The paper presents an analytic approximation for computing (s, S) policies for single items under periodic review with fixed ordering costs, linear holding costs and a service level requirement. The replenishment lead time is fixed and unfilled demand is backlogged. The approximation is similar...

We study an order promising problem in a multiclass, available-to-promise (ATP) assembly system in the presence of <i>pseudo orders</i>. A pseudo order refers to a tentative customer order whose attributes, such as the likelihood of an actual order, order quantity, and confirmation timing, can change...

Optimal operating policies for hydropower generation in a system of dams were obtained by means of a modified algorithm of stochastic dynamic programming that incorporates the guiding curve concept and other operating requirements defined by the Mexican agency in charge of electricity...

An optimization approach for the operation of international multi-reservoir systems is presented. The approach uses Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) algorithms – both steady-state and real-time – to develop two models. In the first model, the reservoirs and flows of the system are...

Using a stochastic dynamic programming model we analyze how French private forest owners make inter-temporal trade-offs between non-timber amenities and timber income. We explicitly take into account the price expectations and forest growth. In addition, unlike previous empirical studies...

A set of agricultural suppliers with low demands can save on long-haul transportation costs by consolidating their product. We consider a system with stochastic demand and a single consolidation point near the suppliers. We propose a look-ahead heuristic that takes advantage of economies of...

Australian urban water utilities face a significant challenge in designing appropriate demand management and supply augmentation policies in the presence of significant water scarcity and climate variability. This article considers the design of optimal demand management and supply augmentation...

Modelling complex systems such as multiple-use reservoirs can be challenging. A legitimate question for scientists and modellers is how best to model their management under uncertain rainfall. This paper studies whether it is worth using a stochastic model that requires more effort than a much...

We argue the importance of studying service systems in which the successful completion of job/customer service cannot be observed contemporaneously. Military and other applications are cited. The allocation of a large amount of processing to a job may make its (unobservable) successful...

The management of a water reservoir can be improved thanks to the use of stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) to generate management policies which are efficient with respect to the management objectives (flood protection, water supply for irrigation and hydropower generation, respect of minimum...