Wei Deng Solvang

A decision aided system for sustainable waste management

Nowadays, sustainable development has increasingly drawing public attention due to environmental, economic and social reasons. To pursue a more competitive and sustainable society needs greater concentration on waste management. However, waste management is a worldwide challenge, because several interactive influencing factors, i.e., costs, risks, equity, etc., and the characteristics of different regions have to be simultaneously taken into consideration. The optimal solution for one influencing factor is usually not a good choice for another. Therefore, it is highly preferred to develop a sophisticated system analysing tool for managing those interactive influencing factors as well as the characteristics of different waste management systems in an efficient and sustainable manner. In this paper, a decision aided system based upon multi-objective programming is proposed for addressing the optimal trade-off among costs, risks and sustainability of waste management system from long-term perspective. A theoretical framework of sustainable waste management is first established, and the mathematical model as well as the computation method is then formulated accordingly. To present the application of this model, an illustrative calculation is performed as well, and the model computation in this paper is done by using programming language in a professional optimization software Lingo 13.0.

A genetic algorithm approach for quay crane scheduling with non-interference constraints at Narvik container terminal

A fast, robust and efficient algorithm for solving the problem of scheduling two quay cranes with non-interference constraints at Narvik container terminal has been developed. To solve the problem, a genetic algorithm approach is used and adapted to the case of two cranes. This approach manages to provide practical solutions and significant time savings for a real-life crane-scheduling problem. Operators at Narvik container terminal find the solution to be user-friendly, and it allows the user to change parameter settings and obtain solutions in real time.

A Framework for Holistic Greening of Value Chains

Protecting and sustaining nature environment are two of the most important conditions regarding economic and social development. While the resources are extracted from and wastes are disposed to the same mother Earth, managing wastes of a value chain has been segmented and treated isolated. This segmentation leads to the partial optimization in waste minimization. This paper proposes a framework that facilitating holistic greening of a value chain so that total waste minimization can be achieved from entire chain’s perspective.

An online approach for distributor benchmarking

When an enterprise wants to design its distribution chain, it needs first to assess all possible distributors, then select the eligible ones to form the design model. This assessing process can be finished by distributor benchmarking. In this paper, a new approach is developed to benchmark distributors. The benchmarking process is done by the following three steps. First, all factors needed for benchmarking a distributor are identified by a systematic analysis. Second, an internet‐based information acquisition module is developed to get all needed information from possible distributors. Third, an inference module based on the combination of fuzzy logic and array‐based logic is developed to benchmark a distributor. As the information acquisition module is implemented via Internet, and the inference process for benchmarking a distributor is executed by computer applications, it is possible to realize online distributor benchmarking by the approach provided in this paper.

A multi-objective location-allocation optimization for sustainable management of municipal solid waste

The location problem of treatment and service facilities in municipal solid waste (MSW) management system is of significant importance due to the socioeconomic and environmental concerns. The consideration of waste treatment costs, environmental impact, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, social fairness as well as other relevant aspects should be simultaneously taken into account when a MSW management system is planned. Development of sophisticated decision support tools for planning MSW management system in an economic-efficient and environmental friendly manner is therefore important. In this paper, a general multi-objective location-allocation model for optimally managing the interactions among those conflicting factors in MSW management system is proposed. The model is comprised of a three-stage conceptual framework and a mixed integer mathematical programming. The inclusion of environmental impact and GHG emission objectives push the output of the model tightening toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in MSW management. The application of this model is demonstrated through an illustrative example, and the computational efficiency of the programming is also tested through a set of incremental parameters. Latter in this paper, a comparison with previous case studies of MSW system design is presented in order to show the applicability and adaptability of the generic model in practical decision-making process, and the perspectives of future study are also discussed.

On flexibility and sustainability in container ports

The aim of this paper is to link flexibility and sustainable advantages together in the context of container harbors. First, a definition of the flexibility concept, its dimensions and metrics are given; second, a discussion of the relation between flexibility, multimodality and sustainability is conducted. It is argued that multimodal transportation adds value into the whole supply chain and thus is an enabler for flexibility. However, there is an increase in environmental challenges which should be addressed proactively throughout the whole supply chain. Third, some measures that increase the container ports sustainability are described; and last, the case of Narvik container harbor is outlined.

Enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturers through Small-scale Intelligent Manufacturing System (SIMS): A supply chain perspective

In order to survive in this competitive and ever changing market, manufacturers have to improve and enhance the competitiveness, flexibility, responsiveness and sustainability with the application of the cutting-edge technologies and innovative management methods. New concepts, i.e., Intelligent manufacturing, flexible manufacturing, agile manufacturing, network manufacturing, green manufacturing and Industry 4.0, etc., have been proposed and developed in recent years based upon the newest and most advanced manufacturing technologies and Information and Communication technologies (ICT). This paper presents a new concept: Small-scale Intelligent Manufacturing System (SIMS), and the comparison with previous concepts and the benefits of SIMS are discussed in this paper. Different from the previous research works which mainly emphasize the technological integration for improving the flexibility and intelligence of an individual manufacturing system, this paper, however, focuses on and discusses the supply chain problems arisen from a holistic perspective. The features of the supply chain for realizing small-scale intelligent production and responsive distribution are discussed, and the limitation and future works are also discussed and suggested latter in this paper.

An introduction of small-scale intelligent manufacturing system

Manufacturing companies in Northern Peripheral and Arctic region are predominately small and medium-sized and face considerable challenges like geographical isolation and a lack of benefits offered by industrial clusters. For the ultimate goal of enhancing their competitiveness in a global market, it is imperative for companies to innovate or adopt innovations in order to quickly response to changes in market, meet customer demands, reduce time-to-market and lower cost. A novel concept for small-scale intelligent manufacturing systems (SIMS) is introduced, in which diverse methods and innovative technologies can be applied and integrated. This paper gives an introduction of SIMS, defines its design objectives, and summarizes major relevant tools, techniques and paradigms for the development of SIMS, to generate a facilitative environment for small and medium-scale manufacturing enterprises to embrace new and innovative technologies.

Increasing Eco-efficiency through Holistic Green Supply Chain Management

Pollution prevention and waste minimization are gaining proliferation of attention in the recent years as global economic development is facing constantly severe environmental challenges. This paper explores the implication of holistic management of a green supply chain to the chains ability of continuous improvement of eco-efficiency. The continuous improvement of eco-efficiency can further ensure the waste minimization and pollution prevention in longer and shorter perspectives. A holistic closed-loop supply chain model and a methodological measurement framework for ensuring as well as promoting eco-efficiency are suggested.

A Multi-objective Mathematical Programming For Sustainable Reverse Logistics Network Design. Part I: Model Formulation

Green OA (SR). Author can archive publishers version/PDF. Link to publishers version: http://doi.org/10.2495/IWAMA150331