Amitava Ray

The TOC-Based Algorithm for Solving Multiple Constraint Resources

The theory of constraints (TOC) emphasizes the exploitation of resource constraints in order to increase the product throughput of an organization. The product-mix decision is one application of the five steps in the TOC. This paper considers an integrated heuristic model comprising the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the TOC in a decision model in which priority of product and resource center optimizes the product throughput in a multiple constraint resource environment. An AHP component allows the decision maker to incorporate tangible and intangible criteria into the decision-making process and use the priority rankings of the AHP to represent a measure of value in the TOC model. The TOC identifies the constraints and the product ranking of the AHP maximizes the product throughput in a multiple constraint resource environment. The methodology incorporates sensitivity analysis to provide the decision maker with additional information regarding the robustness of the model so that he or she can make a better decision. The model compares three alternatives: the standard TOC, Integer Linear Programming (ILP), and our own solution. The numerical result shows that the proposed approach is superior to TOC and to ILP analysis and provides a measure of the models performance.

A hybrid MCDM model for resilient supplier selection

Abstract The aim of this research is to develop a quantitative approach for supplier selection under a disaster environment. Because conflicting criteria co-exist in the industrial scenario it is difficult to satisfy all selection criteria simultaneously when designing supplier selection. The present work incorporates an analytical framework for supply chain design, which may help the decision makers to select a suitable supplier under a disruption scenario. In the four tier process, presented here, the supplier’s weights are initially determined using the TOPSIS and AHP methodology for general selection criteria. A cut-off value for the supplier weight is assigned and the suppliers which are above this cut-off value are selected for the primary selection process. Using AHP-QFD methodology the manufacturer’s critical criteria and resiliency criteria are integrated into the selection process, to determine the subjective factor measures (SFM) for each of the primary selected suppliers. Different cost factors are unified using a normalizing technique to determine the objective factor measure (OFM) for each of the suppliers. Finally, a supplier selection index is calculated in which the decision maker’s attitude plays an important role.

Green energy sources (GES) selection based on multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA).

Purpose – Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel consumption is a big challenge on the view of global warming and climate changes caused by greenhouse gases as per recent scientific reports. This paper aims to identify the major challenges of green energy sources (GES) to the future power systems and suggests an appropriate GES based on the preference by the decision maker on the various issues to meet these challenges.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed work presents a multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) – the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate the GES – photovoltaic (PV), wind generator (WG), biomass (BM) and micro‐hydel (MH) and to find the appropriate selection in general, by evaluating its main operational characteristic. In this research, the choices of the green energy alternatives on the basis of various factors have been taken into consideration. MATLAB simulation of different criteria to ascertain their clear‐cut effects on GES selection under multiple uncertaint...

Cognitive vertical handover engine for vehicular communication

Always best connected (ABC) communication is an essential requirement for intelligent transportation system. In this paper, we propose a cognitive vertical handover (CVHO) engine to ensure seamless connectivity on the move. Analytic hierarchy process and artificial neural network are used for the development of the algorithm and MATLAB is used as simulation platform. The CVHO engine, which is knowledge based context aware system, takes into account multiple relevant criteria and previous experiences. This system is capable of performing both voluntary and reflex actions. A detailed literature review is presented to compare this work with the conventional methods of vertical handover. A case study, considering the network selection in a typical highway traffic scenario, which consists of both peer-to-peer (P2P) and mobile networks, is presented for the validation of the design. Three radio access technologies, WLAN (P2P), UMTS and WiMAX (mobile networks), are considered for simulation. The results show that the presented model not only realistically optimizes the best available network on the move but also avoids unnecessary handovers. This algorithm is specific to vehicular communication system and hence variation in network selection with vehicle speed is shown.

ANP based vertical handover algorithm for vehicular communication

Vertical handover (VHO) is an essential requirement to provide seamless connectivity in heterogeneous radio access networks (RAN) environment. Intelligent transportation system (ITS), which needs an “always best connected” communication to ensure vehicular safety, is an application of 4G that is characterized by heterogeneous RAN. A novel context aware vertical handover algorithm for vehicular communication is presented here. ANP (Analytic Network Process), which is a multi criteria decision making (MCDM) tool, is used for the development of algorithm and MATLAB/SIMULINK is used as simulation platform. The optimum network is selected, based on multiple factors such as network traffic load, velocity of mobile station, reliability, data rate, usage cost and initial delay of network, among the available networks such as WiMax, WLAN and UMTS. This algorithm is specific to vehicular communication system and hence variation in network selection with vehicle speed is shown considering five case studies.

An improved theory of constraints

Purpose - The primary aim in this paper is to develop and demonstrate a theory of constraints (TOC) model in which constraint resource prevents the throughput of the organization. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper, the authors propose an integrated model by combining Laplace criterion and TOC into a single evaluation model in a multiproduct constraint resource environment. A case study is illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of this model. The outsourcing decision model compares three alternatives: standard cost accounting, standard theory-of-constraints, and our own solution. Findings - The numerical results show that the new approach is superior to Standard cost accounting and Theory of Constraints and presents a more realistic state of optimum allocation of resources and measures the performance of the model. Research limitations/implications - This research is limited to the production processes that do not have multiple constraints. Originality/value - This is the first time that the integrated model comprising of Laplace-TOC model has been used to maximize the product throughput. Instead of calculating

Non-traditional machining process selection using integrated fuzzy AHP and QFD techniques: a customer perspective

return per constraint minute, this method decides the priority of product that maximizes the product throughput in the constraint resource environment. It makes a significant contribution to the manufacturing Organization where one can compare the financial performance of the Organization by selecting the right decision model.

A holistic approach for production outsourcing

With the advancement in material science and engineering, hard as well as difficult to cut materials are coming to the fore on regular basis. Machining such advanced materials with higher geometrical accuracy by conventional means is almost impossible. Thus, demand for higher accuracy with desired surface finish leads us to a large pool of non-traditional machining (NTM) processes. However, zeroing-in for a particular NTM process, for a particular operation and for a case-specific machining, is a cumbersome task. In order to make this task simpler for a decision-maker, the present research uses, fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to calculate the relative importance of various NTM processes taking product and process characteristics as the comparison basis. Finally, an overall score of various NTM processes have been obtained using quality function deployment methodology based on various shape features and work material combination. Also, the variations in the process capability features have been taken into consideration. Analysis of the present research study shows that electrochemical machining process has an edge over the other NTM processes with respect to surface finish, corner radii, minimum surface damage depth, and production time.

Integrated AHP-TOPSIS Model for Software Selection Under Multi-criteria Perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate an outsourcing model in which constraint resource prevents the throughput of the organization.Design/methodology/approach – The paper proposes an integrated model by combining the Hurwicz criterion, the theory‐of‐constraints (TOC) and linear programming (LP) into a single evaluation model in a multi‐product constraint resource environment. A case study is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of this model. The decision model compares four alternatives: standard cost accounting, standard TOC, LP analysis, and our own solution, which is an approach that combines TOC, LP, and the Hurwicz criterion.Findings – The numerical results show that this model is superior and more realistically optimizes resource allocation and measures the performance of the model.Research limitations/implications – This research is limited to the production processes that do not have multiple constraints.Originality/value – This is the first time that the integr...

An integrated Theory-Of-Constraints

Improvement productivity in business and in day-to-day life IT (information technology) applications is becoming the most dominating field. As per the business point of view, the success or failure of a business organisation mostly depends on IT (information technology). In this point of view, software project selection is an important issue for many organisations. Sometimes, in product development scenario, inappropriate software selection cannot meet the balance between the input investments and the expected results. In this chapter, we present an analytical model which is based on multi-criteria decision-making approach for selection of appropriate software project using AHP (analytical hierarchy process) and TOPSIS (technique for order preference by similarity of ideal solution) models. Additionally, it is also defining the optimum order among software with prospecting their competency measured by sensitivity analysis in combination with subjective factor and objective factors.