Decision support for build-to-order supply chain management through multiobjective optimization

This paper aims to identify the gaps in decision-making support based on multiobjective optimization for build-to-order supply chain management (BTOSCM). To this end, it reviews the literature available on modelling build-to-order supply chains (BTO-SC) with the focus on adopting multiobjective optimization (MOO) techniques as a decision support tool. The literature has been classified based on the nature of the decisions in different part of the supply chain, and the key decision areas across a typical BTO-SC are discussed in detail. Available software packages suitable for supporting decision making in BTO supply chains are also identified and their related solutions are outlined. The gap between the modelling and optimization techniques developed in the literature and the decision support needed in practice are highlighted and future research directions to better exploit the decision support capabilities of MOO are proposed

Decision support for build-to-order supply chain management through multiobjective optimization

This is the post-print version of the final paper published in International Journal of Production Economics. The published article is available from the link below. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. Copyright @ 2010 Elsevier B.V.This paper aims to identify the gaps in decision-making support based on multiobjective optimization (MOO) for build-to-order supply chain management (BTO-SCM). To this end, it reviews the literature available on modelling build-to-order supply chains (BTO-SC) with the focus on adopting MOO techniques as a decision support tool. The literature has been classified based on the nature of the decisions in different part of the supply chain, and the key decision areas across a typical BTO-SC are discussed in detail. Available software packages suitable for supporting decision making in BTO supply chains are also identified and their related solutions are outlined. The gap between the modelling and optimization techniques developed in the literature and the decision support needed in practice are highlighted. Future research directions to better exploit the decision support capabilities of MOO are proposed. These include: reformulation of the extant optimization models with a MOO perspective, development of decision supports for interfaces not involving manufacturers, development of scenarios around service-based objectives, development of efficient solution tools, considering the interests of each supply chain party as a separate objective to account for fair treatment of their requirements, and applying the existing methodologies on real-life data sets.Brunel Research Initiative and Enterprise Fund (BRIEF

Distributed Web Service Coordination for Collaboration Applications and Biological Workflows

In this dissertation work, we have investigated the main research thrust of decentralized coordination of workflows over web services. To address distributed workflow coordination, first we have developed “Web Coordination Bonds” as a capable set of dependency modeling primitives that enable each web service to manage its own dependencies. Web bond primitives are as powerful as extended Petri nets and have sufficient modeling and expressive capabilities to model workflow dependencies. We have designed and prototyped our “Web Service Coordination Management Middleware” (WSCMM) system that enhances current web services infrastructure to accommodate web bond enabled web services. Finally, based on core concepts of web coordination bonds and WSCMM, we have developed the “BondFlow” system that allows easy configuration distributed coordination of workflows. The footprint of the BonFlow runtime is 24KB and the additional third party software packages, SOAP client and XML parser, account for 115KB

The socio-technical dynamics of ICT innovation: a social shaping analysis of portals

This PhD thesis presents a longitudinal study of the dynamics of the innovation process of a standardised technology. The study addresses the factors that shape technology decision-making along the entire technology life cycle - from design to implementation - within the context of a complex socio-technical setting. The development of the Internet led to acceleration in the diffusion of Inter-Organisational Networks and Systems (IONS), particularly of portals. Portals are defined as linked electronic platforms with a single point-of-entry, independent of time and space, and that enable collaboration through access to multiple sources from different organisational information systems. Organisations develop and implement portals to respond to market pressures, for example in order to rationalise procurement.The thesis attempts to expand the understanding of the socio-technical dynamics patterning both the decision-making process and the outcomes of complex ICT innovation projects. The thesis seeks to overcome the shortcomings of existing social and economic research on inter-organisational standardisation by redressing the limitations in terms of empirical scope and analytical frameworks of, on the one hand, studies of standard setting processes which neglect the wider and subsequent context of implementation and, on the other hand, of 'diffusion of standards' studies which ignore the way in which standards evolve in their implementation. This study specifically answers theoretical and practical questions of ICT innovation dynamics in a complex multi-spaced setting, combining economic, technical and sociological theories. The research draws on the Social Shaping of Technology (SST) perspective by explaining ICT innovations as historical and contexted actor-focussed technological change processes. The thesis develops a Multi-level Space of Innovation Dynamics (MSID) framework to capture the dynamics of standardised portal technology development and its outcomes on two levels: at a micro level, focusing on individuals and groups in the adopting organisation (zoom in), and at the meso level, addressing the effects that the dynamics have in the broader context of the sector (zoom out). Jorgensen's concept of 'arena' is used to analyse the way in which the actors involved at the company and the industry level are configured together. The turbulent dynamics are analysed as the outcome of complex processes of change involving the configuration and re-configuration of the various arenas and networks in which the array of involved organisational actors are embedded.The contribution to existing knowledge is based on the development of the MSID framework and its application to a complex multi-layered and longitudinal case study based in the automotive industry. The researcher's unique extensive access as a participant and analyst to the complex setting of the portal development was essential to develop the framework and to illustrate the ways in which theoretical concepts can be grounded in real empirical cases. The research finds that ICT innovations are shaped by history and context of the adopting organisation and the actors involved. The extremely complex organisational politics of decision-making processes were patterned by the configuration of the project and the management of expertise. Interactions and realignments amongst this complex set of socio-technical factors led to a drift in the subsequent outcomes. This study supports the socio-technical analysis of supply chains as mutually shaped by technology and the adopting user organisation. Finally, the study also provides organisations with rich sociological insights that could translate into the planning of similar technology-driven projects

The responsive reply chain: the influence of the positioning of decoupling points

Manufacturing supply chains have been challenged by high competition, dynamic, and stochastic conditions. They have to be constantly responsive in today’s ever-changing manufacturing environment. The proper positioning of decoupling points for material flow and information flow has a significant potential for increasing responsiveness in a supply chain. Positioning the material decoupling point as close to the end consumer as possible whilst the information decoupling point is positioned upstream is the key to the industries’ ability to reduce lead time and enhance performance in the dynamic behaviour of the supply chain. [Continues.

Proposal, project, practice, pause: developing a framework for evaluating smart domestic product engagement

Smart homes are fast becoming a reality, with smart TVs, smart meters and other such “smart” devices/systems already representing a substantial household presence. These, which we collectively term “smart domestic products” (SDPs), will need to be promoted, adopted, and normalized into daily routines. Despite this, the marketing canon lacks a substantive discourse on pertinent research. We look to help correct this by melding ideas from organizational sociology, innovation diffusion and appropriation studies, and service dominant logic. Consequently, we suggest a framework for research that responds directly to the specific characteristics of SDPs. Using the SDP eco-system as a context, our framework emphasizes the interplay of embeddedness, practice, value and engagement. It comprises a four-stage horizontal/ longitudinal axis we describe as proposal, project, practice and pause. Cross-sectionally we focus on value, and combine aspects of existing thought to suggest how this impacts each stage of our engagement continuum. We subsequently identify perceived personal advantage as the resultant of these two axes and propose this as the key for understanding consumer and SDP sociomaterial engagement. This article also advances a definition of SDPs and ends with an agenda for further research

Automotive Supply Chain Auswertung mit herkömmlichem Modell und integriertem Modell

ABSTRACT: Increasing competition due to market globalization, product diversity and technological breakthroughs stimulates independent automotive companies to collaborate in a supply chain that allows them to gain mutual benefits. Especially the events of the past years have shell-shocked even the most ardent industry participants – a crisis and the following hard recovery. Not only the critical challenges in implementing process lean with low cost and high quality, also critical to success is the ability to efficiently meet stricter emissions and fuel economy standards escalating in most jurisdictions. With all the factors working beneath the waves, supply chain management becomes the core source of a company’s competitive advantages and even the trump of the entire automotive industry’s success. A proper supply chain strategy provides financial returns and other key factors superior to the old concepts which brought profits before but no longer up to date now. Correctly design and effectively evaluate the supply chains, and improve the supply chain structure dynamically over time, are the key methods for an automotive company to survive and succeed in the volatile and critical automobile industrial environment. In this research work, based on the real case study in the automotive door system supply, different supply chain scenarios are designed and corresponding performance evaluations are made by applying different methods, namely the conventional model and the integrated model with their corresponding algorithms. With conventional model, the evaluation is done from different aspects, where the chosen perspectives such as costs, flexibility, stability, and reliability are assessed respectively for the multi-stage international supply chains. The data applied in this model comes from real-case door module supply, and the evaluation results helps in the decision making in localization process of that certain project. To be able to evaluate more complicated supply chain scenarios in a more accurate and efficient way, an integrated model is designed for the comprehensive performance evaluation. Based on the fuzzy theory, a MDFIE (Multilevel Dynamic Fuzzy Integrated Evaluation) algorithm is developed to assess the automotive supply chain performance. With the real case of vehicle door system supply, a detailed index system is designed based on a profound understanding of the automotive door supply chain. And with this new method, supply chain scenarios with different outsource degree and integration degree are evaluated and analyzed, a positive solution of deeper integration and downstream task shifting in the automotive supply structure is concluded in the end. In addition to the use in this research work, the integrated model, especially the index system can be flexibly adjusted for other automotive supply chains under their special interest and requirements. And with the MDFIE algorithm or other possible methods, the model can also be further developed into user-friendly software or system for the normal application. This software development is suggested for the further research. Based on the researches done in this work, a new tier structure is proposed as well. A mega system supplier which is defined as the new Tier 0,5 and other outsourced service companies which are playing as the half tiers (tier 1,5/ 2,5…) are discussed in this work. With all the theoretical researches and practical investigations, this new structure which occupies the niche positions of supply chain is supposed to be benefiting the entire automotive supply chain in many critical aspects, like the long lasting over capacity problem and the coming E-mobility trend. Some other suggestions like the application of RFID technology are also proposed for increasing the productivity and strengthen the information flow along supply chain. In general, improving the entire automotive supply chain performance, is the ultimate goal of supply chain management, which means balancing all participators’ maximum profits and offering the highest market service level. The realization of the proposals and concepts, is also supposed to be studied in the further research.ZUSAMENFASSUNG: Die strengeren Emissions- und Kraftstoffverbrauchstandards effizient zu erfüllen, spielt neben der kritischen Herausforderungen bei der Umsetzung „Lean Prozess“ mit niedrigen Kosten und hoher Qualität für den Erfolg auch eine entscheidende Rolle. Der zunehmende Wettbewerb infolge der Globalisierung der Märkte, der Produktvielfalt und technologischer Durchbrüche stimuliert die Zusammenarbeit von unabhängiger Automobileunternehmen. Insbesondre in den letzten Jahren wurden die Teilnehmer aus dem Industriebranche von der Krise und dessen nachstehender Erholung schockiert. Mit allen Faktoren unter den Wellen bleibt das Supply-Chain-Management die Hauptquelle für die Wettbewerbsvorteile eines Unternehmens und überhaupt der Trumpf des Erfolgs in der gesamten Automobilindustrie. Eine richtige Supply Chain-Strategie bietet finanzielle Erträge und andere wichtige Faktoren, die besser als die alten Konzepte sind. Richtiges Design und gewissenhaftes Abschätzen des Supply Chains, und im Laufe der Zeit die Supply-Chain-Struktur dynamisch zu Verbessern sind die Schlüssel-Methoden für ein Automobilunternehmen, um in dem unberechenbaren und kritischen Automobilindustrieumfeld zu überleben und erfolgreich zu bleiben. Diese Arbeit basiert auf der realen Fallstudien der Türsystemlieferung in der Automobilindustrie. Verschiedene Supply Chain Szenarien werden entworfen und die entsprechenden Leistungen werden durch Anwendung unterschiedlicher Methoden bewertet, und zwar das herkömmlichen Modell und das integrierte Modell mit den entsprechenden Algorithmen. Beim herkömmlichen Modell wird unter verschiedenen Aspekten bewertet, wobei die gewählten Perspektiven wie Kosten, Flexibilität, Stabilität und Zuverlässigkeit jeweils für die mehrstufigen internationalen Lieferketten bewertet werden. Die genommenen Daten in diesem Modell stammen aus den Fällen von Türmodul - Auslieferung. Die Bewertungsergebnisse sind beim Entscheidungstreffen im Lokalisierungsprozess des gewissen Projektes hilfreich. Um die komplizierter Supply Chain Szenarien in einer genaueren und effizienteren Methode bewerten zu können, wird ein integriertes Modell für die umfassenden Leistungsbewertung gebaut. Auf der Basis von Fuzzy-Theorie, wird ein MDFIE (Multilevel Dynamische Fuzzy Integrierte Evaluation) Algorithmus entwickelt. Anhand der realen Auslieferungsfälle im Fahrzeugtürensystem wird ein detailliertes Index-System ausgelegt, welches auf einem tiefen Verständnis der Automotive Supply Chain basiert. Mit dieser neuen Methode werden Supply-Chain-Szenarien durch unterschiedliche Outsourcengrade und Integrationsgrade ausgewertet und analysiert. Eine positive Lösung von der vertiefen Integration und von der nachgeordneten Aufgabenumlagerung in der Automobilzuliefer-Struktur wird am Ende kristallisiert. Zusätzlich zu dem Einsatz in dieser Arbeit kann das integrierte Modell, vor allem das Index-System flexibel für andere Wertschöpfungsketten ihrer besonderen Interessen und Bedürfnissen entsprechend angepasst werden. Und mit dem MDFIE Algorithmus oder andere mögliche Methoden kann das Modell auch in einer benutzerfreundlichen Software oder System für die normale Anwendung integriert und entwickelt werden. Diese Software-Entwicklung wird für die weitere Forschung vorgeschlagen. Basierend auf den Untersuchungen in dieser Arbeit wird eine neue Stufenstruktur auch vorgeschlagen. Ein Mega-Systemzulieferer, die sogenannt neues Tier 0,5 ist, und ausgelagerter Service-Unternehmen, die als Hälfte Tiers (Tier 1,5 / 2,5 ...) definiert werden, sind in dieser Arbeit diskutiert. Mit theoretischen und praktischen Forschungen soll diese neue Struktur, deren Nische Positionen der Supply Chain beschäftigt sind, zu Gunsten der gesamten automobilen Wertschöpfungskette in vielen kritischen Aspekten bringen, z.B. das Überkapazitätsproblem und der kommende E-Mobilität Trend. Einige andere Vorschläge wie die Anwendung der RFID-Technologie zur Steigerung der Produktivität und zur Stärkung der Informationsfluss entlang der Lieferkette wird auch gemacht. Das ultimative Ziel des Supply-Chain- Managemenes ist die allgemeine Verbesserung der gesamten automobilen Wertschöpfungskettenleistung, die die maximale Gewinne von allen Teilnehmern zur Balancierung und den höchsten Market-Service-Level bedeutet. Die Realisierung der Vorschläge und Konzepte soll auch in der weiteren Forschung untersucht werden