A real-life application in optimal route planning for the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Hong Kong was performed to implement the proposed framework. A set of criteria fitting the context of Hong Kong were defined, and various optimal routing solutions with diverse compromise in different objectives were generated. The implementation of the proposed methodologies enables the avoidance of the pitfalls of preference-based techniques and the burden of generating a complete set of possible solutions, and provides decision-makers with an overview of the solution space and the possible trade-offs among the conflicting objectives. The application study demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies. In light of the study results and limitations, some recommendations are provided for future research. / Effective and rational routing of DGs is one of the powerful means to mitigate the DG transportation risk. DG transportation involves multiple stakeholders playing different roles and having different objectives that are generally conflicting. The solution of such problem is to search for one or a set of "compromise" solutions rendering the best possible trade-offs for conflict resolution among different objectives. Given the multi-objective nature of the DG routing problem, multi-objective optimization (MOP) becomes a sound framework for analysis and decision-making. / The transportation of dangerous goods (DGs) can significantly affect human life and the environment if accidents occur during the transportation process. Such accidents can result in traffic disruption, fatalities, property and environmental damages. Therefore, safe DG transportation is of paramount importance, especially in high-density-living environments where population and socioeconomic activities are densely distributed over the transportation network. / This research establishes a general framework for optimal route planning for DG transportation in a high-density-living environment. Within the framework, multi-criteria risk assessment and multi-objective route planning can be efficiently solved by novel compromise programming models and high performance algorithms. Non-linearity and non-convexity often exist in the optimal DG routing problem which cannot be solved appropriately by conventional models such as the weighed sum approach. This research has proposed three novel methods to facilitate the generation of a set of optimal solutions on the Pareto front representing various trade-offs among the conflicting objectives. The proposed methodologies give full consideration to decision-makers' inclination and capability in determining the weights for different criteria. The compromise programming procedure allows decision-makers to exercise their preference structures in pursuing desired solutions rendering good compromises among different objectives. The adaptive weighting method approximates the Pareto front with a few suitable solutions to help decision-makers select the most satisfactory route without generating all of them. The genetic-algorithm-based approach uses a set of specifically designed genetic operators to efficiently capture a wide range of Pareto-optimal and near-optimal solutions, from which a decision-maker can choose the most preferred or best compromise one to implement. The diversity of methodologies provides decision-makers with more flexibility in choosing appropriate MOP methods to route DG shipments. / Li, Rongrong. / Adviser: Yee Leung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-01, Section: A, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 189-203). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

by Chau Siu Ching. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-39). / ABSTRACT / TABLE OF CONTENTS / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS / CHAPTERS / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Scope and Statement of the Problem --- p.2 / Methodology --- p.3 / Chapter II. --- BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF GAS INDUSTRY --- p.5 / National Energy Policy in China --- p.5 / City Development Copes with National Energy Policy --- p.6 / Strategy of City Government in Supplying Town Gas --- p.8 / Market Potential of Gas Development --- p.10 / Chapter III. --- CASE STUDY - HONG KONG L P. GAS (HOLDING) LTD --- p.12 / Company Background --- p.12 / Product Handled - LPG Equipment --- p.13 / Buyers Involved --- p.14 / Buying Decisions Process --- p.15 / Buygrid Model of Buy Phases and Buyclasses --- p.15 / Buying Decision Process of Chinese Organizations --- p.16 / Decision Criteria Used in Buying LPG Pipeline System Equipment --- p.22 / Categories of Choice Criteria by Donald R. Lehmann and John O'Shaughnessy --- p.22 / Findings of the Case Study --- p.24 / Legalistic criteria also viewed as constraint --- p.24 / Ranking of other criteria --- p.24 / Chapter 1. --- Performance criteria --- p.25 / Chapter 2. --- Adaptive criteria --- p.25 / Chapter 3. --- Integrative criteria --- p.26 / Chapter 4. --- Economic criteria --- p.26 / Chapter III. --- SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHINESE ORGANIZATIONS THAT AFFECT BUYING BEHAVIOR --- p.28 / Country-of-Origin Effect --- p.28 / Aversion to Risk --- p.29 / Lack of Separation of Ownership and Management --- p.30 / Chapter IV. --- SUGGESTED STRATEGY FOR THE COMPANY --- p.32 / Take a Proactive Strategy --- p.32 / Adopt Policies aimed at Reducing Uncertainties of the Buyers --- p.33 / Chapter V. --- CONCLUSION --- p.35 / APPENDIX / Chapter 1. --- TOTAL CONSUMPTION AND COMPOSITION OF ENERGY / Chapter 2. --- SIMPLE CHART OF MIXING PLANT / BIBLIOGRAPHY

by Li Wai-man, Peter. / Bibliography: leaves 121-122 / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1986

Summary in Chinese. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong. / Bibliography: leaves 123-125.

Muito se têm noticiado sobre as possibilidades de expansão do uso do gás combustível como energético no âmbito comercial e residencial, porém entende-se que tal promessa deveria ser precedida de uma vasta e ampla discussão estratégica sobre os mecanismos necessários a serem desenvolvidos pelos agentes da sociedade para que tal expansão possa se concretizar. Dentro desse enfoque, entende-se como preocupante o desconhecimento a respeito das características de produtos e serviços utilizados, bem como o baixo grau de capacitação da indústria de prestação de serviços de instalações, andando de mãos dadas com a própria indústria da construção civil. Sem produtos ou serviços adequados é difícil prever a possibilidade concreta da expansão do gás no segmento residencial. Obviamente existem as abordagens sobre mudanças culturais a respeito da utilização do gás como energético, disponibilidade de aparelhos adequados para sua utilização, fatores econômicos envolvendo o preço do gás e uma centena de outros temas complementares. Todos esses tópicos podem ser considerados estratégicos. A dissertação pretende focar o problema da conformidade e da conseqüente disponibilização de produtos e serviços ao mercado. O trabalho explora as estratégias utilizadas para provocar melhoria e capacitação de segmentos de mercado, atrelando-os à resultados de competência e competitividade, através de monitoramento da sua conformidade com requisitos de produtos e serviços previamente estabelecidos. Discorre-se sobre as estratégias passíveis de serem utilizadas para fomento do desenvolvimento deste segmento de mercado e aborda-se os modelos válidos de avaliação de conformidade existentes atualmente no Brasil, discutindo propostas para o caso específico do monitoramento da infra-estrutura de distribuição de gás combustível no país. Utilizando-se, então, de um arcabouço de estruturas teóricas, apresenta-se um caso real do ponto de vista do mercado consumidor, particularizando a atuação da Comgás no Estado de São Paulo, discorrendo sobre as preocupações da empresa com relação à conformidade no mercado e estabelecendo paralelos entre tais iniciativas, as premissas teóricas e lacunas existentes no processo. O trabalho levanta o histórico técnico sobre modelos de avaliação de conformidade, apresentando um exercício de reflexão a respeito de propostas a serem potencialmente adotadas pelo segmento de mercado no caso de construção da infra-estrutura para condução e distribuição de gás combustível aos consumidores finais. / It has been noticed about the possibilities of gas uses expansion in commercial and residential scope, however it understands that such promise would have to be preceded of a great strategic discussion concerning the necessary ways to be developed for the society agents so that such expansion can be materialize. Looking for this approach, its worry about the unfamiliarity regarding the products and services characteristics, as well as the low degree of services installations industry qualification, walking together with the building construction industry. Without adequate products or services it is difficult to foresee the concrete possibility of the gas expansion in the residential segment. Obviously its necessary to consider the aspects on cultural changes regarding the gas uses, availability of gas appliances, economic factors involving the gas price and a hundred of other complementary subjects. All these topics can be considered like strategic. The paper intends to focus the problem of the conformity and the consequent availability of products and service to the market. The work explores the strategies used to improve qualification of market segments, connecting them with the results of ability and competitiveness, through inspection of its conformity with requirements of products and services previously established. It is discoursed on the strategies to be used for promotion this market segment development and currently approaches the valid conformity evaluation models existing of conformity in Brazil, arguing proposals for the specific case of the combustible gas distribution infrastructure inspection in the country. Using the theoretical structures, it presents a real case of the consuming market point of view, distinguishing the performance of the Comgás in the São Paulo State, discoursing on the concerns of the company with regard to conformity in the market and establishing parallel between such initiatives, the theoretical premises and existing gaps in the process. The paper raises the description technician on conformity models evaluation, presenting an exercise of reflection regarding proposals to be potentially adopted for the market segment in case of infrastructure construction for gas conduction and distribution to the end consumers.

Muito se têm noticiado sobre as possibilidades de expansão do uso do gás combustível como energético no âmbito comercial e residencial, porém entende-se que tal promessa deveria ser precedida de uma vasta e ampla discussão estratégica sobre os mecanismos necessários a serem desenvolvidos pelos agentes da sociedade para que tal expansão possa se concretizar. Dentro desse enfoque, entende-se como preocupante o desconhecimento a respeito das características de produtos e serviços utilizados, bem como o baixo grau de capacitação da indústria de prestação de serviços de instalações, andando de mãos dadas com a própria indústria da construção civil. Sem produtos ou serviços adequados é difícil prever a possibilidade concreta da expansão do gás no segmento residencial. Obviamente existem as abordagens sobre mudanças culturais a respeito da utilização do gás como energético, disponibilidade de aparelhos adequados para sua utilização, fatores econômicos envolvendo o preço do gás e uma centena de outros temas complementares. Todos esses tópicos podem ser considerados estratégicos. A dissertação pretende focar o problema da conformidade e da conseqüente disponibilização de produtos e serviços ao mercado. O trabalho explora as estratégias utilizadas para provocar melhoria e capacitação de segmentos de mercado, atrelando-os à resultados de competência e competitividade, através de monitoramento da sua conformidade com requisitos de produtos e serviços previamente estabelecidos. Discorre-se sobre as estratégias passíveis de serem utilizadas para fomento do desenvolvimento deste segmento de mercado e aborda-se os modelos válidos de avaliação de conformidade existentes atualmente no Brasil, discutindo propostas para o caso específico do monitoramento da infra-estrutura de distribuição de gás combustível no país. Utilizando-se, então, de um arcabouço de estruturas teóricas, apresenta-se um caso real do ponto de vista do mercado consumidor, particularizando a atuação da Comgás no Estado de São Paulo, discorrendo sobre as preocupações da empresa com relação à conformidade no mercado e estabelecendo paralelos entre tais iniciativas, as premissas teóricas e lacunas existentes no processo. O trabalho levanta o histórico técnico sobre modelos de avaliação de conformidade, apresentando um exercício de reflexão a respeito de propostas a serem potencialmente adotadas pelo segmento de mercado no caso de construção da infra-estrutura para condução e distribuição de gás combustível aos consumidores finais. / It has been noticed about the possibilities of gas uses expansion in commercial and residential scope, however it understands that such promise would have to be preceded of a great strategic discussion concerning the necessary ways to be developed for the society agents so that such expansion can be materialize. Looking for this approach, its worry about the unfamiliarity regarding the products and services characteristics, as well as the low degree of services installations industry qualification, walking together with the building construction industry. Without adequate products or services it is difficult to foresee the concrete possibility of the gas expansion in the residential segment. Obviously its necessary to consider the aspects on cultural changes regarding the gas uses, availability of gas appliances, economic factors involving the gas price and a hundred of other complementary subjects. All these topics can be considered like strategic. The paper intends to focus the problem of the conformity and the consequent availability of products and service to the market. The work explores the strategies used to improve qualification of market segments, connecting them with the results of ability and competitiveness, through inspection of its conformity with requirements of products and services previously established. It is discoursed on the strategies to be used for promotion this market segment development and currently approaches the valid conformity evaluation models existing of conformity in Brazil, arguing proposals for the specific case of the combustible gas distribution infrastructure inspection in the country. Using the theoretical structures, it presents a real case of the consuming market point of view, distinguishing the performance of the Comgás in the São Paulo State, discoursing on the concerns of the company with regard to conformity in the market and establishing parallel between such initiatives, the theoretical premises and existing gaps in the process. The paper raises the description technician on conformity models evaluation, presenting an exercise of reflection regarding proposals to be potentially adopted for the market segment in case of infrastructure construction for gas conduction and distribution to the end consumers.

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder market consist of a group of consumers with similar yet differentiated needs, namely commercial customers (small industries, restaurants, wholesalers and nature reserves), low-income customers (such as the rural and township households with a monthly income of R748 - R2288) and high-income customers (such as the urban households with a monthly income above R9743). LPG is mainly used for cooking, lighting, heating, leisure and as a preferred form of energy in the commercial segment. The key issues currently facing the industry are: minimum growth, high capital requirement, rising cost of product and squeezing profitability. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2002.

No abstract available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Company products' information leaflets inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.