Showing papers in "International Transactions in Operational Research in 2003"

TL;DR: This paper uses conditional phase-type distributions for modelling the length of stay of a group of elderly patients in hospital using Bayesian belief networks with Coxian phase- type distributions and a special type of Markov model.

TL;DR: In this article, a greedy search heuristic for solving the 3D-BPP problem is proposed, where in addition to the usual requirement of minimum amount of bins being used, the resulting packing of items into the bins must be physically stable.

TL;DR: In this paper, two approximate algorithms are proposed to solve the two-dimensional layout optimization problem, which consists of finding the minimal length layout of a set of both regular and irregular 2D shapes on a stock sheet of finite width but infinite length.

TL;DR: The principles of optimal routing of double-deck elevators are introduced and the simulation results are analyzed with discussion about the significance of the method.

TL;DR: A solution approach for log truck scheduling based on composite pricing and branch and bound is presented, which shows promising results in terms of efficiency, predictability and predictability.

TL;DR: This paper addresses the two–machine flowshop scheduling problem to minimize makespan where jobs have random and bounded processing times and finds some sufficient conditions for the considered problem.

TL;DR: Several heuristics, based on evolutive algorithms and local search, are used to solve the nurse scheduling problem at a large hospital and a user interface was implemented to facilitate the use of the solver modules by the hospital staff.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a method for identifying the economies of scope by using data envelopment analysis, which involves the use of non-parametric production frontiers and does not require cost information on inputs and outputs.

TL;DR: An application of constraint logic programming (CLP) to the resolution of nesting problems is presented and the concept of no-fit polygon is used to deal with the geometric constraints inherent to all cutting and packing problems.

TL;DR: A mixed integer programming (MIP) model for short-term harvesting planning for a total planning period of 4–6 weeks that provides high-quality integer solutions within a distinct time limit to be used when more schedules are used.

TL;DR: In this article, a hybrid of a genetic algorithm in uncertain environments and the Monte Carlo method is used for solving stochastic job shop scheduling problems using a hybrid Roulette strategy for selecting the optimum solution having the minimum expected value for makespan.

TL;DR: A real-world scheduling problem arising in the context of a rolling ingots production is studied using prescribed time lags between operations, different kinds of resources, and sequence-dependent changeovers and a branch-and-bound solution procedure is presented.

TL;DR: Another class of combinatorial optimization problems called the skiving stock problem (SSP) is introduced as a particular case of the set-packing problem, which shares many properties and solving techniques with the CSP.

TL;DR: A new method is described that solves the maximum flow problem directly on hypergraphs, leading to both reduced run time and lower memory requirements, and is particularly interesting for very large instances, to be solved in practical applications.

TL;DR: This project's goal was to explore methods for identifying tree characteristics that could be manipulated to optimize production of specific lumber products, namely LongClears.

TL;DR: In this article, a mixed-integer harvest scheduling model was proposed to maximize the net present value (NPV) of a Pennsylvania oak forest over a 60-year period, with harvest in period 1, 2, or 3.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare the traditional two-zone land allocation framework which includes ecological reserves and integrated forest management zones with the triad a three-zone scheme which adds a zone dedicated to intensive timber production.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors remodel the treatment of risk in the NPV model based on assumptions that seem realistic in an organizational or operational, as opposed to a personal, investment context.

TL;DR: In this paper, the role of trade incentives specifically designed to fight forward-buying practices on the part of the retailers, by examining the use of scanbacks and direct rebates as manufacturers' tools for the prevention of these practices.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the concept of benchmarking in fund management and selection of the appropriate benchmark, and advocate that trustees need to interact with fund managers more closely if the fund is to develop in the desired direction.

TL;DR: The value of adopting formal problem structuring methods as part of the strategic health planning process in developed health systems is considered, particularly their role in bridging the gap in a ‘partnership model’ between community groups and statutory decision-makers.

TL;DR: One approach that has been successfully used for teaching introductory statistics and management science/operations research courses in a College ofBusiness is discussed.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered two-machine open shop problems with secondary criteria where the primary criterion is the minimization of makespan and the secondary criterion was the minimisation of the total flow time, total weighted flow time or total weighted tardiness time.

TL;DR: A model for representing the layout of fairs is presented: the adjacency model, and a construction procedure is developed that leads to the generation of alternative layout solutions.