Yelin Fu

A distance-based decision-making method to improve multiple criteria ABC inventory classification

The present paper extends the Ng-model for multiple criteria ABC inventory classification based on a distance-based decision-making method. The proposed method determines the common weights associated with all rankings of the criteria importance, and then provides a comprehensive scoring scheme by aggregating all rankings. A numerical illustration is presented to compare our computational results with previous studies.

A robust optimisation approach to the problem of supplier selection and allocation in outsourcing

We formulate the supplier selection and allocation problem in outsourcing under an uncertain environment as a stochastic programming problem. Both the decision-makers attitude towards risk and the penalty parameters for demand deviation are considered in the objective function. A service level agreement, upper bound for each selected suppliers allocation and the number of selected suppliers are considered as constraints. A novel robust optimisation approach is employed to solve this problem under different economic situations. Illustrative examples are presented with managerial implications highlighted to support decision-making.

A robust optimization solution to bottleneck generalized assignment problem under uncertainty

We consider two versions of bottleneck (or min–max) generalized assignment problem (BGAP) under capacity uncertainty: Task–BGAP and Agent–BGAP. A robust optimization approach is employed to study this issue. The decision maker’s degree of risk aversion and the penalty weighting parameter are incorporated into the objective function. A state-of-the-art linearization method is introduced to deal with the mathematical model and find the solution scheme. Two penalties of weighting parameters that realize the trade-off between solution robustness and model robustness are obtained. Illustrative examples are presented with managerial implications highlighted for decision-making considerations.

Measuring Olympics performance based on a distance‐based approach

Measuring Olympics performance using either the Summer Olympic Games or Winter Olympics individually is criticized as a bias for participants. The present study develops a distance-based approach based only on the number of medals won to propose Olympic ranking. A state-of-the-art approach with mild weight restriction is used for integrating the performance in the lexicographic system. The common weights associated with the lexicographic and sum-ranking systems for both Summer and Winter Olympic Games are determined to provide a fair ranking for National Olympic Committees. Application to the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics is used to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.

Alternative approaches to constructing composite indicators: an application to construct a Sustainable Energy Index for APEC economies

Existing literature about constructing composite indicators (CIs) mainly depend on weighting sub-indicators. In this paper, we first use a state-of-the-art MCDM method with mild weights restrictions to aggregate sub-indicators, without determining exact values of weights. We take into consideration of all possible importance rankings of sub-indicators to construct CIs. Two alternative approaches, namely, minimizing the total deviation from the ideal point and minimizing the mean absolute deviation, are then proposed to develop weighting schemes with respect to all sub-indicators sequences. The proposed approaches are applied to construct a Sustainable Energy Index for eighteen APEC economies.

A distance-based decision making method to improve multiple criteria supplier selection:

This article extends the Ng-model for multiple criteria supplier selection problem based upon a distance-based decision-making method. The proposed method determines the common weights associated with all rankings of the criteria importance, and then provides a comprehensively scoring scheme by aggregating all rankings. A numerical illustration is presented to compare our computational results with that of the Ng-model.

A Modified Nature Publishing Index via Shannon Entropy

This paper develops a Shannon Entropy approach based only on the number of papers published to propose scientific institution rankings. A simple and efficient approach with weight restrictions is employed to derive the score under specific preferences. The importance degrees for each preference are determined using the concept of Shannon Entropy. Finally, a weighted linear combination of different lexicographic preferences with subjective perceptions between the corrected count and the number of articles criteria is proposed. An application to Asia-Pacific ranking of the Nature Publishing Index is to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.

Slot allocation with minimum quantity commitment in container liner revenue management: A robust optimization approach

The purpose of this paper is to propose robust optimization models addressing the container slot allocation problem with minimum quantity commitment (MQC) under uncertain demand, which is faced by international companies export to USA.,A novel robust optimization approach handling linear programming (LP) with right-hand-side uncertainty is developed by incorporating new parameters: uncertainty level, infeasibility tolerance and reliability level. Two types of uncertainty, namely, bounded uncertainty and symmetric uncertainty are considered, respectively.,The present work finds that the expected revenue increases as the uncertainty level and the MQC decrease, as well as the infeasibility tolerance and the reliability level increase, no matter which type of uncertainty is considered.,Typically, the capacity constraints in a container shipping model should include two major restrictions: (1) number of slots and (2) total weight of loaded and empty containers. However, this study only addresses the first restriction for simplicity. It is recommended that future research explore the optimal solutions with additional restriction (2).,This paper fills a theoretical and practical gap for the problem of slot allocation with MQC in container liner revenue management. Deterministic and tractable mixed integer LP is formulated to derive robust solutions which immunes to demand uncertainty. Illustrative examples are presented to test the proposed models. The present work provides practical and solid advice and examples which demonstrates the application of the proposed robust optimization approach for logistics managers.

A Study on Revenue Management of a Service Industry

This article discusses the application of hotel revenue management based on the economic theories of price discrimination and expected marginal revenue. The study also examines the REVPAR (Revenue per Available Room) as a measureable indicator of hotel revenue management. In the current background of world economic crisis, this paper provides a new insight into hotel management in China regarding the pricing policy and room inventory control.

Analysis of Competitive Pricing on Retailing Channels

The present work is concerned with the problem of competitive pricing strategy when the direct marketer opens either online or bricks-and-mortar stores to compete with the traditional retailer. In this study, we consider the competitive pricing between the direct marketer and the traditional retailer under the Bertrand and the Stackelberg market structure. Four pricing strategies, namely, SB, SO, BB and BO are investigated and compared to derive the optimal strategy.