The cost allocation approach of airport service activities

This study suggests a new allocation approach to the joint costs between airports and airlines and proposes estimates for airport service costs. Using correlation coefficients, data envelopment analysis and regression models, the research measures the relation and efficiency between service activity and airport operation costs. The regression outcomes not only reveal a significant management issue concerning the apron fee measurement, but also show that the airport physical activity cost drivers need to be considered with cost and revenue management. The DEA outcomes reflect the expansion of the terminal areas.     

Multi-criteria decision-making for complex bundling configurations in surface transportation of air freight

Airlines typically carry out freight transportation in a hub and spoke structure, where the movements between the outstations and the hub are served by trucks. To transport freight efficiently, air carriers must consider bundling options for shipments that are delivered at outstations and have to be moved to the hub. There are three options when it comes to bundling freight: on ‘through unit load devices’ (T-ULD) (all freight for the same flight at the hub), on ‘mixed unit load devices’ (M-ULD) (freight for different flights at the hub) and loose freight in trucks. The optimal freight bundling configuration for carriers, taking into account their main KPIs (key performance indicators), is unknown. This research formulates the problem as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, allowing carriers to decide which configuration is optimal for a given outstation. The selected KPIs (cost, (un)loading time, and quality) are formulated as mathematical functions. A new MCDM, called best worst method (BWM), is then used to identify the best configuration with respect to the three KPIs. The proposed methodology is applied to KLM Cargo to identify the best configuration for the selected outstations that supply freight to the KLM hub at Schiphol Airport. This case study shows that there are different optimal freight bundling configurations for different outstations and that trucking costs and freight handling tariffs are among the key factors in deciding which configuration is optimal.     

Simultaneous optimization of schedule coordination and cargo allocation for liner container shipping networks

A liner container shipping carrier usually collects immediately-delivered goods that are produced by manufacturers in world factories, and transports the products to worldwide market destination by offering weekly shipping service. In practice, the carrier has to consider extra demurrage cost of containerized cargos incurred from waiting for weekly shipping service at ports. In this paper, we develop a mathematic programming model to maximize the carrier’s profitability by simultaneously optimizing the ship route scheduling and interrelated cargo allocation scheme. The nonlinear optimization model is transformed into an equivalent mixed-integer linear program, and its applicability is demonstrated by a case study.     

A robust optimization approach to the integrated berth allocation and quay crane assignment problem

This paper investigates the integrated berth allocation and quay crane assignment problem in container terminals. A deterministic model is formulated by considering the setup time of quay cranes. However, data uncertainties widely exist, and it may cause the deterministic solution to be infeasible. To handle the uncertainties, a robust optimization model is established. Furthermore, to control the level of conservativeness, another robust optimization model with the price constraints is proposed. A genetic algorithm and an insertion heuristic algorithm are suggested to obtain near optimal solutions. Computational experiments indicate that the presented models and algorithms are effective to solve the problems.     

考虑模糊不确定性的物流联盟收益核算

由于受到天气、油价、货运量、物流时效性等因素的影响,物流行业常存在模糊不确定性,使得在对物流成本及收益进行核算时,很难用精确实数来表示相关的参数。考虑物流联盟中的预期回货率及预期回程装载率等参数常需要用模糊数值来表示,基于物流成本的会计科目及基本核算理论,提出一种简单、实用的模糊不确定环境下物流联盟成本及收益核算方法,并通过实例分析,验证所提出方法的有效性。研究结果表明,该方法实用性较强,符合物流联盟的真实情况,可以有效运用于解决物流联盟的收益分配问题。     

Towards collaborative, intermodal hub networks: A case study in the fast moving consumer goods market

Collaborative hub networks can provide an answer to the need to decrease logistics cost and maintain logistics service levels by shifting consolidated flows to modes that are better suited for handling large volumes (rail, barge, coastal shipping), so economies of scale can be obtained. This necessity has been increased by the tendency of globalization of industries, smaller shipments sizes, high frequencies, and the fragmentation of flows. Through collaboration the necessary synchronization between expensive but fast and flexible means of transport and inexpensive, but slow and inflexible means can be combined in an intermodal hub network. This paper shows the rationale behind these collaborative hub networks, based on the literature on the design of many-to-many hub networks. The resulting methodology is explained through presenting the results of the design and implementation of collaborative hub network for the distribution of fast moving consumer goods using a combination of trucking and inland barges. This concept, first proposed by Vermunt [Vermunt, A.J.M., 1999. Multilognet, the intelligent multimodal logistics network, an important node in the worldwide logistics net, Vermunt Logistiek Advies v.o.f., working paper (in Dutch)], won the European Intermodal Award of the European Intermodal Association in 2003, and after extensive research was launched in The Netherlands as a commercial pilot by logistics service provider Vos Logistics and barge operator Riverhopper in January 2004.     

A reverse logistics cost minimization model for the treatment of hazardous wastes

This study presents a cost-minimization model for a multi-time-step, multi-type hazardous-waste reverse logistics system. A discrete-time linear analytical model is formulated that minimizes total reverse logistics operating costs subject to constraints that take into account such internal and external factors as business operating strategies and governmental regulations. Application cases are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. By using the proposed model coupled with operational strategies, it is shown that the total reverse logistics costs for the applications cases can be reduced by more than 49%.     

Network analysis of container barge transport in the port of Antwerp by means of simulation

Inland navigation plays an important role in the hinterland access of the port of Antwerp. In this paper alternative bundling strategies for container barge transport in the port of Antwerp are analyzed. Four alternative hub scenarios are simulated and compared with the current situation with respect to the operational characteristics of the network. Discrete event simulation is used to analyze the impact on waiting times and capacity utilization at potential hubs and at sea terminals. The hub scenarios under investigation are the organization of an intermodal barge hub on the right river bank, an intermodal hub on the left river bank, a first multihub scenario with a local collection/distribution network and a potentially improved multihub scenario taking into account the specific structure of the port of Antwerp. The second multihub scenario offers most opportunities for reducing the turnaround time of all inland terminals. All hub scenarios lead to important efficiency improvements in the handling of barges at sea terminals.     

Exact and heuristic methods to solve the berth allocation problem in bulk ports

In this paper, we study the dynamic hybrid berth allocation problem in bulk ports with the objective to minimize the total service times of the vessels. We propose two exact methods based on mixed integer programming and generalized set partitioning, and a heuristic method based on squeaky wheel optimization, explicitly considering the cargo type on the vessel. The formulations are compared through extensive numerical experiments based on instances inspired from real bulk port data. The results indicate that the set partitioning method and the heuristic method can be used to obtain near-optimal solutions for even larger problem size.     

Regional tourism industry indices and the allocation of European union and State funding: the case of Greece

An interregional comparison provides useful information for all types of decision maker. In general, consumers consider a variety of factors, e.g., the environmental characteristics of a region, as well as all relevant costs, when they make plans or travel for their vacation. A regional tourism industry index that is based on such factors receives special attention because of its all inclusive nature, i.e. one that is able to provide useful information to consumers for planning their tourism or recreational activities as well as to policy makers for planning policies to support specific activities or regions. An analysis of consumer's decision making indicates that the weights used for the regional variables considered and included in the index should not vary across regions. Given this, a regional tourism industry index is computed for the 10 regions of Greece. To obtain this index, the values of all variables considered are scaled from 0 to 100, so that the index is independent of units of measurement, and all attributes are assigned weights by the consumer. Moreover, it is investigated whether the regional allocation of the European Union and state funding for the tourism industry or the environment is directed to the regions that have a greater index value or equivalently have the potential for further development of their tourism industry. Finally, a rank criterion is introduced that is able to indicate how the allocation of European Union and state funding needs to be changed in order to increase its effectiveness relative to the objectives of the funding authorities. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Examining the cost structure of urban bus transit industry: does urban geography help?

The purpose of this paper is to expand empirical research on bus transit operation costs and test the hypothesis that physical and geographical characteristics are plausible explanatory cost factors. A translog cost function has been estimated, using a panel dataset of 1053 observations over 1996–2002 for a cross-section of 264 transit bus agencies in the US, combined with geographical and physical data processed with GIS technology. The results confirm the importance of geographical factors as determinants of bus transit costs. The trade-offs between geographical factors in shaping the frontier between economies and diseconomies of density are assessed. The implications of the results for public policy regarding competition are discussed.     

Optimal allocation of protective resources in urban rail transit networks against intentional attacks

This paper advances the field of network interdiction analysis by introducing an application to the urban rail transit network, deploying protective resources against intentional attacks. The resource allocation problem for urban rail transit systems is considered as a game between two players, the attacker interdicting certain rail stations to generate greatest disruption impact and the system defender fortifying the network to maximize the system’s robustness to external interdictions. This paper introduces a game-theoretic approach for enhancing urban transit networks’ robustness to intentional disruptions via optimally allocating protection resources. A tri-level defender–attacker–user game-theoretic model is developed to allocate protective resources among rail stations in the rail transit network. This paper is distinguished with previous studies in that more sophisticated interdiction behaviors by the attacker, such as coordinated attack on multiple locations and various attacking intensities, are specifically considered. Besides, a more complex multi-commodity network flow model is employed to model the commuter travel pattern in the degraded rail network after interdiction. An effective nested variable neighborhood search method is devised to obtain the solution to the game in an efficient manner. A case study based on the Singapore rail transit system and actual travel demand data is finally carried out to assess the protective resources’ effectiveness against intentional attacks.     

Joint planning of berth and yard allocation in transshipment terminals using multi-cluster stacking strategy

In this work, a joint planning problem for berth and yard allocation in transshipment terminals is addressed. Multi-cluster stacking strategy is proposed to split each transshipment flow into a number of container clusters and then stack each cluster in different yard blocks. A mixed integer quadratic programming model is formulated to minimize the total distance of exchanging containers between mother vessels and feeders, and the workload imbalance among yard blocks. A novel three-stage heuristic solution approach is developed and extensive numerical experiments are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach and the benefit of the multi-cluster strategy.     

Identifying airline cost economies: An econometric analysis of the factors affecting aircraft operating costs

This paper provides the results of an econometric analysis of the influences of airline characteristics on the average operating costs per aircraft movement. The analysis combines a comprehensive selection of airline-output variables, airline-fleet variables, and airline-market variables. The results confirm the existence of economies of density, economies of load factor, economies of aircraft utilisation and economies of aircraft size. The paper does not provide evidence of economies of scale, economies of stage length or economies of fleet commonality. Furthermore, airlines that additionally operate full freighters, airlines that are members of a worldwide alliance and airlines that operate a multi-hub system face higher average operating costs per aircraft movement. Surprisingly, the regression results demonstrate that airlines that use newer aircraft have higher average operating costs per aircraft movement, suggesting that ownership costs (depreciation and leasing costs) of new aircraft outweigh the increasing maintenance costs of old aircraft. Finally, the results show that airlines that have a dominant position at their hubs or bases have higher operating costs per aircraft movement, implying that the absence of serious competitive pressure enables airlines to charge higher ticket prices and, with that, leads to a limited focus on cost savings.     

Evaluating the solution performance of IP and CP for berth allocation with time-varying water depth

This paper considers the berth allocation problem (BAP) with time-varying water depth at a tidal river port. Both integer programming (IP) and constraint programming (CP) models are developed. Numerical experiments find that CP tends to be superior to IP when the feasible domain is small (e.g. dynamic vessel arrivals), when the restriction of the objective towards decision variables is loose (e.g. makespan, departure delay), or when the size of IP models is too large due to fine time resolution. Meanwhile, CP’s incapability of proving optimality can be compensated by post-optimization with IP, by using a simple CP/IP hybrid procedure.     

篙芝塘铁路枢纽吉利商品车运输发展路径探讨

随着近些年煤炭需求锐减与资源枯竭,以煤炭运输为主业务的篙芝塘铁路枢纽亟需向现代物流转型发展,而吉利商品车运输需求给篙芝塘铁路枢纽带来发展机遇。通过阐述吉利商品车和发动机铁路运输需求及篙芝塘铁路枢纽转型需求,针对篙芝塘铁路枢纽吉利商品车和发动机运输存在存储区面积不足、设施设备落后、信息化水平低下、员工综合素质低等问题,研究提出篙芝塘铁路枢纽的发展路径,即:以汽车物流助力篙芝塘铁路枢纽转型升级、以大数据信息平台实现智慧管理、以创新发展构建汽车物流生态圈,实现篙芝塘铁路枢纽的转型升级。     

Stated-preference analysis to estimate the domestic transport demand following the future entry of LCCs and the inauguration of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen in Japan

Using a stated-preference survey, we examine changes in air transport demand by the entry of low cost carriers into domestic service, and with the beginning of operation of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen. In order to construct a choice model, we estimate the Nested-Logit model parameters by the two kinds of travel purposes in order to consider the differences in the price-sensitivity between business and non-business travelers. Simulation results for the each targeted OD vary in the shares of each transportation mode, depending upon the travel times, the aviation network, travel purpose. Non-business travelers who are more price-sensitive are less likely to choose the Linear Chuo Shinkansen with higher fares. On the route between the metropolitan area and Kinki area, total aviation demand will increase by the entry of LCCs to/from Tokyo-Haneda airport even when the Linear Chuo Shinkansen begins operating, showing that the development of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen service will not prevent strong growth in aviation demand for the trunk domestic routes.     

中鼎物流园C区商品车仓库管理系统设计研究

中鼎物流园C区作为中鼎物流园的重要组成部分,主要用于商品车的仓储,目前主要依靠手工操作来完成商品车的出库、入库、盘库、移库等操作。根据中鼎物流园C区商品车需求,对商品车仓库管理系统总体架构进行设计,实现各仓库可视化管理、商品车统一调拨、数据统一查询等功能。在此基础上,针对云仓功能和仓库管理功能2个子系统进行分析,实现对商品车的仓储管理及不同地点的多个商品车仓库之间的调拨与可视化管理。实践表明,商品车仓库管理系统可以有效保证库存准确率,大幅提高工作效率。     

Assessing the effects of perceived value (utilitarian and hedonic) in LCCs and FSCs: Evidence from South Korea

In the airline industry, passengers choose and buy service based on their perception of which airline delivers better value. Thus, it is important to compare two types of airlines, Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) and Full Service Carriers (FSCs), to measure how much their product or service is worth and the effect of perceived value on passengers' purchase decisions. This study examined the relationship between perceived value, satisfaction, and purchase intention in both FSCs and LCCs. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were performed for data analysis. Our findings reveal that passenger satisfaction in LCCs is affected by hedonic value and utilitarian value, but passengers' future purchase intention is not dependent on satisfaction even when passengers are satisfied. In FSCs, moreover, utilitarian value is not a significant factor for satisfaction and purchase intention. This research provides implications for airline marketers and directions for future research.     

My bad for wanting to try something unique: sources of value co-destruction in the Airbnb context

ABSTRACT

The present study explores the antecedents of value co-destruction – in the sharing economy context, specifically with respect to Airbnb. The study focuses on negative reviews from Airbnb customers, which were typed in English and posted online. The research employed five keywords, ‘bad’, ‘awful’, ‘poor’, ‘terrible’, and ‘horrible’, to capture the online narratives linked to customers’ negative experiences with Airbnb. Out of the 2,733 online reviews screened, the study focused on 694 negative reviews. The data analysis followed the grounded theory approach, resulting in two distinct themes reflecting the antecedents of value co-destruction: the bad behaviour of Airbnb hosts and the company's poor customer service. These findings contrast with previously studies, which have indicated Airbnb's remarkable customer satisfaction levels as evidenced by positive user reviews. The managerial implications of the present study's results indicate that Airbnb should clearly invest additional resources to minimize the negative experiences of its customers; by clearly defining the hosts’ tasks and responsibilities. In addition, when customers report their dissatisfaction, their concerns should be addressed promptly and effectively through good customer service.