In this paper, the problem of machine replacement in a changing technological environment is formulated as a problem in modern control theory. The objective is to maximize the present value of all future net profits over a class of infinite chains of machines where each link in the chain...

A logarithmic advertising model is posed and solved for an optimal dynamic advertising policy for both finite and infinite horizon cases by using optimal control theory. In the case of the infinite horizon, the optimal long-run stationary equilibrium rate of advertising is obtained. It is shown...

The Lydia-Pinkham data is analysed using a recently developed system identification algorithm. For an observed time series this yields an estimate of the process impulse response which we argue is a more robust modeling device than the traditional autoregressive moving average model for...

In this paper, we develop a rigorous new framework for the concepts of forecast and decision horizons. These concepts are conditional in nature and, in turn, enable us to unify the existing concepts of “strong” and “weak” horizons. Moreover, we are able to precisely state the question of...

Capacity expansion is the process of providing new facilities over time to meet rising demand. A general mathematical model of this process is presented, incorporating uncertain future demand (including the possibility of 'surprises'), non-zero lead times and random cost overruns. In this model...

Scheduling n jobs in an m machine flowshop is considered in order to minimize the sum of job completion times. Heuristic procedures for solving such problems are developed and the solutions are compared against optimal solutions for smaller size problems. For larger problems, solutions obtained...

This paper compares for production control policies in terms of their robustness against random disturbance such as machine failures and demand fluctuations. A simulation model based on a VLSI wafer fabrication facility is used to test the performance of the policies. Several criteria including...

This paper presents an asymptotic analysis of hierarchical production planning in a manufacturing system with two tandem machines that are subject to breakdown and repair. The buffer between the two machines is assumed finite. Therefore, the number of parts in that buffer needs to be...