Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Texas at Dallas, 2007. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-134)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-125). Also available in electronic version.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, August 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 143-149).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, August 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 156-164).

Thesis (M.Eng.)--University of Louisville, 2007. / Title and description from thesis home page (viewed May 14, 2007). Department of Industrial Engineering. Vita. "May 2007." Includes bibliographical references (p. 36-37).

No description available.

Os modelos de redes de filas ainda são pouco utilizados na área de Logística e Transportes, apesar de algoritmos e ferramentas computacionais eficientes estarem disponíveis atualmente. Este trabalho objetiva justamente mostrar alguns desses modelos de redes de filas e aplica-los em exemplos específicos. Inicialmente, é feita uma breve revisão dos principais modelos e algoritmos encontrados na literatura, para, em seguida, resolver-se um problema de determinação de uma função de produção, usando um modelo de rede de filas em regime estacionário. Como segundo exemplo, é montado um modelo para análise de um sistema de transporte que opera com transientes, onde é utilizada a aproximação por filas determinísticas. Em ambos os casos, é realizada uma discussão sobre o conceito de saturação em uma rede de filas, sendo proposta extensão da definição do conceito para o caso de redes mistas de filas. / Queueing networks models have seldom been used in the Logistics and Transportation realm, although being very popular in modelling other complex systems in the Computer Sciences. This work intends to briefly describe the most common models of queueing networks and apply them in some particular cases. First of all, a production function for a logistic system is developed, using a stationary probability model. Then, a transportation system with trasients is analised, using a fluid approximation model. For both cases, the saturation concept for a closed chain is defined, and is extended for mixed queueing networks.

Supply chains encompass all of the diverse activities that are associated with the flow and transformation of goods, right from the beginning stage of the raw materials, all the way through to the consumer. Supply chains are broken into three distinct parts, namely upstream activities involving the material and service inputs from suppliers, internal activities involving the manufacture and packaging of the goods, and downstream activities, which involve the distribution and sale of the goods. Since the inception of the automotive industry, buyers and suppliers have been linked in rigid, inflexible relationships. With the advent of the Internet, however, supply chains are becoming less rigid and more efficient. E-enabling an automotive supply chain involves two distinct spheres of interest, namely, the sphere of automotive supply chains and that of e-business. Both spheres are evolving fast and becoming increasingly complex. Due to the increasing complexity, there is a lack of understanding with regard to incorporating e-business principles effectively into automotive supply chains. In order to address this lack of understanding, the dissertation proposes a conceptual framework that can be used to assist in the process of e-enabling an automotive supply chain. Before the dissertation ventures to propose this conceptual framework, a number of challenges that may be encountered when attempting to enable an automotive supply chain are highlighted. The proposed framework, therefore, specifically aims to position activities conceptually in such a way that it can be argued that the identified challenges are considered at the appropriate time in the e-enabling process. The framework therefore, focuses on the entire process, starting at the planning phase and going right through to the implementation phase. As such, the framework consists of various phases, with each phase containing a myriad of activities. The different phases of the framework include developing a strategic business plan, designing an information technology architecture, identifying system and resource requirements, creating a project plan and finally implementing the project. These phases aim to address the entire e-enabling process. The contribution that this dissertation makes is in the form of a conceptual framework which may be followed during the e-enabling process. The framework aims to provide direction and to ensure that the many activities that are involved in the e-enabling process are considered. The dissertation also highlights the many challenges that may be encountered when enabling a supply chain. Lastly a prototype application has been developed using a new Internet technology. The prototype has been developed in order to ascertain the new technologies suitability to the e-enabled supply chain environment.

First tier automotive suppliers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole are under continued pressures created by the process of globalisation. To stay globally competitive suppliers, have to rethink their supply chain strategies. It is important that suppliers understand the environment that it operates within, this environment present first tier automotive suppliers with numerous problems and challenges. An analysis of this problems and challenges are needed and supply chain strategies need to be developed to overcome these problems and challenges. Before these strategies can be developed a full understanding of the supply chain is necessary. This dissertation aims to assess the problems and challenges facing first tier automotive suppliers, give a full understanding of the supply chain and present strategies to overcome these problems and challenges. The supply chain has become less structured and closer partnerships are needed between trading partners. The connectivity, transparency and visibility of the supply chain have improved through developments in the communication technology field. Strategies need to utilise these technologies to create a competitive edge. Effective supply chain strategies need to enable first tier automotive suppliers to deliver materials: At the right time; In the right quantities; At the right quality.

M.Tech. (Industrial Engineering) / This research investigates the influence of supply chain visibility on the performance of inventory management. A mixed method approach was used in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect data that was statistically analysed; interviews were carried out to supplement in-depth understanding of inventory management practices. The research study used the four constructs of supply chain visibility as proposed in the literature which are visibility for sensing, visibility for learning, visibility for coordinating and visibility for integrating. Data obtained was analysed mainly through correlation and mean score analysis. The results from the study demonstrated that 42% of the variance in the performance of inventory management was explained by the two constructs of supply chain visibility that’s coordinating and integrating at a statistical confidence of 95%. The study could not establish the influence of sensing and learning on the performance of inventory management. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge of supply chain visibility variables that can be associated with the performance of inventory management. The survey was done on a small population in one manufacturing company impacting negatively on the generalisation of the results.