Imprecise multi-objective production/distribution planning decisions using possibilistic programming method

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Liang, Tien-Fu

Affiliations: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Hsiuping University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, ROC

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tien-Fu Liang, Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Hsiuping University of Science and Technology, No. 11 Gungye Road, Dali Dest., Taichung 412, Taiwan, ROC. Tel.: +86 4 24961123#1409; Fax: +86 4 24961187; E-mail: farmer@mail.hust.edu.tw

Abstract: This work develops a possibilistic programming method to solve multi-product and multi-time period production/distribution planning decision (PDPD) problems involving imprecise goals, forecast demand and cost/time coefficients in uncertain environments. The proposed method attempts to simultaneously minimize total production and distribution costs and total delivery time in relation to inventory levels, available machine capacity and labor levels at each source, as well as forecast demand and available warehouse space at each destination, and considering the constraint of available budget. An industrial case is used to demonstrate the feasibility of applying the proposed method to real-world PDPD problems. Moreover, several significant management implications regarding the practical application of the proposed method are presented.

Keywords: Fuzzy sets, supply chains, production/distribution planning decisions, possibilistic programming

DOI: 10.3233/IFS-2012-0629

Journal: Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 219-230, 2013