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Fierce competition in today's global market provides a powerful motivation for developing ever more sophisticated logistics systems. This book, written for the logistics manager and researcher, presents a survey of the modern theory and application of logistics. The goal of the book is to present the state-of-the-art in the science of logistics management.  As a result, the authors have written a timely and authoritative survey of this field that many practitioners and researchers will find makes an invaluable companion to their work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Stay away if you want to find something practical.
As above. This is 5+ star theoretical book that shows the dramatic gap between the academia and the industry. I am saying this from my own experience: 20+ years in the academia and now responsible for designing optimization products for large logistic company. As one clever guy said: "academics do what is possible but not needed, practitioners do what is needed but not possible".

Rigorous overview of logistic modeling
Logistics has always been an integral part of industry and the military, and with the advent of the Internet, it has taken on major importance. This book gives a rigorous introduction to the formalism of logistics, and as such is fascinating reading for anyone interested in this area. Even individuals not into supply chain management and logistics engineering, and interested merely in the mathematics, will find this book interesting.After a short overview of logistics in the introduction, the authors discuss worst-case analysis of various algorithms for the bin-packing and traveling salesman problems. They define two performance metrics to measure the worst-case effectiveness: the absolute and asymptotic performance ratios. The First-Fit, Best-Fit, First-Fit Decreasing, and Best-Fit Decreasing heuristics are discussed in detail for the bin-packing problem. The authors show that a polynomial time heuristic cannot have an absolute performance ratio less than 3/2. They also show that finding a heuristic for the traveling salesman problem with a constant worst-case bound is as difficult as solving any NP-complete problem. The minimum spanning tree based, nearest insertion, Christofides', and local search heuristics are all discussed in great detail.

The next chapter considers the probabilistic analysis of algorithms via the characterization of the average performance of a given heuristic. The analysis is asymptotic with large problem sizes needed. Again, the bin-packing and traveling salesman problems are considered for studying this approach. This is followed by an approach to studying the efficacy of a particular heuristic by using mathematical programming in the next chapter. The strategy here is to cast the (NP-complete) problem as an integer problem, and then relax the constraint of integrality and solve the linear program. The authors showthat tight lower bounds can be found for these integer programs. The authors switch gears somewhat in the next two chapters, where vehicle routing problems are studied. In particular, the single-depot capacitated vehicle routing problem with equal and unequal demands is analyzed via worst-case and probabilistic analysis. The analysis is generalized in chapter 7 for the case where time constraints are present. An analytical solution of this problem, called the vehicle routing problem with time windows, is considered in detail by the authors. They back up their analysis with computational results at the end of the chapter. In chapter 8, a column generation approach is employed to solve the vehicle routing problem. No time constraints are put in, and the authors give in detail the steps behind this technique.

The study of inventory models is begun in chapter 9, with the economic lot size model leading off the discussion. This model illustrates effectively the tradeoffs between ordering and storage costs, and the optimal ordering policy is found. This model is generalized to the case where finite time horizons are included and the optimal policing found. Multi-item inventory models are then studied via worst-case analysis. The Wagner-Whitin model, which is an inventory model with varying demands, is formulated and solved in the next chapter. The techniques used, interestingly, involve dynamic programming. This model is generalized to the case where there is an upper bound on the amount that can be ordered or produced, and then the optimal solution found.

The case where the demand is a random variable is considered in the next chapter on stochastic inventory models. Single period and finite horizon models are considered using a dynamic programming algorithm to determine the optimal policy. The analysis makes heavy use of the properties of convex and quasiconvex functions.

Facility location models are the subject of the next chapter. The p-Median, single-source capacitated facility location (CFLP), and distribution system design problems are analyzed as warehouse location problems, with Lagrangian relaxation techniques used to find the solutions to these problems.

Logistics models that integrate inventory and routing strategies are considered in chapter 13, with the success of Wal-Mart given as an example of a firm whose success was generated by a reliance onan efficient logistical design and planning model called cross docking. Along with analyses of zero inventory ordering policies, the authors give an asymptotic analysis of cross-docking strategies.

The last two chapter of the book consider the implementation of logistic algorithms in practice. Although short, the chapters do give a fairly good overview of how these algorithms are used in the real world. The authors consider the routing and scheduling of New York City school buses and a decision support system for network configuration. Only one exercise is found in these chapters though unfortunately.

Get this book or spend a month in library
Professor Simchi-Levi dedicates his time as co-author of this book and I'd like to thank to his effort. The logic of Logistics is only "ONE' book in current academic text books that bravely delineates the theory and algorithm; while most other books spends many hundread pages for "words" and "case studies".The models are showed with algorithm and proving.Examples are included as necessary.The way to illustrate case study is different -but good different. For a researcher, consulting companies, professors, graduate students, you can spend a month in library for literature reviews or take few days to go through this book. If you think your time is worth, grasp this book and you won't be disappointed. If you want to see less mathematic issue, you may want to look at another book of Simchi-Levi.It's "Designing and Managing the Supply Chain : Concepts, Strategies, and Cases".

Highly Technical, Mathmatical textbook
Very technical with many mathmatical equations, exapmles and theorms.Includes exercises, and case study information.There are however, no answers to the exercises, and few "worked out" math problems. The format is very much a text book. ... Read more

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Real problems are formulated into tractable mathematical models, which allow for an analysis of various approaches.

Attention is focused on solutions.

Provides a unified treatment of the models discussed , presents a critique of the existing results, and points out potential research directions.

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Operations Management: Contemporary Concepts and Cases, is an ideal book for the instructor seeking a short text with cases.This book employs a cross-functional perspective, appealing to non-majors and practical for use in an MBA level course in operations management. The size and price of the book also make the text attractive for the cross-functional curriculum where students are required to purchase more than one text. The cases offer variety in length and rigor; and several are from Harvard and Darden. This mix makes the book appropriate for both undergraduates and MBA students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Nice book
Purchase of this book is relatively cheap because it comes with a CD. Good reference and fast and safe delivery.

Good book
I came within a few days, it came in fair shape like it was stated it was.

poorly written
In no other textbook have I seen a whole page completely filled by so many words.One page, for example, has 12 straight paragraphs with no subject headers and nothing in the margins telling you anything and one word highlighted without providing a definition.Then on other pages, they stick these random handshake pictures throughoout the text margins.It vaguely defines x and r charts but doesn't even show one.The examples given in the text are not explained at all.poorly written.

Good book
It's a good book to study operations management. Many examples, easy to understand, and interesting discussion questions.

Operations Management
This book arrived in a matter of days and in the condition advertised. I won't know about the content until next August when I need to use it for school. ... Read more

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The primary purpose of Tutorials on Emerging Methodologies and Applications in Operations Research is to provide a reference for practitioners and academics who seek a clear, concise presentation of developing methodologies, hence providing themselves with the capability to apply these methods to new problems. The field of Operations Research is always changing. Its changes are driven by the technology it uses and that it extends, and the applications that it affects. Relevant changes in the field have a permanent effect on the conduct of OR and are vital to anyone who wants to be current in the field.

Each chapter presents a new developing methodology in Operations Research. Each chapter examines each topic with clarity and depth, and organizes the examination around the following questions: (1) What the developing methodology basically is about? (2) Why is it important? and (3) Where can I learn more?

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For the growing numbers of people in industry, academia and government who are involved with Flexible Manufacturing Systems, these Proceedings present state-of-the art knowledge about FMSs including Flexible Assembly Systems (FASs). ... Read more

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This volume contains contributions from prominent researchers who participated in the 2007 IAENG International Conference on Operations Research. It presents theories and applications of modern industrial engineering and operations research to meet the needs of rapidly developing fields. The book reflects the tremendous advances in communication systems and electrical engineering and also serves as an excellent reference work for researchers and graduate students.

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Take a crash course in boosting operational efficiency!

Customer Reviews (1)

Brava!
This is the easiest-to-read, yet comprehensive, text on operations management that I have read!Perfect for use as a professor's class textbook, a manager's topical review, or a student's primer... ... Read more

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Here is the first systematic handbook treatment of quantitative modeling natural resource problems, their allocated efficient use, and societal and economic impact. Andrés Weintraub is the very top person in Natural Resource research. He has selected co-editors who are at the top of the sub-fields in natural resources: agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and mining. The book covers these areas with contributions from researchers on, among others, modeling natural research problems, quantifying data, and developing algorithms.

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Drawn from a conference honoring Gerald L. Thompson, the pioneer of operations research, this volume brings together some of the latest writings of major figures in the field. The volume is divided into four parts: the first part reviews the career and significance of Thompson, the second concentrates on linear and nonlinear optimization, the third looks at network and integer programming, and the fourth provides examples of applications-oriented research in manufacturing. This volume will be an invaluable resource for all scholars and researchers involved in theory and methodology in operations research and management science. ... Read more

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This book examines ongoing research and practice in usingvisualization to represent optimization models, explore optimumsolutions, and summarize the results of the optimization effort. Asresearch in optimization develops more powerful algorithms capable ofanalyzing ever more complicated problems, an increasing number ofexcellent books have been written to explain how to constructoptimization models and how to build algorithms to analyze thesemodels. However, solving problems using optimization techniquesinvolves more than just developing newer, faster algorithms. Building,debugging, validating and understanding models and algorithms requiresappropriate representations. This book describes how scientificvisualization can enhance the representations needed for optimization.Although books on visualization exist, none of them have specificallyaddressed how visualization can contribute to optimization practiceand research. In this book, relevant techniques of computer graphics,virtual reality, sonification, among others, are examined andspecifically targeted to optimization. Moreover, applications ofoptimization to visualization are also explored. ... Read more

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Deals with different modern topics in probability, statistics, and operations research. The theory is explained in great detail with suitable illustrations provided. For researchers, academics and graduate students in probability and statistics and operations research. ... Read more

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Graham Mathieson was a Fellow of the UK MOD's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory where he was a member of the Human Systems Team.He was an innovative thinker who made significant contributions to the understanding and analysis of military command and control, with particular emphasis in recent years on the proper representation of humans in models.His work had an impact not only in the UK, but worldwide via NATO working groups, the DOD's CCRP, and collaborative international projects. He was a major contributor to the NATO Code of Best Practice for C2 Analysis. Graham was passionate about the rigorous use of science to inform decision making, and was well known for challenging his colleagues' ideas with constructive arguments that were based on his own clear and innovative thinking. This volume brings together selected works from Graham's published writings on complex human systems in military operations research, which should be of interest to human systems researchers in both the military and civilian domains. Part I ("Scoping the Problem Space") brings together three chapters that represent Graham's later works on complexity thinking and how it might be applied to human organizations. The extent to which he embraced the new complexity paradigm is clear, and how he was beginning to weave it into the needs of OA customers.Part II ("Confronting the Problem Space") contains papers that are much less general and abstract, and address specific issues in the complex world of human systems modeling. ... Read more

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Managers and administrators in the public-policy and nonprofit sectors rely heavily on analytical skills to quickly pore through a massive amount of research. They dissect it and apply specific, useful data that can inform critical policy changes and help them improve their organization’s overall performance and financial position. To master this vital role, it is imperative that they and their staff learn to be more efficient at collecting, analyzing and evaluating research material, by discovering how to ask the right questions and quickly discern valuable information from useless data.

A Blueprint to Streamline Every Aspect of the Research Process

Focusing on the entire research process from start to finish, the compact but comprehensive Understanding Research Methods: A Guide for the Public and Nonprofit Manager explores the research designs and analytical tools that are the foundation for decision-making. Relying more on concepts and analysis than on mathematics, this text provides insight into the definition, process, importance, and capabilities of research – addressing the topic from the perspectives of both the producer of data and the consumer who evaluates its usefulness.

Broken down into three sections, the book:

• Gives an overview of the research process, the construction of measures, and research ethics
• Elaborates on planning a research method, presenting common research designs used by practitioners and the most useful, popular ways to collect data
• Focuses on tools available to analyze and then communicate data – specifically univariate and bivariate analyses

This versatile text is intended for dual uses – as a textbook for graduate and undergraduate students in public and nonprofit administration and public policy, and as a practical guide for the average administrator. Both groups will learn how to develop proper research questions, define specific research purposes, and form hypotheses that avoid confusion in measurement and analysis. Imparting basic practical knowledge, it outlines effective approaches to gather accurate, relevant information and then effectively interpret and communicate it.

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Brings together leading in the most important sub-fields of stochastic programming to present a rigourous overview of basic models, methods and applications of stochastic programming. The text is intended for researchers, students, engineers and economists, who encounter in their work optimization problems involving uncertainty. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a must have reference!
This handbook consists of 10 contributed chapters from various leaders in the field of stochastic programming. The first eight chapters are on fundamental theoretical aspects of stochastic programming, including modeling paradigms, decomposition algorithms, stability issues, andsampling approximations. In depth coverage of linear and integer recourse models as well as chance-constrained models is provided. The final two chapters are on applications of stochastic programming in the transportation and energy sectors.

Stochastic programming is a rapidly evolving field, and this handbook serves as an up-to-date reference for fundamental theoretical developments. The material is accessible with graduate level background in analysis, probability and optimization. Each chapter provides a thorough description of the basic results in the corresponding area. Detailed and rigorous proofs are provided with ample intuition and references. The completeness and rigor of the material makes it particularly attractive as a graduate text book as well as a researcher's reference.

I believe this book will serve as a basic reference for stochastic programming for many years to come, and I recommend it to anyone interested in the theory of stochastic programming.
... Read more

Product Description
The field of Operations Research (OR) grew out of World War IIoperations to improve the effectiveness of newly introduced weaponsand equipment, and to solve logistical problems for the war effort.Since its beginnings, OR has rapidly become a robust set ofdecision-making methodologies widely used in business, engineering,and governmental sectors. Nevertheless, many of OR's military anddefense contributions have remained confined to classified reports.This book is a systematic, state-of-the-art treatment of militaryoperations research (MOR). It has been written for those interested inlearning about the applications of OR techniques to military problems,and within these discussions theoretical concepts needed for analysisof military issues are presented. The book examines issues that relateto both tactical and strategic levels. Several examples have beensolved in each chapter to illustrate the application of the techniquesof MOR to military systems. The data used in these examples arehypothetical. They do not correspond to any existing weapon ormilitary situations. They are used strictly to illustrate anapplication of MOR in defense decision-making. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Land Power Military Operations Research
Jaiswal provides the most recent land power-focused military operations research volume.He provides a basic survey of the field, beginning with a very brief discussion of the origins of OR in the military.His topics include search and detection, military simulation, cost effectiveness analysis, optimization, the Analytic Hierarchy Process, Lanchester equations, and a quantified approach to intelligence analysis.The reader should be aware that his coverage of various specific military simulation models is a bit dated, as one should expect in a book, and limited in scope.Beyond that topic, his treatment is broad and therefore less sensitive to the passage of time.The book is a survey, so depth of treatment is not present.But it fills the intended role of pulling together disparate topics of land-based military OR.It also provides some perspective on non NATO defense issues.It must be challenging to decide what to exclude, but surprisingly there is no coverage of network flows, queuing theory, decision analysis, or game theory which have clear military applications.The focus is also on operations rather than the logistics of military analysis.

Excellent and Only Text on Military OR
This book is by far the only book that comprehensively deals with Military Operations Research (MOR). The OR/SA field despite its origins in Military Operations has not seen as many books and texts as the business OR or Theory of OR. This can be attributed to the confidential nature of work the practitioners of MOR carry out.

The book by Dr Jaiswal fills a huge gap by covering major areas of MOR field. What is really appreciable about this book is that the author covers areas such as analytical modeling, simulation, wargames to complex theories of Combat Modeling as reflected in two chapters on Lanchester Theory. However the icing on the cake are the chapters on Strategic Decision Making and Threat analysis. The coverage is comprehensive and remarkably lucid. To include so much variation and to control the overflow that normally happens to knowledgable authors, Dr Jaiswal is able to give us a book that will serve the cause of MOR field for years to come.The book has already shown its importance and is already on its way to becoming a classic, as exemplified by adoption of the book in various universities teaching MOR around the world.

This reviewer salutes the author for coming out with an excellent text which fills up a yawning gap in the field. ... Read more

Product Description
Chase, Jacobs and Aquilano: Operations Management for Competitive Advantage, 11/e (CJA) provides a current and thorough introduction to the concepts, processes, and methods of managing and controlling operations in manufacturing or service settings. The text provides comprehensive coverage, from high-tech manufacturing to high touch services with a balanced treatment. Chase, Jacobs, and Aquilano also thoroughly integrates and discusses current issues such as globalization; supply chain strategy, E-business, and ERP. The concepts are illustrated by using abundant real world examples, articles, illustrations, problems and cases. Technology is integral to the success of this course, as such, CJA also provide students and instructors with an innovative array of leading edge technology learning and teaching tools. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Good Buy
It was inexpensive and suited the purpose for my buying. The response from the seller was great.

College Books
I decided to get my books in advance and try something different.The book was in great shape with the CD unopened as stated and was at a much reduced price from what the bookstore offered.

Easy Comprehension
This book is broken down into easy to understand chapters and sections. I really enjoyed the examples and illustrations.

Required for class! but still worth it.
I admit that I would not have purchased this book unless it was required for class, but regardless, it's good material and I am not sorry that I purchased.

Good Transaction
The book was helpful in my online business class, arrived as described and on time! ... Read more

Product Description
As operations research (OR) applications continue to grow and flourish in a number of decision making fields, a reference that is comprehensive, concise, and easy to read is more than a nicety, it is a necessity. This book provides a single volume overview of OR applications in practice, making it the first resource a practitioner would reach for when faced with an OR problem or application. Written by leading authorities in the field, the book covers functional and industry specific areas of OR applications. Ideally suited for practitioners in business, industry, and government, the book can also be used as a supplemental text in undergraduate or graduate OR courses. ... Read more

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This book describes the method of data envelopment analysis that uses mathematical programming techniques to obtain measures of efficiency of individual forms from their observed input and output quantities.The method permits setting up realistic input-output targets for the firm's managers. A firm is considered to be technically inefficient when it fails to yield the maximum quantity of output producible from the input bundle it uses. Measurement of technical efficiency is important for performance evaluation and provides an objective basis for differential rewards in the context of production. ... Read more