Hesham K. Alfares

Bio: Hesham K. Alfares is an academic researcher from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. The author has contributed to research in topics: Integer programming & Holding cost. The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 63 publications receiving 1904 citations.

Electric load forecasting: Literature survey and classification of methods

Abstract: A review and categorization of electric load forecasting techniques is presented. A wide range of methodologies and models for forecasting are given in the literature. These techniques are classified here into nine categories: (1) multiple regression, (2) exponential smoothing, (3) iterative reweighted least-squares, (4) adaptive load forecasting, (5) stochastic time series, (6) ARMAX models based on genetic algorithms, (7) fuzzy logic, (8) neural networks and (9) expert systems. The methodology for each category is briefly described, the advantages and disadvantages discussed, and the pertinent literature reviewed. Conclusions and comments are made on future research directions.

Survey, Categorization, and Comparison of Recent Tour Scheduling Literature

Abstract: The employee tour scheduling problem involves the determination of both work hours of the day and workdays of the week for each employee. This problem has proven difficult to solve optimally due to its large size and pure integer nature. During the last decade, numerous approaches for modeling and solving this problem have been proposed. In this paper, employee tour scheduling literature published since 1990 is reviewed and classified. Solution techniques are classified into ten categories: (1) manual solution, (2) integer programming, (3) implicit modeling, (4) decomposition, (5) goal programming, (6) working set generation, (7) LP-based solution, (8) construction and improvement, (9) metaheuristics, and (10) other methods. The objective is to identify broad classifications, present typical mathematical models, compare the different methods, and identify future research directions.

The State of the Art of Nurse Rostering

Abstract: Nurse rostering is a complex scheduling problem that affects hospital personnel on a daily basis all over the world. The need for quality software solutions is acute for a number of reasons. In particular, it is very important to efficiently utilise time and effort, to evenly balance the workload among people and to attempt to satisfy personnel preferences. A high quality roster can lead to a more contented and thus more effective workforce. In this review, we discuss nurse rostering within the global personnel scheduling problem in healthcare. We begin by briefly discussing the review and overview papers that have appeared in the literature and by noting the role that nurse rostering plays within the wider context of longer term hospital personnel planning. The main body of the paper describes and critically evaluates solution approaches which span the interdisciplinary spectrum from operations research techniques to artificial intelligence methods. We conclude by drawing on the strengths and weaknesses of the literature to outline the key issues that need addressing in future nurse rostering research.

Modeling and Forecasting Electricity Loads and Prices: A Statistical Approach

Abstract: Preface. Acknowledgments. 1 Complex Electricity Markets. 1.1 Liberalization. 1.2 The Marketplace. 1.2.1 Power Pools and Power Exchanges. 1.2.2 Nodal and Zonal Pricing. 1.2.3 Market Structure. 1.2.4 Traded Products. 1.3 Europe. 1.3.1 The England and Wales Electricity Market. 1.3.2 The Nordic Market. 1.3.3 Price Setting at Nord Pool. 1.3.4 Continental Europe 13. 1.4 North America. 1.4.1 PJM Interconnection. 1.4.2 California and the Electricity Crisis. 1.4.3 Alberta and Ontario. 1.5 Australia and New Zealand. 1.6 Summary. 1.7 Further Reading. 2 Stylized Facts of Electricity Loads and Prices. 2.1 Introduction. 2.2 Price Spikes. 2.2.1 Case Study: The June 1998 Cinergy Price Spike. 2.2.2 When Supply Meets Demand. 2.2.3 What is Causing the Spikes?. 2.2.4 The Definition. 2.3 Seasonality. 2.3.1 Measuring Serial Correlation. 2.3.2 Spectral Analysis and the Periodogram. 2.3.3 Case Study: Seasonal Behavior of Electricity Prices and Loads. 2.4 Seasonal Decomposition. 2.4.1 Differencing. 2.4.2 Mean or Median Week. 2.4.3 Moving Average Technique. 2.4.4 Annual Seasonality and Spectral Decomposition. 2.4.5 Rolling Volatility Technique. 2.4.6 Case Study: Rolling Volatility in Practice. 2.4.7 Wavelet Decomposition. 2.4.8 Case Study: Wavelet Filtering of Nord Pool Hourly System Prices. 2.5 Mean Reversion. 2.5.1 R/S Analysis. 2.5.2 Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. 2.5.3 Periodogram Regression. 2.5.4 Average Wavelet Coefficient. 2.5.5 Case Study: Anti-persistence of Electricity Prices. 2.6 Distributions of Electricity Prices. 2.6.1 Stable Distributions. 2.6.2 Hyperbolic Distributions. 2.6.3 Case Study: Distribution of EEX Spot Prices. 2.6.4 Further Empirical Evidence and Possible Applications. 2.7 Summary. 2.8 Further Reading. 3 Modeling and Forecasting Electricity Loads. 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 Factors Affecting Load Patterns. 3.2.1 Case Study: Dealing with Missing Values and Outliers. 3.2.2 Time Factors. 3.2.3 Weather Conditions. 3.2.4 Case Study: California Weather vs Load. 3.2.5 Other Factors. 3.3 Overview of Artificial Intelligence-Based Methods. 3.4 Statistical Methods. 3.4.1 Similar-Day Method. 3.4.2 Exponential Smoothing. 3.4.3 Regression Methods. 3.4.4 Autoregressive Model. 3.4.5 Autoregressive Moving Average Model. 3.4.6 ARMA Model Identification. 3.4.7 Case Study: Modeling Daily Loads in California. 3.4.8 Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model. 3.4.9 Time Series Models with Exogenous Variables. 3.4.10 Case Study: Modeling Daily Loads in California with Exogenous Variables. 3.5 Summary. 3.6 Further Reading. 4 Modeling and Forecasting Electricity Prices. 4.1 Introduction. 4.2 Overview of Modeling Approaches. 4.3 Statistical Methods and Price Forecasting. 4.3.1 Exogenous Factors. 4.3.2 Spike Preprocessing. 4.3.3 How to Assess the Quality of Price Forecasts. 4.3.4 ARMA-type Models. 4.3.5 Time Series Models with Exogenous Variables. 4.3.6 Autoregressive GARCH Models. 4.3.7 Case Study: Forecasting Hourly CalPX Spot Prices with Linear Models. 4.3.8 Case Study: Is Spike Preprocessing Advantageous?. 4.3.9 Regime-Switching Models. 4.3.10 Calibration of Regime-Switching Models. 4.3.11 Case Study: Forecasting Hourly CalPX Spot Prices with Regime-Switching Models. 4.3.12 Interval Forecasts. 4.4 Quantitative Models and Derivatives Valuation. 4.4.1 Jump-Diffusion Models. 4.4.2 Calibration of Jump-Diffusion Models. 4.4.3 Case Study: A Mean-Reverting Jump-Diffusion Model for Nord Pool Spot Prices. 4.4.4 Hybrid Models. 4.4.5 Case Study: Regime-Switching Models for Nord Pool Spot Prices. 4.4.6 Hedging and the Use of Derivatives. 4.4.7 Derivatives Pricing and the Market Price of Risk. 4.4.8 Case Study: Asian-Style Electricity Options. 4.5 Summary. 4.6 Further Reading. Bibliography. Index.