Development of a Parallel BAT and Its Applications in Binary-state Network Reliability Problems

Various networks are broadly and deeply applied in real-life applications. Reliability is the most important index for measuring the performance of all network types. Among the various algorithms, only implicit enumeration algorithms, such as depth-first-search, breadth-search-first, universal generating function methodology, binary-decision diagram, and binary-addition-tree algorithm (BAT), can be used to calculate the exact network reliability. However, implicit enumeration algorithms can only be used to solve small-scale network reliability problems. The BAT was recently proposed as a simple, fast, easy-to-code, and flexible make-to-fit exact-solution algorithm. Based on the experimental results, the BAT and its variants outperformed other implicit enumeration algorithms. Hence, to overcome the above-mentioned obstacle as a result of the size problem, a new parallel BAT (PBAT) was proposed to improve the BAT based on compute multithread architecture to calculate the binary-state network reliability problem, which is fundamental for all types of network reliability problems. From the analysis of the time complexity and experiments conducted on 20 benchmarks of binary-state network reliability problems, PBAT was able to efficiently solve medium-scale network reliability problems

Performance Analysis Of Cellular Automata Monte Carlo Simulation For Estimating Network Reliability

Network reliability is very important for the decision support information. Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is one of the optimal algorithms to estimate the network reliability for different kinds of network configuration. The traditional reliability estim

A New Lean Service Model: The Value of Customer Integration into Service Operations

Purpose – The purpose of this thesis is to explore the implications of value co-creation on lean service operations. Given that only customers are able to create value, the integration of customers becomes more and more important. This thesis investigates customer integration through applying and enhancing lean principles. The overall goal of this study is to develop and test a model to integrate customers into service operations in a lean way, considering value co-creation theory. Design/methodology/approach – The overall research strategy of enquiry consists of action research and mixed methods approaches. A systematic literature review is conducted on customer integration methods considering 27 relevant studies. Afterwards, a meta-synthesis of these studies is provided to develop a model for lean customer integration. Seven propositions are formulated to test the model. Therefore, the model is implemented in two independent pole case companies (SMEs) within pure service businesses. Six different mixed methods are applied to investigate effects of model implementation. Beside interviews, process observations and customer workshops, document analysis, Monte Carlo Simulation, regular debriefing sessions are conducted. To clarify arising anomalies, an experiment is conducted with 46 participants in 4 different groups. Finally, a revised model is presented. Findings – The findings show that through synthesizing selected studies, a model is developed that should facilitate customer integration into firm’s service operations in a lean way. Application of the model in the case companies reveals that it enables a company to enhance operational performance, as well as value creation. Findings further show that a significant portion of unavoidable waste can be turned into either functional or emotional value. This emphasizes the relevance of developing and applying service specific lean tools in order to cope with service specific challenges. Research limitations and practical implications – As the findings are based on a systematic literature review and tested within a pure service environment (SMEs), the proposed model should be tested in other circumstances to further improve the results. The findings may be of interest to scholars in the field of lean or service operations, as well as practitioners seeking to enhance their operational performance through lean customer integration. Originality/value – This thesis contributes to knowledge in the field of lean service operations, as it provides the first validated model to integrate customers in operations in a lean way. It also provides a new approach to practitioners seeking not only to ‘streamline’, but also to ‘valueline’ their value creation processes. In particular, the role of customers as value (co-) creators is considered from an operational perspective and provides important insights on how customer value can be enhanced in pure services