See the light: Optimization of put-to-light order picking systems

Put-to-light order picking systems invert the basic logic of conventional picker-to-parts systems. Instead of successively visiting the storage positions of the stock keeping units (SKUs) when collecting picking orders, an order picker accompanies successive bins each containing multiple items of a specific SKU along a lane of subsequent orders. Whenever the picker passes an order requiring the current SKU, which is indicated by a light signal, she puts the requested number of items into the bin associated with the order. Such an order picking system is well-suited if the assortment is not overly large and all orders demand similar SKUs, so that it is mainly applied in distribution centers of brick-and-mortar retail chains. This paper evaluates four different setups of put-to-light systems, which, during operations, require the solution of different storage assignment and SKU sequencing problems. We formulate these problems, prove computational complexity, and suggest suited solution algorithms. By applying these algorithms in a comprehensive computational study, we benchmark the impact of the four different setups on picking performance. In this way, warehouse managers receive decision support on how to set up their put-to-light systems.     

Small footprint,small payoff: The military effectiveness of security force assistance

After 15 years of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, many now see ‘small-footprint’ security force assistance (SFA) – training, advising and equipping allied militaries – as an alternative to large US ground-force commitments. Yet, its actual military efficacy has been little studied. This paper seeks to fill this gap. We find important limitations on SFA’s military utility, stemming from agency problems arising from systematic interest misalignment between the US and its typical partners. SFA’s achievable upper bound is modest and attainable only if US policy is intrusive and conditional, which it rarely is. For SFA, small footprints will usually mean small payoffs.     

Effective in battle: conceptualizing soldiers’ combat effectiveness*

How do we understand combat effectiveness – soldiers’ performance in battle? Despite the broad consensus that understanding combat effectiveness is important both for scholars and policymakers, there is widespread disagreement about what combat effectiveness is. More specifically, studies of effectiveness tend to focus on either the skill of soldiers in battle, or their will to fight. Yet both skill and will are essential components of an effective fighting force. This article argues that understanding combat effectiveness requires understanding both of these key components of effectiveness. In other words, combat effectiveness requires both the skill and will to engage the enemy in an organized manner. It then demonstrates the usefulness of this conceptualization by applying it to the cases of British, Indian, and Australian forces fighting the Japanese during the Second World War. Only when scholars are talking about the same concept will our understanding of the conditions under which militaries are effective in battle progress. By comparing different units fighting the same opponent under the same material conditions, I demonstrate that units vary both in their combat skill and their will to fight, and that understanding their effectiveness in battle requires analyzing both of these key factors.     

军队高层次创新型科技人才研修班经验与改革

科学技术是军事发展中最活跃、最具革命性的因素,每一次重大科技进步和创新都会引起战争形态和作战方式的深刻变革。在新的时代背景下,着眼建设世界一流军队,习主席明确要求,要下更大力气推动科技兴军,坚持向科技创新要战斗力,为我军建设提供强大科技支撑。科技兴军的核心要义是因靠科技创新推动军队建设,关键是要造就一批瞄准科技前沿、勇于善于创新的排头兵和突击队。本文以全军高层次创新性科技人才研修班为例,系统总结了研修班在组织模式、培训内容、教学方法和平台手段建设方面的有效做法和成功经验,并提出组训模式、培训方式、内容体系、师资力量等方面的建设发展提出建议,进而为我军着力培养科技创新领军人才和拔尖人才,强力推进科技兴军伟大实践提供经验启示和发展思路。     

Moral Aspects of “Moral Injury”: Analyzing Conceptualizations on the Role of Morality in Military Trauma

In clinical circles, the concept of “moral injury” has rapidly gained traction. Yet, from a moral philosophical point of view the concept is less clear than is suggested. That is, in current conceptualizations of moral injury, trauma’s moral dimension seems to be understood in a rather mechanistic and individualized manner. This article makes a start in developing an adequately founded conceptualization of the role of morality in deployment-related distress. It does so by reviewing and synthesizing insights from different disciplines into morality and trauma. This discussion will lead to three positions: (1) values and norms are by definition characterized by conflict, (2) moral conflict may entail important social dimensions, and (3) moral conflict may lead to altered beliefs about previously held values. These insights provide important steps in further developing conceptions of the role of morality in deployment-related suffering.     

The Hungarian experience with Gripen fighter aircraft

The post-communist countries transition from the Warsaw Pact style of platforms and systems to Western-compatible capabilities has never been an easy task or a process without conflicts. This was no different for the Visegrád countries either, in which case the Hungarian Gripen procurement stands out. After much debate, Budapest decided to modernize its fighter fleet with the not battle tested Swedish-made Gripen fighter aircraft. This decision received several critiques due to the lack of transparency in the selection process and the initial lack of NATO-required systems. Subsequently, the fleet has had to operate in a financially demanding environment. Moreover, the air force has lost two aircrafts in accidents. Now that the jets are in the middle of their envisaged life cycle, it is more than appropriate to answer the question if the Gripens can utilize their full combat potential or will they fail the test of time?     

The crisis of American military assistance: strategic dithering and Fabergé Egg armies

ABSTRACT

The United States has provided substantial amounts of military assistance and aid since the end of World War Two. During the Cold War, it proved vital in protecting numerous regimes from communist takeovers. Successful outcomes occurred when American leaders made large initial aid commitments, and the states had the capacity and political willpower to use it effectively. However, Vietnam was an example of how U.S. support lagged, as leaders in Saigon preferred political survival instead of creating regime legitimacy. Following 9/11, American security aid focused on making weak countries develop stronger security forces. Unfortunately, this created Fabergé egg militaries: expensive and easily broken by insurgents. This article suggests long-term strategic commitments need to be made alongside more resources for the American State Department and similar organizations to focus on the politics of state-building. Finally, this article suggests strategies, such as “whole-of-government” approaches, to improve long-term security and political institution building.     

军用油库油罐火灾消防虚拟现实仿真模型研究

军用油库火灾消防模拟训练系统可用于提高部队官兵的消防水平和指挥决策能力,真实感火灾及消防过程的仿真是模拟训练中重要的组成部分。为克服火灾模拟器对硬件系统要求高、可交互性低的缺点,提出并研究了油罐火灾工程模型和火灾消防工程模型。该模型建立了火焰形状、消防力量布置等与三维场景密切相关的数学模型;模型简单可靠,便于在消防三维场景中快速实现。最后通过实例在虚拟场景中进行了模型的仿真。     

基于供应链的军事物资保障系统研究

高技术条件下的局部战争,物资保障任务繁重,军事物流的地位日益突出。现代物流打破了储存、运输的传统职能,充分运用了系统、集成的思想,为进一步提高军队的物资保障能力,从供应链的角度,应用现代物流理论,分析了供应链理念对军事物资保障系统的改进和推动作用,指出了当前军事物资保障系统存在的问题,在此基础上,对如何整合优化军事物资保障系统的供应链,进行了分析和探讨。对如何应用供应链理念,提高军事物资保障效率,确保适时、适地、适量可靠保障,提供了充分的理论依据。     

复杂装备网络化智能维护架构研究

针对复杂装备所面临的智能维护问题,进行了复杂装备的网络化智能维护架构理论研究,以满足装备保障的需要。首先,建立了复杂装备网络化智能维护的架构模型;其次,探讨了各部分的功能和系统实现的关键技术,并对其进行了性能分析;最后,将其应用到某型自行火炮的网络化智能维护中。结果表明,建立的复杂装备网络化智能维护架构具有可行性、可靠性和可扩展性,是进行复杂装备智能维护的一种全新的途径。