A vindication of centralized controls in inventory management

We study here a set of quasi-variational inequalities related to inventory/production stochastic problems. We mainly focus our attention on two subjects: (i) From a theoretical point of view, we compare the advantages of global controls versus a decentralized approach via a model of an inventory serial system with Gaussian demand. (ii) We consider discretized systems, we solve the simple model of (i), and we apply a similar technique for solving a more complex system with Poissonian demand. The centralized approach naturally leads to large-scale problems; we solve them using a fast algorithm of resolution with very good performances. We conclude with some numerical results.     

Variational approach to serial multilevel production/inventory systems

We discuss stochastic, continuous-time models of serial multilevel production/inventory systems using quasi-variational inequalities. The value functions are characterized as maximum solutions of suitable equivalent problems. Then, we show how to construct optimal centralized policies and, if possible, decentralized policies. Finally, we present some numerical examples for the deterministic case.The work of the second author was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DMS-87-02236.     

Optimal policy for brownian inventory models with general convex inventory cost

We study an inventory system in which products are ordered from outside to meet demands, and the cumulative demand is governed by a Brownian motion. Excessive demand is backlogged. We suppose that the shortage and holding costs associated with the inventory are given by a general convex function. The product ordering from outside incurs a linear ordering cost and a setup fee. There is a constant leadtime when placing an order. The optimal policy is established so as to minimize the discounted cost including the inventory cost and ordering cost.     

Optimal impulse control on an unbounded domain with nonlinear cost functions

In this paper we consider the optimal impulse control of a system which evolves randomly in accordance with a homogeneous diffusion process in ℜ¹. Whenever the system is controlled a cost is incurred which has a fixed component and a component which increases with the magnitude of the control applied. In addition to these controlling costs there are holding or carrying costs which are a positive function of the state of the system. Our objective is to minimize the expected discounted value of all costs over an infinite planning horizon. Under general assumptions on the cost functions we show that the value function is a weak solution of a quasi-variational inequality and we deduce from this solution the existence of an optimal impulse policy. The computation of the value function is performed by means of the Finite Element Method on suitable truncated domains, whose convergence is discussed. Mathematics Subject Classification: 49J40, 60G40, 65N30     

Generalized Vector Quasi-Variational Inequality Problems Over Product Sets

In this paper we consider vector quasi-variational inequality problems over product sets (in short, VQVIP). Moreover we study generalizations of this model, namely problems of a system of vector quasi-variational inequalities (in short, SVQVIP), generalized vector quasi-variational inequality problems over product sets (in short, GVQVIP) and problems of a system of generalized vector quasi-variational inequalities (in short, SGVQVIP). We show that every solution of (VQVIP) (respectively, (GVQVIP)) is a solution of (SVQVIP) (respectively, (SGVQVIP)). By defining relatively pseudomonotone and relatively maximal pseudomonotone maps and by employing a known fixed point theorem, we establish the existence of a solution of (VQVIP) and (SVQVIP). These existence results are then used to derive the existence of a solution of (GVQVIP) and (SGVQVIP), respectively, The results of this paper extend recent results in the literature. They are obtained in a more general setting.     

How useful is commonality? Inventory and production decisions to maximize survival probability in start-ups

This paper deals with component commonality in start-up manufacturingfirms. We present a two-product Markov decision model that examinesthe implications of the inventory and production strategiesfor the survival probability of the firm. The advantage of usingcomponent commonality is studied for varying costs, demand correlationsand order replenishment lead times. Optimal policies are derived,and minimum stock levels for survival are obtained. Moreover,we state the conditions under which simplified production decisionscan be made. It is shown that commonality is not only usefulas a way of dealing with demand uncertainty, but that its increaseduse is preferred for strongly substitutable products, and shorterreplenishment lead times.     

关于动态规划方程受约束粘性解的比较定理

证明了与随机控制问题有关的动态规划方程粘性解的比较定理 .该定理对研究一类随机金融控制问题起着重要的作用     

求解硬时间窗约束下随机需求库存-路径问题的优化算法

随机需求库存-路径问题(Stochastic Demand Inventory Routing Problem, SDIRP)即考虑随机需求环境下供应链中库存与配送的协调优化问题,是实施供应商管理库存策略过程中的关键所在,也是典型的NP难题之一。文章以具有硬时间窗约束的随机需求库存-路径问题(Stochastic Demand Inventory Routing Problem with Hard Time Windows, SDIRPHTW)为研究对象,将SDIRPHTW分解为直接配送的随机库存-路径问题和具有硬时间窗约束的路径优化问题两个子问题,并以最小化系统运行成本和用车数量为目标,设计了一个基于(s,S)库存策略和修正C-W节约法的启发式算法。最后,通过相应的数值算例验证了算法的有效性。     

服务水平约束下动态定价与库存管理

本文研究服务水平约束下的动态定价与库存管理问题。企业在有限期内销售某种产品,产品的需求为随机需求,且期望需求依赖于产品价格。在每一期期初,企业需要在满足服务水平约束的条件下同时决定订货量和产品价格。本文首先构建了动态定价和订购联合决策的随机动态规划模型,并证明了最优解的存在性。进一步,通过对最优解的结构进行刻画,将原问题的求解转化为若干子问题的求解,降低了问题求解的难度。通过对最优解的分析发现,当期初库存增大时,产品最优价格降低。通过分析目标服务水平对利润的影响,证明了服务水平与利润之间存在权衡,实现高的服务水平需要承受利润损失。数值模拟表明,相对于传统的静态定价策略,采用动态定价策略可以降低追求服务水平所带来的利润损失,验证了动态定价策略的有效性。     

Stochastic inventory problem with piecewise quadratic holding cost function containing a cost-free interval

In this paper, we consider a periodic-review stochastic inventory model with an asymmetric or piecewise-quadratic holding cost function and nonnegative production levels. It is assumed that the cost of deviating from an ideal production level or existing capacity is symmetric quadratic. It is shown that the optimal order policy is similar to the (s, S) policies found in the literature, except that the order-up-to quantity is a nonlinear function of the entering inventory level. Dynamic programming is used to derive the optimal policy. We provide numerical examples and a sensitivity analysis on the problem parameters.This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada under Grant No. A5872. The authors wish to thank an anonymous referee for very helpful comments on an earlier version of this paper.     

Index Heuristics for Multiclass M/G/1 Systems with Nonpreemptive Service and Convex Holding Costs

We consider the optimal service control of a multiclass M/G/1 queueing system in which customers are served nonpreemptively and the system cost rate is additive across classes and increasing convex in the numbers present in each class. Following Whittle's approach to a class of restless bandit problems, we develop a Langrangian relaxation of the service control problem which serves to motivate the development of a class of index heuristics. The index for a particular customer class is characterised as a fair charge for service of that class. The paper develops these indices and reports an extensive numerical investigation which exhibits strong performance of the index heuristics for both discounted and average costs.     

复合Poisson 模型带比例与固定交易费用的最优分红与注资

研究了复合Poisson 模型带比例与固定费用的最优分红与注资问题. 每次分红与注资时, 存在比例及固定的交易费用. 通过控制分红与注资的时刻以及分红及注资量,实现破产前分红减注资的折现期望的最大化. 由于存在固定交易费用, 问题为一个脉冲控制问题. 根据问题的参数不同, 问题的解可分为两大类. 一类解为只进行最优分红不需要注资, 而另一类情况需要注资. 需要注资时, 最优注资策略由最优注资上界以及最优注资下界描述. 当赤字小于最优注资下界的绝对值时, 进行注资. 最后, 在理赔为指数分布时明确地给出了两类共七种最优策略以及值函数的形式. 从而彻底地解决了该问题.     

Optimal control of a facility with periodic interrupted demand

The system investigated consists of a stochastic periodic stream of raw material, a continuous processing operation with controllable deterministic service rates, and a storage facility. The arrival stream is periodically interrupted and divided into alternating on-off intervals of fixed length. The processing facility is allowed to operate during the off-interval. Superimposed on this system is a cost structure composed of processing and holding costs. Such operations may be found in manufacturing as well as service systems (for example, dry cleaners, machine shops, repair and maintenance shops, printers, information processing centers, etc). A service rate control rule that minimizes the infinite-horizon discounted expected total cost is found. Existence and uniqueness of long-term optimal cost and policy functions is shown. Since the optimal policy cannot be expressed explicitly, an approximate solution was obtained. An error bound on the optimal cost associated with this solution is exhibited. The approximate solution is characterized by a service rate control rule that is a linear function of the level of inventory at the start of each on-interval and a piecewise linear function of inventory at the start of each off-interval. The optimal discounted expected total cost is quadratic in the inventory level at the start of each interval. Computational results indicate relative cost errors in the order of 2–3 percent.This research was performed at the Sanitary Engineering Research Laboratory and Operations Research Center of the University of California, Berkeley. It was made possible by US Public Health Research Grant UI-00547 from the Environmental Control Administration-Bureau of Solid Waste Management and by National Science Foundation Grant GK-1684.The author thanks Professor C. R. Glassey for not only suggesting this research, but for his constant encouragement and suggestions throughout its duration. He also thanks Professors W. S. Jewell and P. H. McGauhey whose comments on the draft were very helpful.     

一类跳扩散需求存贮系统(s,S)库存控制策略研究

考虑的是连续检查库存,需求为一个常时间函数和-个复合Poison跳扩散随机过程的和的存贮系统最优库存控制问题.基于期望折扣成本最小建立了无穷时间区间具有固定订购成本的最优库存模型,确定可采用(s,S)策略进行库存控制,给出了最优(s,S)策略的充要条件--HJB方程Ⅰ、Ⅱ.我们采用猜测的方法确定了最优(s,S)策略对应的值函数形式,建立了确定库存参数的最优化模型.     

C~n中F(p,q,s)型空间上的Bergman型算子

设p0,s≥0,q+s-1,q+n-1.讨论了C~n中单位球上F(p,q,s)到本身或A(p,q,s)空间到L(p,q,s)空间上的Bergman型算子的有界性条件.     

基于排队的库存服务系统最优控制策略

研究一个连续盘点的(s,Q)补货的库存服务系统。基于排队理论建立库存水平状态平衡方程,并推导出库存水平稳态概率分布以及作为库存控制的系统稳态性能指标。以库存成本最小化为目标,构建服务水平约束的库存控制模型。针对模型的非线性约束与整数型变量的特征,采用一种改进的遗传算法(IGA)用于决策变量的寻优。数值实验表明,当目标服务水平大于库存系统内生的服务水平时,实施服务水平约束能够降低库存控制成本。     

Controlled jump processes

Finite and infinite planning horizon Markov decision problems are formulated for a class of jump processes with general state and action spaces and controls which are measurable functions on the time axis taking values in an appropriate metrizable vector space. For the finite horizon problem, the maximum expected reward is the unique solution, which exists, of a certain differential equation and is a strongly continuous function in the space of upper semi-continuous functions. A necessary and sufficient condition is provided for an admissible control to be optimal, and a sufficient condition is provided for the existence of a measurable optimal policy. For the infinite horizon problem, the maximum expected total reward is the fixed point of a certain operator on the space of upper semi-continuous functions. A stationary policy is optimal over all measurable policies in the transient and discounted cases as well as, with certain added conditions, in the positive and negative cases.     

快速补货模式下的动态定价与库存联合策略

在供应有限的情况下,研究常规补货和快速补货下商品动态定价问题.首先,建立了动态规划模型,理论证明了最优库存策略是基于(s,S)策略下改进的基本库存策略.其次,提出了一种启发式策略求复杂系统的最优策略,启发式算法能够求出最优价格和最优库存水平.最后,数值算例研究表明,库存管理中采用快速补货提高了零售商的利润;初始库存水平越高零售商的利润越高.