This paper presents a modified rapid access (MRA) heuristic to solve the flowshop scheduling problems. This new heuristic follows the fundamental idea of the original rapid access approach by forming a two-machine subproblem, but the processing times are determined by using an exponential...

In this paper, we address the optimal configuration of a capacitated production/inventory system with multiple products. The optimisation problem that we consider involves minimisation of the expected total inventory cost within the system subject to a service-level constraint. The functional...

When the manufacturing objective is process or product improvement, quality practitioners will frequently resort to one or more approaches within the broader class of response surface methodology. Several techniques, such as the dual response, robust parameter design, and desirability function...

This paper derives a novel procedure for testing the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) first-order optimality conditions in models with multiple random responses.Such models arise in simulation-based optimization with multivariate outputs.This paper focuses on expensive simulations, which have small...

Six Sigma provides the opportunity and discipline to eliminate mistakes, improve morale, and save money (Henderson and Evans, 2000). Doing things right in the first time and keeping them consistently is the only idea behind Six Sigma. Its fundamental objective is to achieve customer satisfaction...

More and more factors have an influence on effectiveness and efficiency in logistical processes and systems. An important question of science is to identify the most important factors of control complex logistical processes and systems, to know their levels and influences to control all things...

In this study, three different distribution planning Supply Chain (SC) models for multilevel supply chain designs are considered. Demand is generated at the customer end and products which are manufactured in factories are delivered to customers through distribution centres and retailers. The...

This paper analyses the effects of various maintenance policies and part arrival patterns on the performance of a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC). A simulation analysis coupled with design of experiments is utilised in the study. In particular, the design of experiments includes maintenance...

The full development of the energy services company (ESCO) industry is still inhibited by the difficulties during the negotiation between customers and ESCOs. Contractual arrangements are traditionally based on energy performance contracting (EPC). Improvements on EPC schemes are required in...