A supply chain network design considering transportation cost discounts

This study addresses an integrated facility location and inventory allocation problem considering transportation cost discounts. Specifically, this article considers two types of transportation discounts simultaneously: quantity discounts for inbound transportation cost and distance discounts for outbound transportation cost. This study uses an approximation procedure to simplify DC distance calculation details, and develops an algorithm to solve the aforementioned supply chain management (SCM) problems using nonlinear optimization techniques. Numerical studies illustrate the solution procedures and the effects of the model parameters on the SCM decisions and total costs. Results of this study serve as a reference for business managers and administrators.     

Supply chain network competition in price and quality with multiple manufacturers and freight service providers

In this paper, we develop both static and dynamic supply chain network models with multiple manufacturers and freight service providers competing on price and quality. The manufacturers compete with one another in terms of price and quality of the product manufactured, whereas the freight service providers compete on price and quality of the transportation service they provide for multiple modes. Both manufacturers and freight service providers maximize their utilities (profits) while considering the consequences of the competitors’ prices and quality levels. Bounds on prices and quality levels are included that have relevant policy-related implications. The governing equilibrium conditions of the static model are formulated as a variational inequality problem. The underlying dynamics are then described, with the stationary point corresponding to the variational inequality solution. An algorithm which provides a discrete-time adjustment process and tracks the evolution of the quality levels and prices over time is proposed, and convergence results given. Numerical examples illustrate how such a supply chain network framework, which is relevant to products ranging from high value to low value ones, can be applied in practice.     

对保证铁路勘测设计质量的建议

依据勘测设计特点,提出了应充分依靠、鼓励设计企业不断优化设计,对项目设计实施动态跟踪管理的理念,提出了选择评价设计队伍的标准。同时建议设计企业应树立唯物求真的风尚,重视总体人才,增强系统设计理念,建立工程经验的积累和推广机制,做好施工配合等工作。     

Dynamics of liner shipping network and port connectivity in supply chain systems: analysis on East Asia

The study of ports in supply chain systems is an emerging area of importance which has drawn more attention from researchers in recent years. This paper presents a new perspective in this research area by examining the calling patterns of container shipping services in order to understand the dynamics of port connectivity and inter-port relationships in the supply chains. Empirical evidence is drawn from four major ports in East Asia, namely Shanghai, Busan, Kaohsiung and Ningbo. The study identifies the shipping capacity, trade routes and geographical regions connected to the ports, shipping lines involved, and the extensity and intensity of inter-port relationships among the four container ports from liner shipping network’s perspective. The findings show that most of the shipping capacity employed on the major east–west trade routes became non-exclusive and involved calls at two or more of the four ports. Port planners, terminal operators and carriers could capitalise on opportunities through exploitation of complementary relationships that exist among the selected ports, such as offering a package for shipping lines to call at a portfolio of terminals owned by the same terminal operator. Policy and research implications as well as recommendations are discussed for various stakeholders concerned with port planning and regional development.     

Fleet deployment, network design and hub location of liner shipping companies

A mixed integer linear programming formulation is proposed for the simultaneous design of network and fleet deployment of a deep-sea liner service provider. The underlying network design problem is based on a 4-index (5-index by considering capacity type) formulation of the hub location problem which are known for their tightness. The demand is elastic in the sense that the service provider can accept any fraction of the origin–destination demand. We then propose a primal decomposition method to solve instances of the problem to optimality. Numerical results confirm superiority of our approach in comparison with a general-purpose mixed integer programming solver.     

铁路勘测设计队伍选择建议

分析铁路行业选择勘测设计队伍现行设计方案竞选机制实施中存在的局限,建议优化竞选机制,加大对设计项目中关键环节的动态管理和对以往投标时承诺兑现的评价,以全过程保障设计质量。