The first essay considers a dynamic non-stationary inventory problem in which replenishment is made in fixed lot sizes (e.g., in full truckloads or full containers). We consider two separate cases: one with exogenous pricing and the other with endogenous pricing. In the first case (exogenous pricing), we show that when the ordering cost contains only a variable component, the reorder-point lot-size policy or (r, Q) policy is optimal for both single-stage and multi-echelon inventory systems. In the presence of a fixed cost, we establish the optimality of batch based (s, S ) policies for the single-stage inventory system. In the second case (endogenous pricing), we show that when the demand function has the additive form and there is only a variable ordering cost, the (r,Q) list-price policy is optimal for the single-stage system, where inventory replenishment follows an (r,Q) policy and the optimal price in each period depends on the order-up-to level. / The second essay analyzes a periodic-review, stochastic, inventory-control system in which the fixed order-cost is a step function of the order size. In particular, if the order size is within a specified limit, C, then the setup cost is K1; otherwise it is K2, where K2 ≥ K1. This cost structure is motivated from some industrial applications and transportation/production contracts used in practice. Under the condition that K1 ≤ K 2 ≤ K1, we introduce a new concept called C - (K1 ≤ K 2) convexity, which enables us to partially characterize the structure of an optimal ordering policy. For the general condition K 1 ≤ K2 , the analysis is facilitated with a different notion called strong K-convexity. Based on this analysis, we provide a partial characterization of the optimal policy and construct an easy-to-implement heuristic method that has near-optimal performance in random test instances. Our study extends or redevelops (with different techniques) several existing results in the literature. / The third essay studies a firm's periodic-review production/inventory ordering decisions when the next period's setup cost depends on the quantity produced/ ordered in the current period. In particular, if the current period's production/order quantity exceeds a specified threshold value, the system starts the next period in a "warm" state and no fixed setup cost is incurred; otherwise the state is considered "cold" and a positive setup cost is required for production/ ordering. We develop a dynamic programming formulation of the problem and provide a partial characterization of the optimal policy under the assumption that the demands follow a Polya or Uniform distribution. We use the structural results to develop fairly simple heuristic policies, which perform highly effectively in our computational experiments. / With increased globalization and competition in the current market, supply chain has become longer and more complicated than ever before. An effective and efficient supply chain is crucial and essential to a successful firm. In a supply chain, inventories are a very important component as the investment in inventories is enormous. This dissertation consists of three essays related to stochastic inventory management. / Yang, Yi. / Adviser: Youhua Chen. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-04, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-151). / 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. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest dissertations and theses, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:cuhk.edu.hk/oai:cuhk-dr:cuhk_344761 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Contributors | Yang, Yi, Chinese University of Hong Kong Graduate School. Division of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management. |
| Source Sets | The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
| Language | English, Chinese |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, theses |
| Format | electronic resource, microform, microfiche, 1 online resource (xi, 151 leaves : ill.) |
| Rights | Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons “Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International” License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) |
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