On Multiple Criteria Decision Support for Suppliers on the Competitive Electric Power Market

As an active participant of a competitive energy market, the generator (the energy supplier) challenges new management decisions being exposed to the financial risk environment. There is a strong need for the decision support models and tools for energy market participants. This paper shows that the stochastic short-term planning model can be effectively used as a key analytical tool within the decision support process for relatively small energy suppliers (price-takers). A self-scheduling method for the thermal units on the energy market is addressed. A schedule acquired for given preferences can be used as a desired pattern for bidding process. The uncertainty of the market prices is modeled by a set of possible scenarios with assigned probabilities. Several risk criteria are introduced leading to a multiple criteria optimization problem. The risk criteria are well appealing and easily computable (by means of linear programming) but they meet the formal risk aversion standards. The aspiration/reservation based interactive analysis applied to the multiple criteria problem allows us to find an efficient solution (generation scheme) well adjusted to the generator preferences (risk attitude).     

An Interactive Multiple Criteria Approach to Ranking Alternatives

In this paper we are concerned with ranking various orderings of a set of alternatives to a composite order as a multiple criteria problem. The orderings (called preference orderings) can be real preference orderings or any natural orderings. The objective is to find the most preferred order of the decision maker using the preference orderings as criteria.In principle, the problem can be formulated as a multiple objective linear programming problem using the model of Bowman and Colantoni and then solved with the interactive method proposed by Zionts and Wallenius. However, the fact that we are dealing with integer variables prohibits us from applying this approach as such. We discuss the problem formulation and propose a modified approach to that of Zionts and Wallenius for solving the problem.     

Demystifying DEA — A Visual Interactive Approach Based on Multiple Criteria Analysis

Both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Multiple Criteria Analysis (MCA) can be used to assess the efficiency with which units perform similar tasks. This paper describes an approach derived from the integration of data envelopment analysis and a multi-attribute value function. This approach is implemented as a visual interactive decision support system, the use of which is illustrated by a practical application. The authors feel that this approach overcomes some of the limitations of the original DEA approach and, in particular, increases users' understanding of DEA. The approach is particularly well suited to the analysis of the efficiency of a small number of units.     

Control of Stochastic Systems with Time-Varying Multiple Time Delays: LMI Approach

This paper deals with the class of continuous-time linear systems with Markovian jumps and multiple time delays. The systems that we are treating are assumed to have time-varying delays in their dynamics which can be different and also have uncertainties in the system parameters. The time-varying structure of the bounded uncertainties is considered. Delay-dependent conditions for stochastic stability and stochastic stabilizability and their robustness are considered. A design algorithm for a stabilizing memoryless controller is proposed. All the results are given in the LMI formalism.     

多供应商多零售商下经济批量问题的多项式时间算法研究

基于多供应商和多零售商构成的经济批量问题,通过构建优化模型,分析了订购费用为全部单位数量折扣和增加数量折扣两种情形模型最优解的相关性质。将这些性质应用到动态规划算法设计中,对订购费用为全部单位数量折扣时的一种特殊情形及增加数量折扣的一般情形分别设计了求解问题最优解的多项式时间算法,并用算例说明了算法的执行过程和有效性。     

Complex Boosts: A Hermitian Clifford Algebra Approach

The aim of this paper is to study complex boosts in complex Minkowski space-time that preserves the Hermitian norm. Starting from the spin group Spin ${^+(2n, 2m, \mathbb{R})}$ in the real Minkowski space ${\mathbb{R}^{2n,2m}}$ we construct a Clifford realization of the pseudo-unitary group U(n,m) using the space-time Witt basis in the framework of Hermitian Clifford algebra. Restricting to the case of one complex time direction we derive a general formula for a complex boost in an arbitrary complex direction and its KAK-decomposition, generalizing the well-known formula of a real boost in an arbitrary real direction. In the end we derive the complex Einstein velocity addition law for complex relativistic velocities, by the projective model of hyperbolic n-space.     

Time-Varying Linear Control Systems: A Geometric Approach

The concept of [A, B]-invariance for time-varying (not necessarilycontinuous) linear systems is introduced. A natural approachvia time-varying subspaces is given. A disturbance decouplingand a noninteracting problem is studied.     

Strategies for Backward-area Development: A Systems Approach

India has a number of backward regions, and economic development of these regions requires special strategies. Development problems are multi-disciplinary and complex, and are ideally suited to a systems approach. The present paper outlines a methodology of such an approach, and discusses its application in relation to two backward districts in India.     

Linear Stochastic Systems: A White Noise Approach

Using the white noise setting, in particular the Wick product, the Hermite transform, and the Kondratiev space, we present a new approach to study linear stochastic systems, where randomness is also included in the transfer function. We prove BIBO type stability theorems for these systems, both in the discrete and continuous time cases. We also consider the case of dissipative systems for both discrete and continuous time systems.We further study ℓ ₁-ℓ ₂ stability in the discrete time case, and L ₂-L _∞ stability in the continuous time case.     

A Systems Approach to Management

A procedure is outlined for deciding the mix of price and variable non-price features, such as quality, delivery, service or financing, to be included in a bid. The level of each non-price feature is set independently by comparing incremental spending against the alternative price reduction and basing the choice on value to the faction in the customer organization expected to dominate in the choice of the successful bid. Divergence from competition on all non-price features, both fixed and variable, is then taken into account in setting price by calculating a net price equivalent of feature differences as against each competitor. For any given markup the probability of success against a competitor over whom there is a net advantage is the same as that for an equivalently lower markup were price to be the sole basis for allocating the order.     

随机需求下多供应商和多零售商的生产-库存-运输联合优化模型

考虑随机需求下多供应商和多零售商的生产-库存-运输联合优化问题.在联合优化时,首先利用最近邻算法将各零售商分成不同区域,分区后问题转化为随机需求下单供应商对多零售商的生产-库存-运输联合优化问题.在每个分区内,由供应商统一决策其分区内各零售商的送货量和送货时间.利用粒子群算法和模拟退火算法相结合的两阶段算法求出最优送货量、最优运输路径和最大期望总利润.然后采用收入共享契约将增加的利润合理分配给各供应商和各零售商,使各方利润都得到增加,从而促使各方愿意合作.通过数值算例验证了联合优化模型优于独立决策模型.     

Analysis of a Continuous Review Stock-control Model with Multiple Suppliers

This paper analyses the use of multiple suppliers to replenish one stock item. The replenishment order is split into several portions, one for each supplier, and orders for these portions are placed simultaneously with the respective suppliers. Approximate expressions are derived for the mean and variance of the effective lead time, which is the minimum of the individual lead times of each supplier. These results give effective lead-time-demand mean and variance that are smaller than those of the individual suppliers. The results can be used to lower the operating cost of the stocking policy.     

A Decision Model for the Multiple Criteria Group Secretary Problem: Theoretical Considerations

A decision model is developed for solving the discrete multiple criteria group secretary problem. The model extends the single decision-maker progressive algorithm by Korhonen, Moskowitz and Wallenius to group contexts. As the original progressive algorithm, it relaxes the usual assumption of a fixed set of available decision alternatives and complete knowledge of a decision-maker's preference structure (value function). The decision-makers are requested to settle on a compromise, if possible. The model then proceeds with determining the likelihood of finding possibly/surely better settlements (compromises). Linear value functions, linear prospect theory-type value functions, and quasiconcave value functions are considered.     

A Strategic Business Decision with Multiple Criteria: The Bally Men's Shoe Problem

In 1976, Bally (U.K.) Ltd were considering how to counter the long term decline of their men's shoe business. It was first necessary to identify the set of potential strategies and the criteria by which they were to be evaluated. Simulation programmes were developed to model the policy options, and conjoint analysis experiments were designed to elicit multi-attributed preference structures. These were then applied to the simulation output to identify the optimal policy. It was found that decision makers were unwilling to participate in the conjoint measurement ranking exercises. Time preferences inconsistent with standard discounting were identified. The paper also describes the actual events and decisions subsequent to the analysis.