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31 December 2013, Volume 16 Issue 6 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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A Research on Cognitive Modeling for Precise Tracking and Monitoring Task Behavior Chen Wei1, Li Shi-qi1, Fu Yan1, Wang Chun-hui2 2013, 16 (6):  1-7.  Abstract ( 1472 )   Save With more and more precise tracking and monitoring tasks in many fields, the cognitive process in such tasks has attracted more and more attention. A modeling method for precise tracking and monitoring task behavior is presented by using queuing network (QN) and adaptive control of thoughtrational (ACT-R). With this modeling method, a manual-control rendezvous and docking (RVD) task model is built based on a research on the theory of ACT-R. Then, to integrate the two complementary classes of cognitive architectures: QN mathematical architecture and ACT-R symbolic architectures, human behavior of such tasks is described by QN to form a cognitive architecture with QN-ACTR. A simulation demonstrates the validity of the model, which means that the model is applicable to precise tracking and monitoring task. Thus, it plays an important role in the analysis of cognitive process.   References | Related Articles | Metrics

Research on the Influence of Non-bottleneck Immediate Predecessor- Operations and Risk Tolerance on Feeding Buffer Ye Jian-mu, Luo Juan 2013, 16 (6):  8-13.  Abstract ( 1439 )   Save To improve the scientificness and rationality of feeding buffer settings, in calculating the capacity of the feeding buffers, the distribution of non-bottleneck immediate predecessor operations should be considered. Also, the degree of bottleneck nonbottleneck operation risk should be distinguished. By using fuzzy theory, the buffering requirement of non-bottleneck immediate predecessor operations is calculated by considering some factors, such as process location weight, the degree of resource tensity, process complexity, and risk tolerance. Based on the buffer configuration and distribution of nonbottleneck immediate predecessor operations, a formula for calculating the capacity of a feeding buffer is deduced. The reasonableness of the proposed method is verified by an example. Result shows that the distribution of non-bottleneck immediate predecessor operations and risk tolerance have a significant influence on the capacity of a feeding buffer, and the latter is greater than the former. References | Related Articles | Metrics

The Robustness Indices and Measuring Methods for Production Scheduling Zhang Xian-chao 2013, 16 (6):  14-20.  Abstract ( 1359 )   Save By analyzing the existing indices and measuring methods in the literarure, a set of universal robustness indices and measuring method are presented. An example is used to illustrate the rationality and effectiveness of proposed measurements. It can be expected that this study provides a standard robustness formulation and some measurement methods for robust production scheduling. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Research on Financial Performance of Lean Enterprises Based on Paired Comparison Design Niu Zhan-wen，Qin Zhen 2013, 16 (6):  21-28.  Abstract ( 1455 )   Save To verify whether lean production has a positive effect on enterprise financial performance, a paired comparison among ten listed companies is made under the principles of design of experiment to present the changes before and after the implementation of lean thinking. By taking the deviation factors from the overall industry economic development into consideration, the significance of changes before and after the lean production of 12 respective financial indexes categorized as abilities of profit, operation, solvency and development is tested. The experimental results show that the abilities of profit, operation, long-term solvency, and development have been improved significantly except for short-term solvency under a 95% confidence level. It is concluded that the implementation of lean thinking contributes to a better financial performance of enterprises, which, from the perspective of financial management, may provide empirical support for the application of lean production. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Cost Prediction of Developing Military UAVs Based on GramSchmidt Regression Fang Wei-guo, Cai Wei-ning 2013, 16 (6):  29-33.  Abstract ( 1575 )   Save In this paper, cost prediction of developing a military uninhabited air vehicle (UAV) is addressed with the fact that the sample data are scarce. To overcome the difficulty resulting from the scarce sample data, Gram'Schmidt regression method is utilized to extract the key parameters. Based on the results obtained by Gram'Schmidt regression, the model and algorithm for predicting military UAV development cost are presented. By exploiting the limited sample data, an instantiated prediction model is built and tested. The proposed method is compared with Sequential Multivariable Regression, Artificial Neural Network, and Partial Least Squares. Results demonstrate the practicability and superiority of applying Gram'Schmidt regression method to the prediction of developing military UAV cost. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Optimization of Medical Service Resource Allocation Based on DRGs and Fuzzy Demands Wang Cong, Liu Zi-xian 2013, 16 (6):  34-39.  Abstract ( 1445 )   Save Faced with the increasing medical cost and limited medical service resources, the single-capacity medical service resource allocation is discussed in this paper. Based on diagnosis related groups (DRGs) and fuzzy demands, a model for systematic optimization is proposed. By this model, the uncertain demands are processed by using a fuzzy technique based on the credibility theory. With this model, a case for simple appendicitis surgery is analyzed based on a well-defined case type. By comparing the optimized total cost with the actual one, the model is shown to be able to optimize the allocation of medical resources with the fuzzy demand expectation with a 0-833 3 certain credibility. The model is demonstrated to be effective and provides guidance for practical applications. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Spare Parts Inventory Optimization Based on Fuzzy Hybrid Neural-Networks Classification Methods Fu Chen-xi, Zheng Yong-qian, Jiang Pei-ming 2013, 16 (6):  40-46.  Abstract ( 1438 )   Save Spare part classification and separate store inventory strategy are the key to optimize spare part inventory. By analyzing the difference on which the maintenance department (end user) and logistics department (management and control) focus, 10 variables of spare parts are designed to express the different characteristics from each one. As a decision making mapping tool, an inventory strategy decision-making grid is introduced as the categorizing rules. By this method, static fuzzy hybrid neural network handles both fuzzy and numerical variables as input. Then, all the inventory spare parts are classified based on the inventory strategy decision-making grid. The proposed method is implemented for the spare part store management in a plant of the S company, result shows that it is an effective methodology for real production site spare part inventory management and optimization. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Research on Systematic Route Optimization in Shipping Enterprise-Based on Cost Control Zhu Lian-yu1,2, Qi Er-shi1 Hou Mao-dong1 2013, 16 (6):  47-53.  Abstract ( 1455 )   Save In this paper, by using the concept of system engineering combined with industrial engineering management technology, dynamical route design problem is studied for cost minimization. By considering the vessels, cargoes, ports, and shipping routes as an overall system and under special shipping requirements, a novel shipping route optimization model is developed. The practical applicability of the proposed model is verified through a case problem from a shipping company. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Multi-attribute Decision Making Based on BOCR and Choquet Integral in Reverse Auction Qian Xiao-hu, Huang Min, Gao Tai-guang, Tu Jun 2013, 16 (6):  54-59.  Abstract ( 1387 )   Save Multi-attribute decision making problem is addressed with conflicts and interrelations among attributes in a multi-attribute reverse auction being considered. Based on the concept of benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks (BOCR) and Choquet integral, a new approach is presented for this problem. The proposed approach seeks to deal with the conflicts and the interrelations of attributes such that BOCR concept is combined with Choquet integral to establish a new BOCR-C method in order to evaluate potential suppliers. The BOCR concept is used to balance the conflicts between benefit and cost attributes, while Choquet integral is used to address the interrelations and non-additive characteristics among attributes. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Analysis of Customization Attributes in MC Environment Based on Dominance Relational Rough Sets Li Fang1,2, Zhang Bi-xi1, Wang Yu2, Yu Xiu-li1 2013, 16 (6):  60-66.  Abstract ( 1296 )   Save In a mass customization (MC) environment, customer preferences of the customized product attribute combination determine the level and depth of the diversification, which greatly influences the market segmentation. In order to meet the demands of increasing specialization and variety of products, based on the dominance rough set theory, a combination strategy of the customer customization attributes is put forward. By this strategy, one can rapidly find some potential rules of customer preferences when a preference decision table is formed. Then, different customization products can be sorted from the view of the customer preference on the basis of the mined rules. Finally, the combination strategy is testified by a ceramic tile enterprise′s customization. The result shows that combination strategy can provide constructive decisive suggestion for enterprises to rapidly locate product market. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Credit Evaluation Method Based on Modified DEA-FCA Model Zhou Guo-qiang1,2, Wang Xue-qing1, Guo Qing-e3 2013, 16 (6):  67-71.  Abstract ( 1269 )   Save As a traditional credit evaluation method cannot effectively process quantitative indicators and qualitative indicators simultaneously, a credit evaluation method is proposed by combining data envelopment analysis (DEA) and fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA). First, the average crossefficiency value of each decision-making unit for the quantitative indicators is calculated and fuzzified by DEA. Then, the qualitative indicators are digitized by the membership functions given by experts. Finally, all fuzzified indicators are used for overall credit evaluation based on the weight vector. Empirical results show that the proposed credit evaluation method is objective and reliable. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Virtual Power Plant Business Operation Mechanism Design in China under the Background of Low Carbon Zeng Ming， Ma Shao-yin， Wang Lei，Jia Xiao-xi，Xue Song 2013, 16 (6):  72-76.  Abstract ( 1268 )   Save Under the background of low carbon emission, it is crucial to attract key stakeholders to actively participate in energy efficiency power plant construction and effectively stimulate the enthusiasm of all parties. To do so, based on three kinds of control scheme of energy efficiency power plant on distributed energy, module function is defined and operation mode of commercial operation of energy efficiency power is proposed. The functional requirements of energy efficiency power plant are divided into computer module and energy efficiency power plant module, and are analyzed based on response function. Then, energy efficiency power plant business operation mechanism is built. Finally, based on the development situation of power market in China, the energy efficiency power plant implementation path is explored and analyzed. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Study on Pricing Strategy of Twosided Markets with Service Differentiation Tang Dong-ping, Wang Qiu-ju, Ding Yu-ning 2013, 16 (6):  77-83.  Abstract ( 1338 )   Save A platform pricing model in two-sided market under the condition of service differentiation is developed. The services provided by platforms are classified into two categories：matching service and value-added service. A platform can provide differentiated matching service and differentiated value-added service. Then, the pricing, the number of users, and profit of the monopoly platform are analyzed for different services, respectively. The study shows that：1) the monopoly platform can get extra users and profits by offering differentiated service; 2) in order to maximize the profits, the platform should charge less for the low-quality matching service and more for the highquality matching service when providing differentiated matching service; 3) the platform should charge the same for both valueadded services and single value-added service.  References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Study on Behavioral Decision of Supply Chain Members in Food Traceability System Pu Xu-jin1, 2, Jiang Li1, Wu Ya1 2013, 16 (6):  84-88.  Abstract ( 1400 )   Save Supply chain members are the main body for the implementation of a food traceability system.  A game model is designed based on three-tier supply chain framework “farmers'processing enterprises'retail enterprises”. The model is used to analyze behavioral decision and interaction mechanism of supply chain members in a food traceability system. It is found that the improvement of the traceability of downstream members can increase product (material) safety provided by downstream members, and reduce the willingness of improving traceability of downstream members. It is also found that an increased harm of food poisoning accidents can reduce the willingness of improving traceability of downstream members. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Supplier Risk Evaluation in Manufacturing by Using FCM and Extended Max-min Model Cheng Wei-jie, Xiao Zhi 2013, 16 (6):  89-94.  Abstract ( 1289 )   Save There is increasing research attraction in the field of sustainable development and risk evaluation of a supply chain. Suppliers are the source of manufacturers′ materials and components. Therefore, the risk and sustainable development are essential factors for supplier evaluation and selection. A new framework for supplier evaluation and selection is proposed. This methodology, by integrating fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) and extended max-min model, is realized in a two-stage way. In the first stage, by describing the mutual influence and feedback among criteria, the FCM is utilized to find the weights of the criteria such that the results of the determination of weights are more objective. In the second stage, the extended max-min model is used to evaluate the effectiveness of suppliers, while non-parametric statistical test is utilized to test the difference between groups. a case study is conducted to illustrate the stages of supplier evaluation and selection. The results show that the evaluation method is feasible and the results are reasonable.  References | Related Articles | Metrics

Differential Pricing Strategy of Retailer′s Bargaining on Concern of Fairness in ClosedLoop Supply Chain Zhang Ke-yong1, Wu Yan1, Hou Shi-wang2 2013, 16 (6):  95-100.  Abstract ( 1477 )   Save Based on the theory of Nash bargaining, pricing strategy in a closed-loop supply chain is addressed. In view of retailer′s concern of fairness, two different price models are constructed. The differential price models are analyzed by using game theory. Results show that the retailer′s concern tendencies on fairness have an effect on the differential price strategies and profits of the retailer and manufacturer, and the demand of new and remanufacturing products. With retailer′s concern of fairness considered by the manufacturer, it is beneficial to both manufacturer and retailer when the retailer has concern of fairness. At the same time, it is found that concern of fairness is an effective means for the retailer to step up his bargaining ability and to obtain the channel distribution of gains of the closedloop supply chain. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Retailer Takeback Closedloop Supply Chain Coordination under Competitive Environment Li Ming-fang, Xue Jing-mei, Jiang Jia, Han Na 2013, 16 (6):  101-105.  Abstract ( 1458 )   Save Under the fierce competitive market, manufacturers and retailers cannot do pricing freely. Therefore, wholesale price and sale price are no longer the enterprises′ decision variables. In this paper, a closedloop supply chain with retailers′ response for the products recycling is addressed. For such a supply chain, the optimization problem for product recycling decision is studied. Result shows that, for a centralized supply chain, an optimal remanufacturing rate can be reached. The optimal remanufacturing rate is positively correlated with product′s distribution margins and margin requirements, while it is negatively correlated with market capacity and cost factor. If income function of curvature is bigger than cost function of curvature, the optimal remanufacturing rate is positively correlated with the cost saving, otherwise, the optimal remanufacturing rate is negatively correlated with the cost saving. When the equilibrium remanufacturing rate in decentralized supply chain is lower than the optimal value, the system is uncoordinated. By introducing a target incentive contract, the supply chain can achieve the coordination and Pareto improvement simultaneously. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Decentralized Inventory Control Strategy in Dual-channel Supply-Chain with Service Level Influence Zhang Si, Zhang Qing 2013, 16 (6):  106-112.  Abstract ( 1386 )   Save The decentralized inventory control strategy is discussed for a dual-channel supply chain with a service level influence in this paper. First, the concept of demand influence coefficient is proposed according to the relationship among price, service level, and the demands in the channels. Then, the expression of demand influence coefficient is explored by analyzing the existing work in the literature. Then, under the condition that the aggregate demand in the dual-channel supply chain is randomly distributed, the inventory control models containing demand influence coefficient in the online and traditional channels are established. With the models, under the target of maximum gain in unit time, the expressions of the optimal order quantity of the manufacturer and retailer are presented. It proves that a local optimum obtained by the method can result in a global optimum in the decentralized supply chain in spite of the influence of service level. This implies that the proposed strategy can achieve the target of overall revenue maximization in the supply chain. Finally, numerical analysis is studied, which indicates that the algorithm can solve the problem effectively and demonstrates the value of demand influence coefficient. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Contract Design for Coordination of Dual-Channel Conflict -under B2C E-Commerce Zhao Li-qiang1, Xu Jia-wang1, Wang Jian-ming2 2013, 16 (6):  113-120.  Abstract ( 1665 )   Save In order to analyze the causes of channel conflict under B2C e-commerce where a manufacturer opens a direct Internet channel to compete directly with the traditional channel, a study is conducted on how to coordinate the two channels through contract design. A decision model is constructed based on the Game theory. With the model, channel equilibrium strategies are analyzed. Results show that, when a manufacturer opens an e-direct channel to have a dual-channel distribution system, the retailer′s profit is reduced. Hence, the manufacturer′s profit is enhanced and at the same time, channel conflict occurs. In order to avoid the channel conflict and coordinate the two channels, a modified contract of wholesale price is designed with e-channel price added by two-part tariff. In this way, the Pareto improvement of profit among the supply chain members is realized. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Research on Stability of Knowledge Service Network in Supply Chain Based on Structural Equation Model Wang Dao-ping, Li Miao 2013, 16 (6):  121-127.  Abstract ( 1261 )   Save A knowledge service network in supply chain is probed for knowledge sharing in supply chains in the perspective of the network. First, based on the existing studies, three measurement indexs and four influence factors on the stability of the knowledge service network in supply chains are generalized. By analyzing and processing the empirical data with a structural equation model, the model is modified such that a stability influencing factor model for the knowledge service network in supply chain is established. Results show that the network, supply chain, and knowledge agent relation factors have positive impacts on the stability of the knowledge service network in supply chains, while the knowledge agent factor has negative impact on the stability. Perdurability is the most important factor of the stability. There are correlations between the factors, and the reliability factor exerts the greatest influence on the stability. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Planning of Logistics Network of Fast Fashion Product with Return Policy Liu Si-jing, Zhang Jin, Li Guo-qi 2013, 16 (6):  128-133.  Abstract ( 1288 )   Save This paper focuses on the high return problem of fast fashion products in e-commerce retailing. By analyzing the selling features of fast fashion products, a logistics network programming model is proposed, in taking into account the relationship of fast fashion product price reduction and customer demand, and the delivery time etc. The model is solved by using simulated annealing algorithm. Results show that the return rate has significant influence on the operation cost and efficiency of the logistics network. To make the return rate less than 5%, the delivery time need to be compressed within three days. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Supply Chain System Simulation and Cost Optimization Based on APIOBPCS Adjustment Coefficient Sun Wen-qing 2013, 16 (6):  134-140.  Abstract ( 1499 )   Save A system dynamics (SD) model for a threestage supply chain operated under automated pipeline, inventory and order based production control system (APIOBPCS) mode is constructed. Based on the changes of inventory adjustment coefficient and intransit inventory adjustment coefficient, a probe is conducted for the influence of APIOBPCS mode on supply chain′s bullwhip effect, the total cost, and the relations between the latter two factors. Result indicates that the demand amplification effect of supply chain orders on DE-APIOBPCS ordering mode is comparatively weaker. Due to inadequate adjustment strategy, a strong bullwhip effect is shown and the total cost of supply chain reaches the highest point, 6-4 and 26.6 times of minimum total variance mean value and minimum total cost, respectively. The total cost shows stronger sensitivity to the change of intransit inventory adjustment coefficient than that of inventory adjustment coefficient. The amplification degree of supply chain bullwhip effect and the size of the total supply chain cost show no significant interrelationship. References | Related Articles | Metrics