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.)--University of Florida, 2004. / Title from title page of source document. Document formatted into pages; contains 160 pages. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Two-echelon vehicle routing problems which contain synchronization between vehicles can be deeply impacted by time uncertainty, because one vehicle's delay can propagate to other vehicles. In this paper, we evaluate the deterministic solution of such a problem based on simulated travel time scenarios. The information obtained by simulation is incorporated in the optimization procedure iteratively. Computational results show that the degree of synchronization in an instance is directly correlated with the potential improvements by reoptimization. We present findings on the number of travel time scenarios required to obtain a representative picture of the stochastic solutions. In addition, we demonstrate that time dependent travel times can be aggregated on a city-wide level and linearized as a function of free flow times without major loss of reliability.

This thesis is focused on topic of mapping and optimization of processes with particular focus on logistic processes. The work consists of three interconnected parts. The first part contains definitions of important concepts and approaches in three separate areas. The areas are organization processes, logistic processes and Lean management. The second part revolves around suitable methodology, it contains used methods and tools suitable for mapping and analysis of various process as well as principles and tools recommended for optimization of logistic processes. The last part of thesis maps key processes of internal logistics inside of manufacturing factory and analyses logistic system used in organization. The thesis also proposes various recommendations how to make analysed processes better. Analysis and optimization of processes is in the end enriched by recommendations, which should lead to better organization logistics system in the future.

This study explores the overlapping of platform technology and cooperative processes in logistics and how this can be of interest to make the industry more environmentally sustainable. It examines the literature regarding platform technology, horizontal collaboration, and environmental sustainability in logistics. Data was collected through interviews with experts in the logistics industry, representatives from logistics companies and a software solutions provider, to obtain a nuanced image from the industry. A framework was created to provide answers to how digital platforms can better be utilized for cooperation in logistics to improve environmental sustainability. In order to fulfill this, incentives and challenges for small- and medium-sized enterprises to cooperate through platform technology were identified. The incentives that were found were classified into driving and pushing. The driving incentives refer to evident benefits for small- and medium-sized enterprises of joining cooperative logistics platforms, while pushing incentives are based on external factors and current issues that potentially could be solved through a cooperative platform. The identified challenges to cooperating through digital platforms are related to cooperative processes, technology and digitalization, and environmental sustainability. These were analyzed from a systems perspective to understand how these affect the problem on several levels in the industry of logistics. Together, the incentives and challenges form the final framework and illustrate how platforms for cooperation can be realized in the logistics industry. / Denna studie undersöker överlappningen av digitala plattformar och samarbetsprocesser inom  logistik och hur detta kan vara av intresse för att göra industrin mer miljömässigt hållbar. Studien utforskar forskningslitteraturen om digitala plattformar, horisontellt samarbete och miljömässig hållbarhet inom logistik. Data samlades in genom intervjuer utförda med experter inom logistikindustrin och representanter från en mjukvarulösningsleverantör och från små- och medelstora företag inom logistik, för att få en nyanserad bild från branschen. Ett ramverk skapades för att ge svar på hur digitala plattformar kan användas bättre för samarbete inom logistik för att förbättra miljömässig hållbarhet. För att uppfylla detta så identifierades incitament och utmaningar för små- och medelstora företag för samarbete genom plattformsteknik. De incitament som hittades klassificerades som drivande och pressande. De drivande incitamenten syftar till de uppenbara fördelar för små- och medelstora företag att ansluta sig till kooperativa logistikplattformar, medan de drivande incitamenten baseras på externa faktorer och problem som potentiellt kan lösas genom en samarbetsplattform. Utmaningarna för att samarbeta via digitala plattformar identifierades relaterat till samarbetsprocesser, teknik och digitalisering, samt miljömässig hållbarhet. Dessa utmaningar identifierades sedan ur ett systemperspektiv för att förstå hur de påverkar problemet på flera nivåer inom logistikbranschen. Tillsammans utgör incitamenten och utmaningarna det slutgiltiga ramverket och illustrerar hur plattformar för samarbete kan förverkligas mer inom logistikindustrin.