Formulation and solution of a multi-commodity, multi-modal network flow model for disaster relief operations

1996 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Haghani ◽  
Sei-Chang Oh
2015 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 553-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Jun Zheng ◽  
Sheng-Yong Chen ◽  
Hai-Feng Ling

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 269-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Cozzolino ◽  
Ewa Wankowicz ◽  
Enrico Massaroni

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of logistics service providers’ (LSPs) initiatives to disaster relief and how LSPs are engaged with humanitarian sector. In recent years, the importance of logistics services in disaster relief operations and the capacity of LSPs to improve humanitarian supply chain management have become an increasingly interesting topic for both professionals and academics. Design/methodology/approach This research follows a qualitative approach based on multiple case studies. Findings The current research, after considering the differences and similarities among collaboration, cooperation and coordination and underlining how crucial these mechanisms are in the humanitarian context, explains the contribution of LSPs to relief operations alongside humanitarians. Research limitations/implications There has been increased interest in humanitarian logistics on the part of international academic and professional communities. This study constitutes a first exploratory step in the research to build a platform for benchmarking analysis of logistics services that aims to ensure the effective implementation of social responsibility principles. Practical implications The managerial implications arising from the research offer a range of current responsible actions from which strategic and operative directions to contribute can be derived. Originality/value Humanitarian logistics represents a crucial field in logistics management. This paper addresses the innovative socially responsible initiatives undertaken by the main international LSPs in the area of humanitarian logistics.


Author(s):  
Heejin Cho ◽  
Sandra D. Eksioglu ◽  
Rogelio Luck ◽  
Louay M. Chamra

The Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power (CCHP) systems have been widely recognized as a key alternative for thermal and electric energy generation because of the outstanding energy efficiency, reduced environmental emissions, and relative independence from centralized power grids. Nevertheless, the total energy cost of CCHP systems can be highly dependent on the operation of individual components and load balancing. The latter refers to the process of fulfilling the thermal and electrical demand by partitioning or “balancing” the energy requirement between the available sources of energy supply. The energy cost can be optimized through an energy dispatch algorithm which provides operational/control signals for the optimal operation of the equipment. The algorithm provides optimal solutions on decisions regarding generating power locally or buying power from the grid. This paper presents an initial study on developing an optimal energy dispatch algorithm that minimizes the cost of energy (i.e., cost of electricity from the grid and cost of natural gas into the engine and boiler) based on energy efficiency constrains for each component. A deterministic network flow model of a typical CCHP system is developed as part of the algorithm. The advantage of using a network flow model is that the power flows and efficiency constraints throughout the CCHP components can be readily visualized to facilitate the interpretation of the results. A linear programming formulation of the network flow model is presented. In the algorithm, the inputs include the cost of the electricity and fuel and the constraints include the cooling, heating, and electric load demands and the efficiencies of the CCHP components. This algorithm has been used in simulations of several case studies on the operation of an existing micro-CHP system. Several scenarios with different operational conditions are presented in the paper to demonstrate the economical advantages resulting from optimal operation.


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