Showing papers by "Chris N. Potts published in 2012"
13 Sep 2012
TL;DR: The classical shifting bottleneck approach to solve train scheduling and rescheduling problems is modified to make it suitable for the types of job shop problem that arises in train scheduling.
Abstract: This paper introduces a modified shifting bottleneck approach to
solve train scheduling and rescheduling problems. The problem is
formulated as a job shop scheduling model and a mixed integer
linear programming model is also presented. The shifting
bottleneck procedure is a well-established heuristic method for
obtaining solutions to the job shop and other machine scheduling
problems. We modify the classical shifting bottleneck approach to
make it suitable for the types of job shop problem that arises in
train scheduling. The method decomposes the problem into several
single machine problems. Different variations of the method are
considered with regard to solving the single machine problems. We
compare and report the performance of the algorithms for a case
study based on part of the UK railway network.
11 citations
TL;DR: The proposed design provides several advantages, including the following: all players have a reasonable opportunity to win at the TOUR Championship; all players are rewarded for consistently strong performance during the season; and the participation of marquee name players is guaranteed during network television coverage late in the event.
Abstract: We propose a new design for the FedEx Cup playoff series on the PGA TOUR, and especially for its final event, the TOUR Championship. Playing the TOUR Championship as a strongly seeded match-play event, as in our proposal, provides a good chance of an exciting climax to the professional golf season. We validate our proposed design by estimating the probability that a player who has a particular rank entering the TOUR Championship finishes in various positions in the FedEx Cup standings. The choice of match play in our design is motivated by the belief held by various stakeholders in professional golf that match play is closer to the spirit of a playoff event than stroke play. Moreover, our strongly seeded match-play design provides several advantages, including the following: all players have a reasonable opportunity to win at the TOUR Championship; all players are rewarded for consistently strong performance during the season; and the participation of marquee name players is guaranteed during network television coverage late in the event. We discuss how the proposed design achieves the various objectives outlined by PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem about possible redesign of the FedEx Cup playoff series.
7 citations