A special case of the 3 × n flow shop problem

Johnson [2] in 1954 solved the two machine flow shop problem by giving an argument for a sufficient condition of optimality and by stating an efficient algorithm which produces a solution via satisfaction of the sufficient condition. Moreover, Johnson solved two special cases of the corresponding three machine flow shop problem. Since that time, six other special cases have been solved, two contributed by Arthanari and Mukhopadhyay [1], two by Smith, Panwalkar, and Dudek [3], and two of a different nature by Szwarc [5]. This paper contributes an extension to one of the classes described by Szwarc.     

The fractional fixed-charge problem

Fractional fixed-charge problems arise in numerous applications, where the measure of economic performance is the time rate of earnings or profit (equivalent to an interest rate on capital investment). This paper treats the fractional objective function, after suitable transformation, as a linear parametric fixed-charge problem. It is proved, with wider generality than in the case of Hirsch and Dantzig, that some optimal solution to the generalized linear fixed-charge problem is an extreme point of the polyhedral set defined by the constraints. Furthermore, it is shown that the optimum of the generalized fractional fixed-charge problem is also a vertex of this set. The proof utilizes a suitable penalty function yielding an upper bound on the optimal value of the objective function; this is particularly useful when considering combinations of independent transportation-type networks. Finally, it is shown that the solution of a fractional fixed-charge problem is obtainable through that of a certain linear fixed-charge one.     

Location of facilities with rectangular distances among point and area destinations

This article is concerned with the optimal location of any number (n) of facilities in relation to any number (m) of destinations on the Euclidean plane. The criterion to be satisfied is the minimization of total weighted distances where the distances are rectangular. The destinations may be either single points, lines or rectangular areas. A gradient reduction solution procedure is described which has the property that the direction of descent is determined by the geometrical properties of the problem.     

An engagement model to optimize defense against a multiple attack assuming perfect kill assessment

We present an air-defense engagement model to counter an attack by multiple antiship missiles, assuming perfect kill assessment. In this model, the probability of shooting down all incoming missiles is maximized. A generating function is employed to produce an algorithm which is used to evaluate the outcomes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 44: 687–697, 1997     

A continuous‐time strategic capacity planning model

Capacity planning decisions affect a significant portion of future revenue. In the semiconductor industry, they need to be made in the presence of both highly volatile demand and long capacity installation lead‐times. In contrast to traditional discrete‐time models, we present a continuous‐time stochastic programming model for multiple resource types and product families. We show how this approach can solve capacity planning problems of reasonable size and complexity with provable efficiency. This is achieved by an application of the divide‐and‐conquer algorithm, convexity, submodularity, and the open‐pit mining problem. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2005.     

On the normality and abnormality of offsets obligations

Defence offsets have often been described as government‐to‐business compensation arrangements or contracts involving “reciprocity beyond that associated with normal market exchange”. This paper argues that it is irrelevant and misleading to use this notion as a criterion for defining offsets.

The paper also explores the apparent inconsistency between the maximising efficiency in defence procurement and the application of offsets requirements. It is shown that defence offsets are a subset of all the price‐quality‐quantity trade‐offs which in general characterise negotiations surrounding complex transactions.

It is argued that although reciprocal or offsetting arrangements are a normal aspect of commercial transacting, the operation of certain offsets schemes namely mandatory offsets obligations, may inhibit the buyer's flexibility in negotiating deals and result in inefficient procurement. This leads us to ask why these offsets schemes have persisted for so long.     

US technological collaboration for nonproliferation: key evidence from the Cold War

ABSTRACT

Although the existing international-relations scholarship argues that technological assistance in the nuclear domain increases the probability of nuclear proliferation, the historical account indicates otherwise. Congressional legislation for nonproliferation, economic sanctions, and poor state capacity—specifically, inept managerial capabilities of the recipient state—explain merely part of the puzzle, but overlook the role of positive inducements offered to impede nuclear proliferation. Historical evidence shows that the United States often provided technological assistance with the deliberate intent to inhibit proliferation. In other words, Washington employed its technological leverage to attain nonproliferation goals. American technological preponderance since the end of World War II made such an approach feasible. This study examines key Cold War cases—Israel/Egypt, India, and West Germany—where the United States offered technological assistance with the deliberate intent to stall nuclear proliferation, thereby underscoring the role of assistance for inhibitive ends.     

The military recruiting productivity slowdown: The roles of resources,opportunity cost and the tastes of youth*

After a decade of successful recruiting, the US military began experiencing recruiting difficulties in the 1990s. Cyclical factors as well as trend factors may have played a role. This paper uses monthly data by state over the period 1989-1997 to estimate models of enlistment and evaluate the various explanations for the recruiting slowdown. Estimates of the impact of economic variables - relative military pay and unemployment - and recruiting resource variables - recruiters and advertising - are similar to those in previous studies. Two trend factors, rising college attendance and declining adult veteran population (influencers), are found to be important factors explaining the decline in enlistment.     

The German arms industry in a European context: A study in successful downsizing

Defence offsets rank as one of the most important and controversial topics within the broad field of defence economics. Arms vendors are likely to view offsetting investment as a distraction, fearful of its potential to hurt the bottom line. By contrast, policymakers in the arms purchasing countries see offsets as an opportunity to extract technology transfer, as well as employment, investment and export sales opportunities. Establishing the actual impact of offsets, however, is not easy. The subject is shrouded in secrecy and myth, with anecdote and generalisation pervading even the intellectual press. This paper seeks to break the mould by offering an empirical case study of the role of offsets in Malaysian defence industrialisation.