基于决策满意度的装备备件配置仿真优化方法

作为装备维修保障体系的重要组成部分,备件的合理配置是装备保障的核心,直接影响装备的使用可用度.而如何在保证装备的使用可用度情况下使备件的保障费用尽可能地减少,是决策者最关心的问题.提出一种基于决策满意度的装备备件配置仿真优化方法,通过蒙特卡罗仿真建立装备使用可用度模型,并在二级维修保障模型进行仿真的基础上,利用模糊多目标优化对备件的使用可用度和备件保障费用这两个指标进行综合评判,最后得到符合决策满意度的备件配置方案.     

Optimizing usage and maintenance decisions for k‐out‐of‐n systems of moving assets

We consider an integrated usage and maintenance optimization problem for a k‐out‐of‐n system pertaining to a moving asset. The k‐out‐of‐n systems are commonly utilized in practice to increase availability, where n denotes the total number of parallel and identical units and k the number of units required to be active for a functional system. Moving assets such as aircraft, ships, and submarines are subject to different operating modes. Operating modes can dictate not only the number of system units that are needed to be active, but also where the moving asset physically is, and under which environmental conditions it operates. We use the intrinsic age concept to model the degradation process. The intrinsic age is analogous to an intrinsic clock which ticks on a different pace in different operating modes. In our problem setting, the number of active units, degradation rates of active and standby units, maintenance costs, and type of economic dependencies are functions of operating modes. In each operating mode, the decision maker should decide on the set of units to activate (usage decision) and the set of units to maintain (maintenance decision). Since the degradation rate differs for active and standby units, the units to be maintained depend on the units that have been activated, and vice versa. In order to minimize maintenance costs, usage and maintenance decisions should be jointly optimized. We formulate this problem as a Markov decision process and provide some structural properties of the optimal policy. Moreover, we assess the performance of usage policies that are commonly implemented for maritime systems. We show that the cost increase resulting from these policies is up to 27% for realistic settings. Our numerical experiments demonstrate the cases in which joint usage and maintenance optimization is more valuable. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 64: 418–434, 2017     

The dynamic and stochastic knapsack Problem with homogeneous‐sized items and postponement options

This article generalizes the dynamic and stochastic knapsack problem by allowing the decision‐maker to postpone the accept/reject decision for an item and maintain a queue of waiting items to be considered later. Postponed decisions are penalized with delay costs, while idle capacity incurs a holding cost. This generalization addresses applications where requests of scarce resources can be delayed, for example, dispatching in logistics and allocation of funding to investments. We model the problem as a Markov decision process and analyze it through dynamic programming. We show that the optimal policy with homogeneous‐sized items possesses a bithreshold structure, despite the high dimensionality of the decision space. Finally, the value (or price) of postponement is illustrated through numerical examples. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 267–292, 2015     

Integrating decisions with advance supply information in an assemble-to-order system

We study a periodic-review assemble-to-order (ATO) system with multiple components and multiple products, in which the inventory replenishment for each component follows an independent base-stock policy and stochastic product demands are satisfied according to a First-Come-First-Served rule. We assume that the replenishment for various component suffers from lead time uncertainty. However, the decision maker has the so-called advance supply information (ASI) associated with the lead times and thus can take advantage of the information for system optimization. We propose a multistage stochastic integer program that incorporates ASI to address the joint optimization of inventory replenishment and component allocation. The optimal base-stock policy for the inventory replenishment is determined using the sample average approximation algorithm. Also, we provide a modified order-based component allocation (MOBCA) heuristic for the component allocation. We additionally consider a special case of the variable lead times where the resulting two-stage stochastic programming model can be characterized as a single-scenario case of the proposed multistage model. We carry out extensive computational studies to quantify the benefits of integrating ASI into joint optimization and to explore the possibility of employing the two-stage model as a relatively efficient approximation scheme for the multistage model.     

An interactive branch-and-bound algorithm for bicriterion nonconvex/mixed integer programming

Although there has been extensive research on interactive multiple objective decision making in the last two decades, there is still a need for specialized interactive algorithms that exploit the relatively simple structure of bicriterion programming problems. This article develops an interactive branch-and-bound algorithm for bicriterion nonconvex programming problems. The algorithm searches among only the set of nondominated solutions since one of them is a most preferred solution that maximizes the overall value function of the decision maker over the set of achievable solutions. The interactive branch-and-bound algorithm requires only pairwise preference comparisons from the decision maker. Based on the decision maker's responses, the algorithm reduces the set of nondominated solutions and terminates with his most preferred nondominated solution. Branching corresponds to dividing the subset of nondominated solutions considered at a node into two subsets. The incumbent solution is updated based on the preference of the decision maker between two nondominated solutions. Fathoming decisions are based on the decision maker's preference between the incumbent solution and the ideal solution of the node in consideration.     

Utility assessment procedures for polynomial-exponential functions

This article develops a methodology for testing constant exchange risk properties and identifying an appropriate form for a decision maker's utility function. These risk properties characterize six different utility functions which are sums of products of polynomials and exponential functions. Such functional forms are commonly used in decision analysis applications. The practical advantage of this methodology is that these constant exchange risk properties eliminate the usual arbitrariness in the selection of a parametric utility function and often reduce the data requirements for subsequent estimation. The procedure is straightforward to apply. The decision maker need only provide certainty equivalents for two-outcome gambles and determine the more-preferred gamble in paired comparisons. The technical details of the procedure can be handled by interactive computer software.     

Optimal sample size allocation for tests with multiple levels of stress with extreme value regression

In this article, we discuss the optimal allocation problem in a multiple stress levels life‐testing experiment when an extreme value regression model is used for statistical analysis. We derive the maximum likelihood estimators, the Fisher information, and the asymptotic variance–covariance matrix of the maximum likelihood estimators. Three optimality criteria are defined and the optimal allocation of units for two‐ and k‐stress level situations are determined. We demonstrate the efficiency of the optimal allocation of units in a multiple stress levels life‐testing experiment by using real experimental situations discussed earlier by McCool and Nelson and Meeker. Monte Carlo simulations are used to show that the optimality results hold for small sample sizes as well. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007     

Identifying and ranking a most preferred subset of alternatives in the presence of multiple criteria

In this article an interactive method is developed to identify and rank a most preferred subset, T, of alternatives assuming that the decision maker has an implicit quasiconcave nondecreasing utility function. The method requires the decision maker to compare pairs of selected alternatives. Based on the responses of the decision maker, convex cones are constructed to eliminate alternatives that are proved to be inferior to alternatives in set T. The method aims at keeping the number of pairwise comparisons small. Computational experience with the method indicates that the required number of pairwise comparisons to form set T is usually small. However, the number of pairwise comparisons needed to confirm that this set is best may be large.     

Multiple-attribute decision making with partial information: The comparative hypervolume criterion

A new approach is presented for analyzing multiple-attribute decision problems in which the set of actions is finite and the utility function is additive. The problem can be resolved if the decision makers (or group of decision makers) specifies a set of nonnegative weights for the various attributes or criteria, but we here assume that the decision maker(s) cannot provide a numerical value for each such weight. Ordinal information about these weights is therefore obtained from the decision maker(s), and this information is translated into a set of linear constraints which restrict the values of the weights. These constraints are then used to construct a polytope W of feasible weight vectors, and the subsets H_i (polytopes) of W over which each action a_i has the greatest utility are determined. With the Comparative Hypervolume Criterion we calculate for each action the ratio of the hypervolume of H_i to the hypervolume of W and suggest the choice of an action with the largest such ratio. Justification of this choice criterion is given, and a computational method for accurately approximating the hypervolume ratios is described. A simple example is provided to evaluate the efficiency of a computer code developed to implement the method.     

Dynamic pricing and inventory control with learning

Optimal operating policies and corresponding managerial insight are developed for the decision problem of coordinating supply and demand when (i) both supply and demand can be influenced by the decision maker and (ii) learning is pursued. In particular, we determine optimal stocking and pricing policies over time when a given market parameter of the demand process, though fixed, initially is unknown. Because of the initially unknown market parameter, the decision maker begins the problem horizon with a subjective probability distribution associated with demand. Learning occurs as the firm monitors the market's response to its decisions and then updates its characterization of the demand function. Of primary interest is the effect of censored data since a firm's observations often are restricted to sales. We find that the first‐period optimal selling price increases with the length of the problem horizon. However, for a given problem horizon, prices can rise or fall over time, depending on how the scale parameter influences demand. Further results include the characterization of the optimal stocking quantity decision and a computationally viable algorithm. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 49: 303–325, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/nav.10013     

基于ELECTRE方法的模糊多属性决策

针对传统ELECTRE法的弱点,将ELECTRE法拓展到了模糊环境下,得到一种解决模糊多属性决策问题的新方法,决策评估中涉及到的属性值与属性权重值等模糊信息以三角模糊数形式给出。首先集结决策者对各方案属性的评价,确定出模糊决策矩阵;其次根据信息熵原理,求解出三角模糊数型的属性权重向量;最后给出新的模糊ELECTRE方法的决策步骤。新方法既具有统一的表达形式,又克服了传统方法中和谐性与不和谐性之间具有一定相关性的缺陷。新方法计算简单,给出的实例验证了此方法的可行性和有效性。     

Interactive solution of bi-criteria mathematical programs

In this paper, we develop efficient interactive methods for the solution of bicriteria nonlinear programming problems. The methods do not require trade-off information from the decision maker, pose less cognitive burden and converge to the “best compromise solution” fast. Two methods, called the paired comparison method and comparative trade-off method, are presented with examples. A real application of the interactive method to a bicriteria problem that arose in the planning of the cardiovascular disease control program in the U.S. Air Force is also presented.     

合成坦克分队最佳火力分配模型

实际战斗中敌我双方均以多兵种进行交战,在兰切斯特方程基础上,利用不同作战单位的相对作战指数,以及各种作战单位之间的交战强度、掩护强度和循环交战强度,建立合成坦克分队最佳火力分配算法,并应用该算法定量计算二对二作战中坦克分队火力最佳分配的方案,为定量研究合成坦克分队火力运用打下了基础。     

Sequential learning versus no learning in Bayesian regression models

We consider two regression models: linear and logistic. The dependent variable is observed periodically and in each period a Bayesian formulation is used to generate updated forecasts of the dependent variable as new data is observed. One would expect that including new data in the Bayesian updates results in improved forecasts over not including the new data. Our findings indicate that this is not always true. We show there exists a subset of the independent variable space that we call the “region of no learning.” If the independent variable values for a given period in the future are in this region, then the forecast does not change with any new data. Moreover, if the independent variable values are in a neighborhood of the region of no learning, then there may be little benefit to wait for the new data and update the forecast. We propose a statistical approach to characterize this neighborhood which we call the “region of little learning.” Our results provide insights into the trade‐offs that exist in situations when the decision maker has an incentive to make an early decision based on an early forecast versus waiting to make a later decision based on an updated forecast. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 61: 532–548, 2014     

The value statement

Frequently there exists an insufficient amount of actual data upon which to base a decision. In this paper a method is presented whereby the subjective opinions of a group of qualified persons are utilized to quantify the relative importance of a finite number of parameters or objectives. A means of testing the consistency among the judges is given which allows the decision maker to determine the validity of the opinions gathered. The application presented here is in the area of Multiple Incentive Contracting. Namely, a method is proposed to facilitate the answering of the question, “What is the value to the purchaser of an incremental change in the performance of a system?” Such a vehicle is not essential to the methodology proposed.     

车载多接入边缘网络中联合资源分配和动态任务卸载方案

针对车联网中车辆移动速度过快产生的任务卸载失败问题,设计了一个有效的任务卸载风险评估模型,并提出了联合资源分配的动态任务卸载方案。将时间、能耗和风险共同建模为系统效用,通过联合优化卸载决策、资源分配来最大化系统效用。优化问题被公式化为混合整数非线性规划,在给定卸载决策的情况下,利用凸优化技术解决计算资源分配问题,功率分配通过分式规划技术来优化。仿真分析了车辆移动性对系统效用的影响,证明了所提方案的合理性。     

基于过程建模的复杂装备虚拟维修训练仿真

针对复杂装备维修训练的特点,结合Petri网技术研究了维修作业过程的描述方法,建立了维修作业过程描述模型,可以清晰表达各维修作业间的逻辑关系、约束条件和维修保障资源的配置,引入时间概念也便于某些维修性分析工作的开展;基于此过程描述模型设计并开发了某型装备的虚拟维修训练系统,通过仿真实例,说明该系统可以有效地解决装备维修训练中存在的问题,具有一定的实用价值。     

Machine maintenance with workload considerations

Machine maintenance is modeled in the setting of a single‐server queue. Machine deterioration corresponds to slower service rates and failure. This leads to higher congestion and an increase in customer holding costs. The decision‐maker decides when to perform maintenance, which may be done pre‐emptively; before catastrophic failures. Similar to classic maintenance control models, the information available to the decision‐maker includes the state of the server. Unlike classic models, the information also includes the number of customers in queue. Considered are both a repair model and a replacement model. In the repair model, with random replacement times, fixed costs are assumed to be constant in the server state. In the replacement model, both constant and variable fixed costs are considered. It is shown in general that the optimal maintenance policies have switching curve structure that is monotone in the server state. However, the switching curve policies for the repair model are not always monotone in the number of customers in the queue. Numerical examples and two heuristics are also presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007     

基于FAHP-GP的装备调配保障决策模型

分析了装备调配保障决策的主要流程、影响因素和基本模式;根据装备调配保障决策的特点和装备调配保障所面临的实际问题,将模糊层次分析法与目标规划法相结合,构建了装备调配保障决策模型,较好地解决了装备调配保障需求与资源之间的矛盾。最后,以某装备的调配保障决策为例,给出了该模型的求解方法和结果,验证了模型的可行性和有效性。