Optimization of Logistics

Combinatorial optimization is a multidisciplinary scientific area, lying in the interface of three major scientific domains: mathematics, theoretical computer science and management. The three volumes of the Combinatorial Optimization series aims to cover a wide range of topics in this area. These topics also deal with fundamental notions and approaches as with several classical applications of combinatorial optimization. “Applications of Combinatorial Optimization” is presenting a certain number among the most common and well-known applications of Combinatorial Optimization.

Combinatorial optimization is a multidisciplinary scientific area, lying in the interface of three major scientific domains: mathematics, theoretical computer science and management. The three volumes of the Combinatorial Optimization series aim to cover a wide range of topics in this area. These topics also deal with fundamental notions and approaches as with several classical applications of combinatorial optimization. Concepts of Combinatorial Optimization, is divided into three parts: – On the complexity of combinatorial optimization problems, presenting basics about worst-case and randomized complexity; – Classical solution methods, presenting the two most-known methods for solving hard combinatorial optimization problems, that are Branch-and-Bound and Dynamic Programming; – Elements from mathematical programming, presenting fundamentals from mathematical programming based methods that are in the heart of Operations Research since the origins of this field.

Combinatorial optimization is a multidisciplinary scientific area, lying in the interface of three major scientific domains: mathematics, theoretical computer science and management. The three volumes of the Combinatorial Optimization series aims to cover a wide range of topics in this area. These topics also deal with fundamental notions and approaches as with several classical applications of combinatorial optimization. Concepts of Combinatorial Optimization, is divided into three parts: On the complexity of combinatorial optimization problems, that presents basics about worst-case and randomized complexity; Classical solution methods, that presents the two most-known methods for solving hard combinatorial optimization problems, that are Branch-and-Bound and Dynamic Programming; Elements from mathematical programming, that presents fundamentals from mathematical programming based methods that are in the heart of Operations Research since the origins of this field.

Combinatorial optimization is a multidisciplinary scientific area, lying in the interface of three major scientific domains: mathematics, theoretical computer science and management. The three volumes of the Combinatorial Optimization series aim to cover a wide range of topics in this area. These topics also deal with fundamental notions and approaches as with several classical applications of combinatorial optimization. Concepts of Combinatorial Optimization, is divided into three parts: – On the complexity of combinatorial optimization problems, presenting basics about worst-case and randomized complexity; – Classical solution methods, presenting the two most-known methods for solving hard combinatorial optimization problems, that are Branch-and-Bound and Dynamic Programming; – Elements from mathematical programming, presenting fundamentals from mathematical programming based methods that are in the heart of Operations Research since the origins of this field.

An essential resource for optimizing energy systems to enhance design capability, performance and sustainability Optimization of Energy Systems comprehensively describes the thermodynamic modelling, analysis and optimization of numerous types of energy systems in various applications. It provides a new understanding of the system and the process of defining proper objective functions for determination of the most suitable design parameters for achieving enhanced efficiency, cost effectiveness and sustainability. Beginning with a general summary of thermodynamics, optimization techniques and optimization methods for thermal components, the book goes on to describe how to determine the most appropriate design parameters for more complex energy systems using various optimization methods. The results of each chapter provide potential tools for design, analysis, performance improvement, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Key features: Comprehensive coverage of the modelling, analysis and optimization of many energy systems for a variety of applications. Examples, practical applications and case studies to put theory into practice. Study problems at the end of each chapter that foster critical thinking and skill development. Written in an easy-to-follow style, starting with simple systems and moving to advanced energy systems and their complexities. A unique resource for understanding cutting-edge research in the thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a wide range of energy systems, Optimization of Energy Systems is suitable for graduate and senior undergraduate students, researchers, engineers, practitioners, and scientists in the area of energy systems.

While the weight of a structure constitutes a significant part of the cost, a minimum weight design is not necessarily the minimum cost design. Little attention in structural optimization has been paid to the cost optimization problem, particularly of realistic three-dimensional structures. Cost optimization is becoming a priority in all civil engineering projects, and the concept of Life-Cycle Costing is penetrating design, manufacturing and construction organizations. In this groundbreaking book the authors present novel computational models for cost optimization of large scale, realistic structures, subjected to the actual constraints of commonly used design codes. As the first book on the subject this book: Contains detailed step-by-step algorithms Focuses on novel computing techniques such as genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic, and parallel computing Covers both Allowable Stress Design (ASD) and Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) codes Includes realistic design examples covering large-scale, high-rise building structures Presents computational models that enable substantial cost savings in the design of structures Fully automated structural design and cost optimization is where large-scale design technology is heading, thus Cost Optimization of Structures: Fuzzy Logic, Genetic Algorithms, and Parallel Computing will be of great interest to civil and structural engineers, mechanical engineers, structural design software developers, and architectural engineers involved in the design of structures and life-cycle cost optimisation. It is also a pioneering text for graduate students and researchers working in building design and structural optimization.

This book covers the design and optimization of computer networks applying a rigorous optimization methodology, applicable to any network technology. It is organized into two parts. In Part 1 the reader will learn how to model network problems appearing in computer networks as optimization programs, and use optimization theory to give insights on them. Four problem types are addressed systematically – traffic routing, capacity dimensioning, congestion control and topology design. Part 2 targets the design of algorithms that solve network problems like the ones modeled in Part 1. Two main approaches are addressed – gradient-like algorithms inspiring distributed network protocols that dynamically adapt to the network, or cross-layer schemes that coordinate the cooperation among protocols; and those focusing on the design of heuristic algorithms for long term static network design and planning problems. Following a hands-on approach, the reader will have access to a large set of examples in real-life technologies like IP, wireless and optical networks. Implementations of models and algorithms will be available in the open-source Net2Plan tool from which the user will be able to see how the lessons learned take real form in algorithms, and reuse or execute them to obtain numerical solutions. An accompanying link to the author’s own Net2plan software enables readers to produce numerical solutions to a multitude of real-life problems in computer networks (www.net2plan.com).

Fully describes optimization methods that are currently most valuable in solving real-life problems. Since optimization has applications in almost every branch of science and technology, the text emphasizes their practical aspects in conjunction with the heuristics useful in making them perform more reliably and efficiently. To this end, it presents comparative numerical studies to give readers a feel for possibile applications and to illustrate the problems in assessing evidence. Also provides theoretical background which provides insights into how methods are derived. This edition offers revised coverage of basic theory and standard techniques, with updated discussions of line search methods, Newton and quasi-Newton methods, and conjugate direction methods, as well as a comprehensive treatment of restricted step or trust region methods not commonly found in the literature. Also includes recent developments in hybrid methods for nonlinear least squares; an extended discussion of linear programming, with new methods for stable updating of LU factors; and a completely new section on network programming. Chapters include computer subroutines, worked examples, and study questions.

The digital transformation is in full swing and fundamentally changes how we live, work, and communicate with each other. From retail to finance, many industries see an inflow of new technologies, disruption through innovative platform business models, and employees struggling to cope with the significant shifts occurring. This Fourth Industrial Revolution is predicted to also transform Logistics and Supply Chain Management, with delivery systems becoming automated, smart networks created everywhere, and data being collected and analyzed universally.  The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution   provides a holistic overview of this vital subject clouded by buzz, hype, and misinformation.  The book is divided into three themed-sections:  Technologies  such as self-driving cars or virtual reality are not only electrifying science fiction lovers anymore, but are also increasingly presented as cure-all remedies to supply chain challenges. In  The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution , the authors peel back the layers of excitement that have grown around new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Blockchain or Cloud computing, and show use cases that give a glimpse about the fascinating future we can expect.  Platforms  that allow businesses to centrally acquire and manage their logistics services disrupt an industry that has been relationship-based for centuries. The authors discuss smart contracts, which are one of the most exciting applications of Blockchain, Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings for freight procurement, where numerous data sources can be integrated and decision-making processes automated, and marine terminal operating systems as an integral node for shipments. In  The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, insights are shared into the cold chain industry where companies respond to increasing quality demands, and how European governments are innovatively responding to challenges of cross-border eCommerce.  People  are a vital element of the digital transformation and must be on board to drive change.  The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution   explains how executives can create sustainable impact and how competencies can be managed in the digital age – especially for sales executives who require urgent upskilling to remain relevant. Best practices are shared for organizational culture change, drawing on studies among senior leaders from the US, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia, and for managing strategic alliances with logistics service providers to offset risks and create cross-functional, cross-company transparency.  The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution  provides realistic insights, a ready-to-use knowledge base, and a working vocabulary about current activities and emerging trends of the Logistics industry. Intended readers are supply chain professionals working for manufacturing, trading, and freight forwarding companies as well as students and all interested parties.

Optimization of Power System Operation, 2nd Edition, offers a practical, hands-on guide to theoretical developments and to the application of advanced optimization methods to realistic electric power engineering problems. The book includes: New chapter on Application of Renewable Energy, and a new chapter on Operation of Smart Grid New topics include wheeling model, multi-area wheeling, and the total transfer capability computation in multiple areas Continues to provide engineers and academics with a complete picture of the optimization of techniques used in modern power system operation