Optimal dynamic advertising policies for hereditary processes

In this paper, the Nerlove-Arrow model of optimal dynamic advertising policies is generalized by assuming a general probability distribution of the forgetting time, rather than the exponential one. A control problem with integrodifferential equations of motion is defined for which the transitory and steady-state properties of the optimal advertising policy are examined. The effects of assumptions like IHR-distributions and DHR-distributions, the existence of an upper bound for the forgetting time, etc., are explained. It is shown that there are two (in the case of an exponential distribution even three) different current-value adjoint functions associated with the problem, and relations between the two (three) are established. Also provided is a sensitivity analysis.Thanks are due to G. Feichtinger and S. Jorgensen for useful discussions.     

Control of linear processes with distributed lags using dynamic programming from first principles

A simple dynamic programming argument is presented for the quadratic-cost controller synthesis problem for discrete-time linear processes with delay. Distributed delays are allowed in both state and control. The solution obtained has a discrete-time Riccati difference structure closely analogous to the Riccati differential structure associated with delay problems in continuous time. Extensions are provided for the cases of varying lag-limits, performance criterion dependent on past variables, and the time-invariant regulator problem. A feedback solution is also obtained for a continuous-time problem with distributed delays in the control, by passage to limit from the discrete results.This work was supported by the Operations Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, California, under NSF Grant No. GP-30961X2. The author would like to thank Professor S. E. Dreyfus for guidance and helpful suggestions.     

Optimal institutional advertising: Minimum-time problem

This paper considers the problem of optimizing the institutional advertising expenditure for a firm which produces two products. The problem is formulated as a minimum-time control problem for the dynamics of an extended Vidale-Wolfe advertising model, the optimal control being the rate of institutional advertising that minimizes the time to attain the specified target market shares for the two products. The attainable set and the optimal control are obtained by applying the recent theory developed by Hermes and Haynes extending the Green's theorem approach to higher dimensions. It is shown that the optimal control is a strict bang-bang control. An interesting side result is that the singular arc obtained by the Green's theorem application turns out to be a maximum-time solution over the set of all feasible controls. The result clarifies the connection between the Green's theorem approach and the maximum principle approach.     

Time-optimal control of a parabolic system with time lags given in the integral form

In this paper the time-optimal control problem for a distributedparabolic system in which time lags appear in the integral formboth in the state equation and in the boundary condition ispresented. The particular properties of the optimal controlare discussed.     

Boundary control of a hyperbolic system with time lags

This paper considers an optimal boundary control problem fora hyperbolic system in which constant time lags appear in thestate equation and in the boundary condition simultaneously.Making use of Lion's scheme, necessary and sufficient conditionsof optimality for the Neumann problem are derived.     

Minimum time problem for distributed hyperbolic systems with time lags

In this paper the time-optimal control problem for distributedhyperbolic systems in which constant lags appear both in thestate equations and in the boundary conditions is considered.The particular properties of the optimal control are discussed.     

Optimal advertising in exponentially decaying markets

An optimal advertising singular control problem with unbounded control is formulated in a generalized fashion by introducing a reparametrization of time. This reparametrization is a new control. The method of dynamic programming is then used to determine the optimal synthesis. Afterward, it is easy to drop the reparametrization of time. In this interpretation, the synthesis shows an impulsive control at the initial time.The research of the second author was partially supported by Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund, Grant No. 86-LBR-016-04.     

A branch and bound algorithm for the one-machine scheduling problem with minimum and maximum time lags

We consider the one-machine scheduling problem with minimum and maximum time lags while minimizing the makespan. This problem typically arises in a manufacturing environment where the next job has to be carried out within a specific time range after the completion of the immediately preceding job. We describe a branch and bound algorithm, based on the input and output of a clique and the relevant propositions, for finding the optimal waiting times. The computational experiments give promising results, showing whether a given instance is feasible or infeasible. With the proposed branch and bound algorithm we can either find an optimal schedule or establish the infeasibility within an acceptable run time.     

On the minimal time function for distributed control systems in Banach spaces

In this paper, it is shown that the minimal time function is locally Lipschitz continuous for the control systemx=Ax+u in a Banach spadeE, under either of two conditions:A is linear and generates aC ₀-semigroup of bounded linear operators; orA is nonlinear, possibly multivalued, and dissipative. The main tool used for the nonlinear case is a result of Barbu concerning the null controllability of the system.     

Optimal advertising policy with the contagion model

This paper considers an optimal control problem for the dynamics of a contagion model, the optimal control being the rate of advertising expenditure that maximizes the present value of net profit streams over an infinite horizon. By using a Green's theorem approach, it is shown that there are multiple optimal stationary equilibria and that the optimal path from any given initial condition is a nearest feasible path to one of these equilibria.This work was partially supported by the National Research Council of Canada, Grant No. A4619.     

Optimal control of distributed parabolic systems with multiple time delays given in the integral form

Various optimal control problems for linear parabolic systemswith multiple time delays given in the integral form are considered.Necessary and sufficient conditions of optimality are derivedfor the Neumann problem. The optimal control is obtained inthe feedback form. Making use of the results of Schwartz, therepresentation of the optimal feedback control is given. A simpleexample of application is also provided.     

Optimal control of distributed nuclear reactors using functional analysis

The minimum norm formalism of functional analysis is applied to the problem of minimizing a quadratic cost functional that penalizes the control effort and the deviations of the neutron flux distribution throughout the reactor core. The conditions for optimality are derived for a general, linearized, reactor model with a finite number of control rods. These conditions take the form of a coupled and finite set of Fredholm's integral equations of the second kind with nondegenerate kernels. An example is presented in which the homogeneous slab reactor model is considered. A contraction mapping algorithm is proposed to compute the optimal control.This work was supported in part by the National Research Council of Canada, Grant No. A4146.     

Optimum advertising policy over time for subscriber service innovations in the presence of service cost learning and customers’ disadoption

On the theoretical side, this paper characterizes qualitatively optimal advertising policy for new subscriber services. A monopolistic market is analyzed first for which customers’ disadoption, discounting of future profits streams and a service cost learning curve are allowed. After characterizing the optimal policy for a general diffusion model, the results pertaining to a specific diffusion model for which advertising affects the coefficient of innovation that incorporates the disadoption rate are reported. The results of the theoretical research show that the advertising policy of the service firm in the presence of customers’ disadoption could be very different from the same when disadoption is ignored.On the empirical side, four alternative diffusion models are estimated and their predictive powers using a one-step-ahead forecasting procedure compared. The diffusion data analyzed are related to the Canadian cable TV industry. Empirical research findings suggest that the specific diffusion model considered above is not only of theoretical appeal but also of major empirical relevance.The analytical findings of the study are documented in six theoretical propositions for which proofs are provided in a separate Appendix. The results of a related numerical experiment together with the analytical findings pertaining to the competitive role of advertising are included. Managerial implications of the study together with directions for future research are also discussed.     

Nonlinear oscillation of second‐order neutral dynamic equations with distributed delay

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear oscillation of the following second‐order neutral delay dynamic equations with distributed delay on a time scale , where Z(t) = x(t) + p(t)x(τ(t)),α,β > 0 are constants. By using some new techniques, we obtain oscillation criteria for the equation when β > α,β = α, and β < α, respectively. Those results established here complete and develop the oscillation criteria in the literature. Also, our main results are illustrated with some examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

非线性时变广义分布参数系统的适定性问题

本文的主要目的是讨论非线性时变广义分布参数系统的适定性问题.首先,在Banach空间中引入由连续(可能是非线性的)算子引导的非线性广义发展算子,该非线性广义发展算子是广义发展算子的推广,并研究非线性广义发展算子的性质;然后,应用非线性广义发展算子讨论非线性时变广义分布参数系统的适定性问题,并给出解的构造性表达式.     

Adaptive event-triggered dynamic distributed control of switched positive systems with switching faults

This paper designs the dynamic output-feedback controller of switched positive systems subject to switching faults using an improved adaptive event-triggering mechanism. An adaptive event-triggering condition is addressed in the form of 1-norm by virtue of the measurable outputs of distributed sensors and the corresponding error. An error-based closed-loop control system whose dynamic variable relies on a state observer is obtained. A multiple copositive Lyapunov function is constructed to deal with the positivity and stability of the systems. The matrix decomposition and linear programming approaches are used to design and compute the controller and observer gains. An improved average dwell time scheme is proposed to handle the switching faults. The contributions of this paper lie in that: (i) An adaptive event-triggering mechanism is established for switched positive systems, (ii) A framework on the fault of switching signal is constructed, and (iii) A dynamic distributed controller is proposed for the considered systems. Finally, two illustrative examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the obtained results.     

On the maximum principle for a class of discrete dynamical systems with lags

A maximum principle for a class of discrete systems with lags is established constructively within the framework of discrete optimal control theory. An application of the maximum principle to a problem in advertising concludes the paper.     

Necessary conditions for the neutral problem of Bolza with continuously varying time delay

This note uses Clarke's decoupling technique to obtain necessary conditions for the generalized problem of Bolza with Lipschitz continuously varying delay in both the state and velocity variables.     

Optimal dividend and issuance of equity policies in the presence of proportional costs

We consider three optimisation problems faced by a company that can control its liquid reserves by paying dividends and by issuing new equity. The first of these problems involves no issuance of new equity and has been considered by several authors in the literature. The second one aims at maximising the expected discounted dividend payments minus the expected discounted costs of issuing new equity over all strategies associated with positive reserves at all times. The third problem has the same objective as the second one, but with no constraints on the reserves. Assuming proportional issuance of equity costs, we derive closed form solutions and we completely characterise the optimal strategies. We also provide a relationship between the three problems.     

连续时滞对微生物连续培养过程中动态行为的影响

讨论了描述底物和／或产物抑制与代谢过量并存的微生物连续培养的数学模型。根据生物意义，在模型中引入了连续时滞，把平均时滞的倒数作为参数，经过分析和计算，得到系统在一定的操作参数范围内存在Hopf分叉的分叉值及分支值随操作参数变化的规律，并对分叉的方向、周期解的稳定性和周期进行了研究，利用数值解法绘制了周期解的图形和相图，该模型定性地描述了实验中的振荡和过渡现象。