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30 August 2015, Volume 18 Issue 4 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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A Marketing Analysis of Electric Vehicles Based on Trilateral Game among Government, Enterprises and Consumers Qin Zi-xing, Zhu Ge 2015, 18 (4):  1-08.  Abstract ( 1581 )   Save  To improve the poor performance of electric vehicle market, a trilateral game model involving government, enterprises and consumers is established based on dynamic game with perfect information. Analyses on the equilibrium solution indicate that better performance in electric vehicle marketing can be achieved by robust stratagem, which aims at reducing the hidden cost in electric vehicle producing and consuming phases. To enhance the market performance effectively, it is suggested to introduce a policy mix, which guarantees an incremental government support with higher quota of investment on infrastructures, and to establish the penalty mechanism against petrol vehicle pollution as soon as possible. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Competitive Strategies of Software Vendors Based on Stackelberg Game: SaaS vs. SWS Guo Hai-ling1，Yan Jian-yuan2 2015, 18 (4):  9-15.  Abstract ( 1541 )   Save In order to clarify the effects of customer′s behavior about the stored data-sensitive, the switching cost, the network externality, the product differentiation between SaaS(software as a service) and SWS (shrink-wrap sofftware) on the competitive strategies of software vendors, a competitive model between SaaS vendor and SWS vendor based on stackelberg game is constructed from the perspective of consumer utility.  A comparative statics analysis is presented to show how changes in exogenous variables affect the equilibrium solution. The results show that the proportion of stored datasensitive customer, switching cost, customer′s implementation cost of SaaS, the intension of network externality of the two parities have a negative effect on SaaS vendor, while the first two exogenous variables have a positive effect on SWS. But as the role of customer′s implementation cost differentiation between SaaS and SWS and the intension of network externality of SWS on the profits of SWS will be subject to a cutoff value of switching cost, it is proposed that SWS vendor can not blindly decrease the implementation cost or increase the intension of network externality. References | Related Articles | Metrics

The Impact of Intellectual Property Protection and  FDI on Firms′ Market Performance with Bertrand Competition Fang Hai-yan, Gu Xiao-yan 2015, 18 (4):  16-21.  Abstract ( 1526 )   Save  Supposing that there are two firms in a duopoly market, one from developed countries and the other from developing countries. A two-stage game model with Bertrand Competition is constructed. The model assumes that the products have not only horizontal differences but also vertical differences. The firm in developed countries manufactures with R&D investment. The relationship between intellectual property protection, FDI (foreign direct investment) and the firm market performance in developing countries is studied, while the foreign direct investment as the way of technology spillover is viewed. Under the Bertrand Competition framework, the result shows that when the R&D investment of developed countries has a spillover, the firm market performance is related to the degree of product differentiation, the degree of cost advantage and of IPR(intellectual property rights) protection in developing countries. The market performance of the firms in developing countries is always high when those in developed countries have FDI. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A  Research on Relationship Between IT Capability and Enterprise Performance:Perspective of the Theory of Real Option and the Mediating Effect of Time Pacing Xie Wei-hong1, Li Zhong-shun1, Qu Xi-feng1， Wang Yong-jian2 2015, 18 (4):  22-30.  Abstract ( 1525 )   Save In what way IT capability affects enterprise performance has been a hot topic to scholars and business circles. In the existing related research, the discussion of IT capabilities has focused on perspectives of resource complementary, system of practice and information processing, without adequate analysis. On the basis of a literature review, from the perspective of the theory of real option to discuss IT capability, and meanwhile using 221 sample data collected from companies of PRD（Pearl River Delta） and using LISREL 8.70, a structural equation model is constructed to lead an empirical research on the relationship among IT capabilities (knowledge reach-oriented IT capability, knowledge richnessoriented IT capability), time pacing and enterprise performance (innovation performance, financial performance). Research results show that the knowledge reach-oriented IT capability has a significant positive effect on enterprise performance; time pacing takes a partial mediating effect on the relationship between knowledge reach-oriented IT capability and enterprise performance. In conclusion, a theoretical basis of using IT to promote enterprise performance is presented. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Assessment of Project Portfolio Risk Based on Bayesian Network  Guan Du-juan, Guo Peng 2015, 18 (4):  31-35.  Abstract ( 1563 )   Save The project portfolio risk cannot be assessed by the linear addition of single project risks because of the interaction effects. This method combines expert knowledge and K2 algorithm to obtain the Bayesian network of project portfolio risk, and calculates the conditional probability table of nodes in the network by measuring the impact of interaction effects on project risks，so as to realize the Bayesian network inference of project portfolio. To generate an ordered variable input required by K2 algorithm, the mutual information between project risks is calculated, which is combined with conditional independent test to obtain the ordered project nodes. Finally, the practicability and effectiveness are proved through applying this method to a new hightech enterprise. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Research of Customer Segmentation Based on Customer Perceived Value Song Hua, Yun Jun 2015, 18 (4):  36-42.  Abstract ( 1536 )   Save  Based on customer perceived value (CPV) and using the customer segmentation theory, an empirical study is been conducted. Taking for example the logistics public information platform (LPIP), a general process of performing customer segmentation based on CPV is proposed：Firstly, the driving factors of customer perceived value are determined by a literature review and a questionnaire survey. Secondly, driving factor variables are reduced by a factor analysis. Then, the customer categories are identified by using clustering method. Finally, customer classification rules are found using decision tree method. In the end, according to customer characteristics, customers of LPIP fall into 4 categories: customers expecting high value, customers expecting medium value, customers expecting low value, customers expecting high performance. Research results can provide reference for different enterprises to fractionalize customers. References | Related Articles | Metrics

ort Logistics Performance Evaluation Based on Entropy Gray Target Theory   Huang Yong-shen, Jiang Hui-yuan 2015, 18 (4):  43-48.  Abstract ( 1578 )   Save  In order to make up for the shortcomings that traditional logistics evaluation method only gives the comprehensive evaluation value, after constructing the port logistics performance evaluation index system, an entropy gray target theory model is established based on gray target theory and entropy method. An empirical analysis of port logistics performance level is conducted by using this model. The results show that Shanghai Port logistics performance level is optimal in 2011, followed by Tianjin Port, Qingdao Port, Ningbo Port, Guangzhou Port and Dalian Port, and the entropy gray target theory is feasible in port logistics performance evaluation. This theory not only enriches the port logistics performance evaluation methods, but also provides corresponding reference to improving the port logistics performance level in the future. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Research on Integrated Optimization of Resilient Supply Chain Network Considering Riskaverse Behavior Guan Zhi-min, Tao Jin 2015, 18 (4):  49-57.  Abstract ( 1443 )   Save  The design and operational strategy optimization of resilient supply chain network under multi-dimension risk environment is focused on, with decision makers′ risk-averse behavior considered in the utility function, stochastic scenarios used to simulate the multi-dimension risk environment and nonlinear shortage penalty cost function used to restrict the shortage, which assures the resilience of the supply chain network under multi-dimension risk environment. Based on the process above, a nonlinear mixed integer stochastic programming model is built. The piece-wise linearization approach and SAA (sample average approximation) solution method are used to solve the nonlinear optimization model. The effectiveness and practical value are tested through a case study and sensitivity analysis. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Comparative Analysis of Supply Chain′s Collaborative Motivation- under Different Price-dependent Demand Functions Sun Cai-hong1, Tian Zhen-zhen2, Yu Hui3 2015, 18 (4):  58-65.  Abstract ( 1451 )   Save The existence of the “double marginalization effect” disenables the wholesale price contract to coordinate the supply chain, resulting in the formation of supply chain′s collaborative motivation. A discussion is conducted on whether the differences among price-dependent demand functions can lead to different levels of collaborative motivation. By building a two-echelon supply chain system of five typical price-dependent demand functions under the wholesale price contract, it is found that generally the supply chain efficiency is between 73.5%~83%, but different price-dependent demand functions may result in significant differences in collaborative motivation. In exceptional circumstances, the supply chain efficiency is close to 100% or 0. Because of the coordination costs, it is important to choose the collaborative ways to distinguish the types of price-dependent demand function. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Quality Monitoring and Coordination in Supply Chain of- Logistics Service Based on Game Theory Li Xiao-ping, Liu Mei-lu 2015, 18 (4):  66-71.  Abstract ( 3204 )   Save In order to improve the logistics service quality, the quality monitoring game behavior between logistics service providers and integrators is researched, and then its impact on logistics service quality analyzed. On the basis of the two-level logistics service supply chain structure model, a multi-level complex logistics supply chain model is established, and the use of game theory are given mixed Nash equilibrium under different models. On the basis of domestic and foreign research and considering the longterm interests of the condition, the latest Nash equilibrium is obtained. The results show that strengthening the supervision of integrators and building the competitive mechanism among suppliers can significantly improve the quality of monitoring and coordination of logistics service supply chain. References | Related Articles | Metrics

The Decisions of Banks Based on the Supply Chain Finance Lu Ning1， Ma Shu-jian1,2,3 2015, 18 (4):  72-78.  Abstract ( 1461 )   Save According to the demand model, a decision-making model for supply chain including banks is set up. A model under decentralized decision-making and buy-back contract is constructed. After the model analysis，the expected return of each supply chain participant is obtained. Through the data analysis, the impact of the banks on the supply chain is showed. From the perspective of supply chain finance, retailers order quantity, the manufacturer price and the bank rate are analyzed. Then the Stackelberg game theory is used, in which banks are the leader, manufacturers and retailers are the followers. Finally, one balanced optimal solution is given. A conclusion is drawn that in a smaller market, the three functions have same trend. However, in a larger market, bank rate has no impact on the retailer order quantity and the earnings of the bank reach a fixed value gradually.  References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Simulation of the Supply Chain Contract in the Prepayment Financing Mode Shi Hui1, Yang Yong1,2 2015, 18 (4):  79-84.  Abstract ( 1539 )   Save In a research on receivables financing with the game theory as the model, in time delay and the dynamic changes of the complex conditions, model cannot be solved analytically, In order to study the financing of parameters and decision parameters under complex environment in the supply chain, an advance payment financing model is established as the research object, using the system dynamics principle respectively to construct the mode of supply chain under the wholesale price contract and revenue sharing contract of dynamic model. On the basis of a simulation analysis of the two kinds of related data under different contracts, it is discovered that retailers under the wholesale price contract can achieve a better capital flow with more continue purchase money while under the revenue-sharing contract the gross income of supply chain is relatively larger at the end of the cycle of each node.  References | Related Articles | Metrics

Coordination Strategies of the Dual Channel Supply Chain under Promotional Efforts Competition Ma Peng1, Wang Hai-yan2 2015, 18 (4):  85-91.  Abstract ( 1418 )   Save The supply chain coordination with promotional effort-dependent demand is studied. The centralized supply chain model and the decentralized supply chain model are respectively built. It is found that the wholesale price contract cannot coordinate the dualchannel supply chain while the modified wholesale price contract can. Then, the impacts of the manufacturer′s promotional effort coefficient, the retailer′s promotional effort coefficient and the customers′ preference for direct channel on the supply chain performance are investigated, and some numerical example and corresponding managerial meaning given. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Production and Marketing Study of Fresh Products -Based on the Joint Inventory Strategy of Dual Channel Liu Ling, Chen Huai-li 2015, 18 (4):  92-98.  Abstract ( 1462 )   Save Adopting joint inventory strategy can efficiently save costs when fresh product manufacturers sell products through both on-line website and off-line supermarkets. Considering the factors affecting the demand for each channel and consumer choice behavior, a multi-cycle maximum gain model based on the joint inventory strategy was established. Supposing off-line consumers have the priority of inventory of fresh products and off-line price is certain, the optimal production strategy and on-line price are discussed in the perspective of fresh product manufactures. The example shows that fresh products with shorter shelf life have higher online price. Results indicate that the increase of rate of on-line consumers choosing fresh products in the offline supermarket will bring the increase of profit while the increase of uncertainty of demand results in the profit decrease, which provides fresh agricultural product manufacturers with a solid theoretical support. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Supply Chain Coordination of Carbon Reduction Technology-Investment under Different Carbon Policy Qin Yan-hua, Cao Xi-yu, Yuan Chuan-huai 2015, 18 (4):  99-106.  Abstract ( 1545 )   Save Considering manufacturer technology to reduce emission, in order to achieve supply chain coordination under different carbon policy, supply chain models respectively under the centralized decision-making and decentralized decision-making are established, according to the conditions of the supply chain coordination, and the contract form and contract parameters of supply chain coordination are given. In order to determine the optimal order quantity and the optimal rate of carbon emission under different carbon policy, a concrete solving method is put forward through optimization of the game models. A numerical calculation results show that the optimal order quantity, the optimal carbon reduction rate and the profit of the supply chain under different carbon policy are different and they change with the changes in carbon policy. The changes of various parameters such as cost of production, back order loss, the salvage value of product, sales price, wholesale price not only affect the optimal order quantity, the optimal carbon reduction rate and the profit of the supply chain, but also affect income sharing ratio and the proportion of investment in carbon reduction technology and the cost of carbon emission proportion. References | Related Articles | Metrics

practice & application

Dynamic Modelling and Maintenance of- Production Line Based on Stochastic Recession Process Ao Yin-hui，Chang Peng 2015, 18 (4):  107-111.  Abstract ( 1441 )   Save A production model of semiconductor production line with multiple devices in a serial is selected as the research object. Ensuring the stability of the whole system, a maintenance cost analysis model is established and a new maintenance strategy of production line proposed. According to the characteristics of series stochastic recession system, a modeling method based on fault threshold is put forward. The equipment stochastic recession is modeled using Weibull with varied parameters. A maintenance cost analysis model is established, and the proposed maintenance decision method is verified. Experimental results show that the dynamic maintenance model is effective and the equipment maintenance strategy is practical, which can provide strong theoretical support for the maintenance of actual equipment. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Model for Dynamic Cellular Manufacturing System Based on Multi-functional Machines and Multi-skilled Operators Luan Shi-hao1, Jia Guo-zhu2, Yi Xiao-lei3, Kong Ji-li4 2015, 18 (4):  112-118.  Abstract ( 1599 )   Save In a production environment of high variety and low volume, product mix and demand usually change under a multi-period planning horizon. The dynamic cellular manufacturing system (DCMS) is a well known strategy that typically improves manufacturing efficiency in sucha production environment. To implement DCMS successfully both technical issues (cell formation and design, intercellular and intracellular material movements etc) and human issues (salary, hiring and firing) need to be considered. An integrated mixedinteger model is developed to comprehensively investigate and analyze cell formation, intercellular and intracellular materials handling, inventory and backorder holding, operators assignment and flexible production routing considering multi-production planning with multi-functional machines and multi-skilled operators where each period has different demands. The optimum of the numerical example is solved using a genetic algorithm and it proves the proposed model to be feasible and effective. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Methodology for Fault Tree Construction Based on an Updated Decision Table Meng Qing-he, Sun Qin 2015, 18 (4):  119-126.  Abstract ( 795 )   Save A methodology based on decision tables for the fault tree construction of the process control system is proposed, which is a step-by-step way to find the structure function. By means of binary state decision tables with the condition stub of events and the condition entry of 0 and 1, all the possible state combinations of the events are listed. According to the interactions between parts under every circumstance, the output event can be deduced. In way of finding the union sets of the event sequences with the same consequences, the repeated events and irrelevant events can be ruled out and the reduced structure function can be achieved. Verified by the fault tree modeling of nitric acid cooling system, the fault tree achieved in this way is consistent with the one in the original text. References | Related Articles | Metrics

An Economic Evaluation of Combat Aircraft Design- Alternatives Based on Fractal Theory Yang Yu-xin1，Wei Fa-jie1，Wang Fan1 2015, 18 (4):  127-131.  Abstract ( 1427 )   Save The factor of development schedule is necessary to discuss in the economic evaluation of combat aircraft design alternatives. However, there are deficiencies in present methods, such as unreasonable linearization, difficulty in dealing with the multi-level data, excessive subjectivity and so on. Fractal theory reveals regularity, the hierarchy and scale invariance between the whole and partial, and the quantitative feature correlation dimension presents the key information of the whole. Obviously, the fractal theory has obvious advantages in dealing with the nonlinear relationship between the evaluation factors and extraction characteristic value of evaluation object. Due to these advantages, a multi-targets evaluation index system of combat aircraft design alternatives is constructed. An example is used to prove the effectiveness of the method, the fractal method and the order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) with the same conclusion. Moreover, fractal method is simpler, more objective, and can handle arbitrary level of mixed data. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Multi-stage Sourcing Model and System for Electric Power Materials Based on Continuous Sampling Inspection Xu Jie1, Qu Ting1, Nie Du-xian1,2, Chen Xin1, Huang Guo-quan3 2015, 18 (4):  132-139.  Abstract ( 1498 )   Save To deal with the unsteady supply problem of power materials caused by the centralized procurement adopting high-volume and long-period purchasing, a multistage iterative revising sourcing model is proposed. The main idea is to dynamically adjust the sourcing amount from suppliers based on continuous sampling inspection. Firstly, the best bidding stages and batches are determined based on the economic order quantity model, while the multi-stage bidding pattern and electrical material supplier evaluation index system are built. With supplier performance evaluation system, historic service data of electric power materials is captured for the prediction of the material service quality of next stage, which is then imported by the dynamic standard package allocation model to revise the suppliers′ sourcing quantity. A demonstrative case is adopted to exemplify the usage of the above model, and a series of sensitivity analyses are conducted to provide instructive guidance for both material purchasers and suppliers. At last, a mobile internet-of-thingsbased electric power material monitoring system is developed to construct a feasible working environmental for the proposed model. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Research on the Loadbalanced Vehicle Routing Problem and Algorithm Design He Zheng-gang, Liu Sha 2015, 18 (4):  140-145.  Abstract ( 1548 )   Save With the unbalanced loads among vehicles causing the reduction of distribution quality and flexibility in the logistics activities, a multi-objective model is built, whose goal is to simultaneously minimize the total travel distance and imbalance penalty when load balancing among all vehicles is considered. The genetic algorithm mended by adding revolution operation after mutation operation is applied to solve the problem, which can avoid the algorithm dropping into local optimum and help the global search. A distribution system composed of one distribution center and 14 customers is exemplified. Through a modeling analysis by Matlab, setting and adjusting the unbalance penalty parameter, the relational graph about the change between total distance and unbalance measurement and several alternatives scored by an evaluation system are concluded. At last, an evaluation system is designed to choose the best answer, of which total distance is 40.819 5 and unbalance measurement is only one. The conclusion makes it clear that the model can help decision-making for managers.  References | Related Articles | Metrics

Design of Hub-and-spoke Airline Network Based on Capacitated Constraints and Multiple Allocation Feng Qian1， Le Mei-long2， Han Xiao-long1 2015, 18 (4):  146-151.  Abstract ( 851 )   Save To study the design of hub-and-spoke airline network, an approach of multiple allocation of hub-and-spoke airline network with capacitated constraints is proposed. Based on airline passengers Origin-Destination flow, integrating steps of choosing hubs and connecting links, using throughput measuring capacitated constraints, a multi-commodity network flow model is built, and then the relationship between capacitated constraints and numbers of hubs with air transportation total cost measured. A case about Chinese top 20 cities of air transportation flow proves that using IBM ILOG CPLEX12.2, reasonable results by 14.87 s-are obtained. The total cost under capacitated constraints is more than uncapacitated constraints, but the distribution is more than average and more resistant to congestion. With fewer transportation cost discounting factors and reasonable increase in hub numbers, the total cost of hub-and-spoke airline network will decrease. Finally, a figure is drawn to guide the design of hub-and-spoke airline network. References | Related Articles | Metrics

A Driving Fatigue Test of Heavy Long-distance Freight Vehicles at Night Chen Yang-jian, Kong De-gang, Wu Can, Zhang Huai-yu, Liu Ling 2015, 18 (4):  152-156.  Abstract ( 1449 )   Save In order to prevent night driving fatigue of heavy long-distance freight vehicle drivers, a real vehicle test is conducted in the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway. In the test, heart rate of drivers is collected, and then heart rate increase ratio and fatigue comprehensive assessment value are used to analyze and evaluate driving fatigue. The results show that for the driver driving a stake truck, the workload lies at a light level, fatigue comprehensive assessment value is 1.300. While for the driver driving a semitrailer, the workload lies at an intermediate level, fatigue comprehensive assessment value is 1.624~1.929. Further safety threshold analysis concludes that each continuous driving time for truck drivers should be no more than 30 h.The results provides a reference for drivers to reasonably arrange driving time and effectively prevent driving fatigue. References | Related Articles | Metrics

Application of RFID in Reverse Logistics Guan Ya-feng1， Chen Qiong2 2015, 18 (4):  157-161.  Abstract ( 1497 )   Save Through the establishment of new inventory models, a study is conducted on the influence of radio radio frequency identification RFID application on the returnable container management. Firstly, a brief overview of the use of RFID systems and related works on container management is presented. Secondly, a model based on analysis is proposed. Then the profitability of a RFID-based container tracking system is assessed. Application of RFID container tracking system can reduce new container purchase, thus obtaining the optimal inventory. A numerical example confirms the necessity of using RFID container tracking system. References | Related Articles | Metrics