Modelling recruitment training in mathematical human resource planning

This paper deals with mathematical human resource planning; more specifically, it suggests a new model for a manpower‐planning system. In general, we study a k‐classed hierarchical system where the workforce demand at each time period is satisfied through internal mobility and recruitment. The motivation for this work is based on various European Union incentives, which promote regional or local government assistance programs that could be exploited by firms not only for hiring and training newcomers, but also to improve the skills and knowledge of their existing personnel. In this respect, in our augmented mobility model we establish a new ‘training/standby’ class, which serves as a manpower inventory position for potential recruits. This class, which may very well be internal or external to the system, is incorporated into the framework of a non‐homogeneous Markov chain model. Furthermore, cost objectives are employed using the goal‐programming approach, under different operating assumptions, in order to minimize the operational cost in the presence of system's constraints and regulations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of two models for managing reliability growth during product design

Relying on reliability growth testing to improve system designis neither usually effective nor efficient. Instead it is importantto design in reliability. This requires models to estimate reliabilitygrowth in the design that can be used to assess whether goalreliability will be achieved within the target timescale forthe design process. Many models have been developed for analysisof reliability growth on test, but there has been much lessattention given to reliability growth in design. This paperdescribes and compares two models: one motivated by the practicalengineering process; the other by extending the reasoning ofstatistical reliability growth modelling. Both models are referencedin the recently revised edition of international standard IEC61164. However, there has been no reported evaluation of theirproperties. Therefore, this paper explores the commonalitiesand differences between these models through an assessment oftheir logic and their application to an industrial example.Recommendations are given for the use of reliability growthmodels to aid management of the design process and to informproduct development.     

Nonlinear multiple objective optimization: An algorithm and some theory

This paper presents an algorithm and the supporting theory for solving a class of nonlinear multiple criteria optimization problems using Zionts—Wallenius type of interaction. The Zionts—Wallenius method, as extended in this paper, can be used for solving multiple criteria problems with concave objective and (implicit) value functions and convex feasible regions. Modifications of the method to handle nonconvex feasible regions and general nonlinear objective functions are also discussed.This research was supported, in part, by a Faculty Research Development Award and by a Council of 100 Research Grant from Arizona State University (Roy), and by a grant from Y. Jahnsson Foundation, Finland (Wallenius). The research was performed while the second author was a Visiting Professor at Arizona State University.     

An integer goal programming model for hazardous waste treatment and disposal

The improper handling and disposal of hazardous wastes cause threats to human health and the environment. One reason for the improper handling and disposal of these wastes is that not much consideration is usually given to the logistical aspects of hazardous waste systems. In this paper an integer goal programming model is developed that takes into consideration the multiple goals and needs of many groups involved in managing and planning hazardous waste systems. The model can easily be implemented and can be used to address many of the issues related to facility location, recycling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes.     

考虑偏差值的中立型区间交叉效率研究

在不确定性环境下,当决策单元(DMU)的投入产出数据为区间数形式时,为解决决策单元之间既不是合作也不是竞争关系时的交叉评价问题,本文提出一种中立型区间交叉效率模型。从所有被评价者的角度出发解决评价权重的选取问题,以决策单元投入得分的平均偏差与产出得分的平均偏差之和最小化为目标,建立决策单元在最佳和最差两种生产状态下的中立型区间交叉效率模型。在本文提出的中立型模型视角下,DMU的投入得分平均偏差和产出得分平均偏差之和达到最小。算例结果表明该中立型区间交叉效率模型的有效性,解决了不确定性环境下的交叉评价问题,保证评价的客观公正,更加符合现实。     

π-CONJUGATED OLIGOMERS IN SUPRAMOLECULAR CRYSTALS AND THEIR OPTOELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS

Functional organic molecular materials and conjugated oligomers or polymers now allow the low-cost fabrication of thin films for insertion into new generations of electronic and optoelectronic devices. The performance of these devices relies on the understanding and optimization of several complementary processes. Our goal is to discuss the relationship between the molecular stacking structures and their optoelectronic properties that are of importance in all these areas. The concept of intermolecular interaction should be taken here in the special sense that is inter-dipole coupling. Specifically, we will address the impact of inter-dipole interaction between adjacent molecules in aggregate state on the solid-state emission properties.     

MODELING HARVEST SCHEDULING IN MULTIFUNCTIONAL PLANNING OF FORESTS FOR LONGTERM WATER YIELD OPTIMIZATION

In this study, wood production and hydrologic functions of forests were accommodated within a planning procedure for separate working circles (areas dedicated to certain forest functions) that were delineated according to an Ecosystem‐Based Functional Planning approach. Mixed integer goal programming was used as the optimization technique. The timing and scheduling of a maintenance cutting (partial harvest) was the decision variable in the modeling effort, and an original formulation was developed as a multiobjective planning procedure. Four sample planning strategies were developed and model outputs were evaluated according to these strategies. Spatial characteristics of stands were considered, and used to prohibit the regeneration of adjacent stands during the same time period. Because of the positive relationship between qualified water production and standing timber volume in the forest, the model attempts to maximize qualified water production levels by increasing standing volume stocks in the forest through the delay of regeneration activities.     

Incorporating additional meta-objectives into the extended lexicographic goal programming framework

This paper introduces two new meta-objectives into the extended goal programming framework. The first meta-objective is the number of unmet goals and the second is a measure of closeness to the pairwise comparisons given by the decision maker. These complement the original two meta-objectives of the weighted sum of deviations and the maximal weighted deviation to provide a flexible four meta-objective framework. Lexicographic and non-lexicographic representations of the framework are developed. An example relating to transportation is solved in both the lexicographic and non-lexicographic forms. Weight sensitivity analysis is applied to the meta-weight parameters for the non-lexicographic case in order to find a range of available distinct solutions.     

Using adjoint error estimation techniques for elastohydrodynamic lubrication line contact problems

The use of an adjoint technique for goal‐based error estimation described by Hartit et al. (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Fluids 2005; 47 :1069–1074) is extended to the numerical solution of free boundary problems that arise in elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL). EHL systems are highly nonlinear and consist of a thin‐film approximation of the flow of a non‐Newtonian lubricant which separates two bodies that are forced together by an applied load, coupled with a linear elastic model for the deformation of the bodies. A finite difference discretization of the line contact flow problem is presented, along with the numerical evaluation of an exact solution for the elastic deformation, and a moving grid representation of the free boundary that models cavitation at the outflow in this one‐dimensional case. The application of a goal‐based error estimate for this problem is then described. This estimate relies on the solution of an adjoint problem; its effectiveness is demonstrated for the physically important goal of the total friction through the contact. Finally, the application of this error estimate to drive local mesh refinement is demonstrated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Diverse Imprecise Goal Programming Model Formulations

The goal programming (GP) model is probably the best known in mathematical programming with multiple objectives. Available in various versions, GP is one of the most powerful multiple objective methods which has been applied in much varied fields. It has also been the target of many criticisms among which are those related to the difficulty of determining precisely the goal values as well as those concerning the decision-maker's near absence in this modelling process. In this paper, we will use the concept of indifference thresholds for modelling the imprecision related to the goal values. Many classical imprecise and fuzzy GP model formulations can be considered as a particular case of the proposed formulation.