design, network communication mechanism, and network evolution of food quality safety. References | Related Articles | Metrics