International Journal of Applied Management Science http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalID=286&year=2012&vol=4&issue=1 Inderscience Publishers Ltd en-uk International Journal of Applied Management Science 1755-8913 1755-8921 © 2012 Inderscience Publishers Ltd editor@inderscience.com https://www.inderscience.com/images/files/coverImgs/ijams_scoverijams.jpg http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalID=286&year=2012&vol=4&issue=1 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=44868 The paper introduces an internal information tool, the advanced cash conversion cycle (ACCC), for controlling the amount and cost of working capital, by refining and extending the concept of the weighted cash conversion cycle. The ACCC model has been developed with a real world value chain case from the pulp and paper industry, and it addresses issues overlooked in the prior model. The ACCC offers visibility through the value chain, elimination of the problem of a negative margin, a more simple calculation of accounts payables compared to the prior model, and new metrics to control working capital in companies. Advanced model for working capital management: bridging theory and practice
Sari Viskari; Anita Ruokola; Miia Pirttilä; Timo Kärri
International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 1 - 17
The paper introduces an internal information tool, the advanced cash conversion cycle (ACCC), for controlling the amount and cost of working capital, by refining and extending the concept of the weighted cash conversion cycle. The ACCC model has been developed with a real world value chain case from the pulp and paper industry, and it addresses issues overlooked in the prior model. The ACCC offers visibility through the value chain, elimination of the problem of a negative margin, a more simple calculation of accounts payables compared to the prior model, and new metrics to control working capital in companies.

]]> 10.1504/IJAMS.2012.044868 International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 1 - 17 Sari Viskari; Anita Ruokola; Miia Pirttilä; Timo Kärri Department of Industrial Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Management, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland working capital management operating cycle cycle time models value chain modelling cash conversion cycle weighted cash conversion pulp and paper industry. 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 1 17 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=44869 For a complicated banking system with various financial attributes, there are usually different classifications of inputs and outputs from the perspectives of different stakeholders. In order to obtain the highest efficiency score, different perspectives tend to select different weight assignment schemes, even in evaluating the same bank. In order to balance multiple perspectives (Pareto optimality) based on their market statuses and evaluate DMU more objectively, we propose a new DEA model incorporating Nash bargaining game (NBG) theory, which focuses on seeking an identical weight assignment scheme to cater to multiple perspectives. A DEA model with identical weight assignment based on multiple perspectives
Xiaopeng Yang; Hiroshi Morita
International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 18 - 35
For a complicated banking system with various financial attributes, there are usually different classifications of inputs and outputs from the perspectives of different stakeholders. In order to obtain the highest efficiency score, different perspectives tend to select different weight assignment schemes, even in evaluating the same bank. In order to balance multiple perspectives (Pareto optimality) based on their market statuses and evaluate DMU more objectively, we propose a new DEA model incorporating Nash bargaining game (NBG) theory, which focuses on seeking an identical weight assignment scheme to cater to multiple perspectives.

]]> 10.1504/IJAMS.2012.044869 International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 18 - 35 Xiaopeng Yang; Hiroshi Morita Department of Information Physics and Sciences, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. ' Department of Information Physics and Sciences, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan data envelopment analysis DEA multiple perspectives weight assignment Nash bargaining game NBG banking systems banks Pareto optimality market status. 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 18 35 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=44870 This research work focuses on the definition of the factors that determine the selection of residence site in urban and rural areas in Greece. The followed approach is based on an analysis that takes into account the nature and the peculiarities of the problem studied and it is built around a multiple-criteria methodology with reference to objective and subjective criteria, which constitute the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the system, respectively. The evaluation of the importance of each parameter separately, of each group of criteria and the total number of criteria (objective and subjective) for each area is attempted to define the final result (preference measure or priority) for the selection of residence site in urban and rural environments in Greece. Research findings provide indications that can lead to important conclusions and contribute to the development of policy proposals not only in Greece but also at international level with regard to the issues of: selection of location and residence, regional development, decentralisation as well as the study of the non-homogeneous and in-balanced development of urban and rural areas. Residence site selection in urban and rural areas in Greece: a multiple-criteria decision analysis approach
Georgios A. Thanos; Michalis Gr. Vrachopoulos; Maria K. Koukou; Andreas P. Kakouris; Alexandros Koulis; Athanasios Thanos
International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 36 - 51
This research work focuses on the definition of the factors that determine the selection of residence site in urban and rural areas in Greece. The followed approach is based on an analysis that takes into account the nature and the peculiarities of the problem studied and it is built around a multiple-criteria methodology with reference to objective and subjective criteria, which constitute the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the system, respectively. The evaluation of the importance of each parameter separately, of each group of criteria and the total number of criteria (objective and subjective) for each area is attempted to define the final result (preference measure or priority) for the selection of residence site in urban and rural environments in Greece. Research findings provide indications that can lead to important conclusions and contribute to the development of policy proposals not only in Greece but also at international level with regard to the issues of: selection of location and residence, regional development, decentralisation as well as the study of the non-homogeneous and in-balanced development of urban and rural areas.

]]> 10.1504/IJAMS.2012.044870 International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 36 - 51 Georgios A. Thanos; Michalis Gr. Vrachopoulos; Maria K. Koukou; Andreas P. Kakouris; Alexandros Koulis; Athanasios Thanos Department of Business Administration, Technological Educational Institution of Chalkida, 344 00, Psachna, Evia, Greece. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technological Educational, Institution of Chalkida, Environmental Research Laboratory, 344 00 Psachna, Evia, Greece. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technological Educational, Institution of Chalkida, Environmental Research Laboratory, 344 00 Psachna, Evia, Greece. ' Department of Business Administration, University of the Aegean, Michalio Bldg, Michalon 8, 82100 Chios, Greece. ' Department of Regional Economic Development, University of Central Greece, Levadia, 32100, Greece. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Zografou, Athens, Greece residence sites site selection urban areas rural areas multicriteria decision analysis MCDA Greece building environment residential buildings. 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 36 51 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=44871 Investments in large scale logistical infrastructure are significant and they require a long time and as such good forecasts play an important part. In this research, we combine advanced forecasting methods with system dynamics to study the development of Finnish sea ports. We use regression and ARIMA models in conjunction with a system dynamic Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the development of Finnish sea ports. Based on long-term data, industrial production was found to be the driving factor behind sea port demand development in Finland. GDP is generally regarded as the explanatory variable, but at least in Finland, industrial production drives the growth. Russian oil exports also explain transit traffic through Finland to Russia, and four scenarios were generated to estimate the development of Finnish sea ports. Forecasting long-term demand of largest Finnish sea ports
Lauri Lättilä; Olli-Pekka Hilmola
International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 52 - 79
Investments in large scale logistical infrastructure are significant and they require a long time and as such good forecasts play an important part. In this research, we combine advanced forecasting methods with system dynamics to study the development of Finnish sea ports. We use regression and ARIMA models in conjunction with a system dynamic Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the development of Finnish sea ports. Based on long-term data, industrial production was found to be the driving factor behind sea port demand development in Finland. GDP is generally regarded as the explanatory variable, but at least in Finland, industrial production drives the growth. Russian oil exports also explain transit traffic through Finland to Russia, and four scenarios were generated to estimate the development of Finnish sea ports.

]]> 10.1504/IJAMS.2012.044871 International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 52 - 79 Lauri Lättilä; Olli-Pekka Hilmola Kouvola Research Unit, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Prikaatintie 9, FIN-45100 Kouvola, Finland. ' Kouvola Research Unit, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Prikaatintie 9, FIN-45100 Kouvola, Finland advanced forecasting models system dynamics sea port demand stochastic simulation Finland long-term demand sea ports Monte Carlo simulation modelling port development. 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 52 79 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=44872 In this paper, we study a decentralised supply chain with assembled products or jointly sold products. With the revenue-sharing contract, the assembler orders the parts from the independent suppliers based on the announced revenue-sharing rates and then assembles the final product. The involved parties pursue their own profits. Two-stage Stackelberg game is used to help formulate the model. We show the allocation rule of the revenue-sharing rates among the assembler and suppliers, the profits of the assembler and suppliers in both of fixed and variable transfer cost rates, respectively, and the conditions for the supply chain to be coordinated if the transfer cost rate is variable. Revenue-sharing in decentralised assembly systems
Zhaoqiong Qin
International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 80 - 90
In this paper, we study a decentralised supply chain with assembled products or jointly sold products. With the revenue-sharing contract, the assembler orders the parts from the independent suppliers based on the announced revenue-sharing rates and then assembles the final product. The involved parties pursue their own profits. Two-stage Stackelberg game is used to help formulate the model. We show the allocation rule of the revenue-sharing rates among the assembler and suppliers, the profits of the assembler and suppliers in both of fixed and variable transfer cost rates, respectively, and the conditions for the supply chain to be coordinated if the transfer cost rate is variable.

]]> 10.1504/IJAMS.2012.044872 International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 80 - 90 Zhaoqiong Qin North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401, USA decentralised supply chains revenue sharing Stackelberg game profits supply chain coordination supply chain management SCM assembled products jointly sold products decentralised assembly transfer cost rates. 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 80 90 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=44873 This paper analyses the effects of various maintenance policies and part arrival patterns on the performance of a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC). A simulation analysis coupled with design of experiments is utilised in the study. In particular, the design of experiments includes maintenance policy as a factor with five levels and part release patterns as a factor with six levels. Effects of all the combinations of factors on the productivity of a typical FMC system are analysed using a simulation modelling approach. The results show that both factors have significant effects on manufacturing cell productivity and equipment utilisations. Releasing the pallets with longest processing time first into the cell and introducing preventive maintenance (PM) combined with corrective maintenance (CM) resulted in highest cell productivity. When a CM was started, it was found that the next scheduled PM should be combined with the CM if the time left to the next scheduled PM was 20% or less than the actual scheduled time. Design of experiments for the analysis of the effects of pallet arrival patterns and maintenance policies on FMC productivity
Fawaz Abdulmalek; Mehmet Savsar; Majid M. Aldaihani
International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 91 - 106
This paper analyses the effects of various maintenance policies and part arrival patterns on the performance of a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC). A simulation analysis coupled with design of experiments is utilised in the study. In particular, the design of experiments includes maintenance policy as a factor with five levels and part release patterns as a factor with six levels. Effects of all the combinations of factors on the productivity of a typical FMC system are analysed using a simulation modelling approach. The results show that both factors have significant effects on manufacturing cell productivity and equipment utilisations. Releasing the pallets with longest processing time first into the cell and introducing preventive maintenance (PM) combined with corrective maintenance (CM) resulted in highest cell productivity. When a CM was started, it was found that the next scheduled PM should be combined with the CM if the time left to the next scheduled PM was 20% or less than the actual scheduled time.

]]> 10.1504/IJAMS.2012.044873 International Journal of Applied Management Science, Vol. 4, No. 1 (2012) pp. 91 - 106 Fawaz Abdulmalek; Mehmet Savsar; Majid M. Aldaihani Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969 Safat 13060, Kuwait. ' Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969 Safat 13060, Kuwait. ' Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, College of Engineering and Petroleum, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 5969 Safat 13060, Kuwait flexible manufacturing cells FMC simulation preventive maintenance corrective maintenance design of experiments DOE pallet arrival patterns maintenance policy cell productivity FMC performance FMC modelling equipment utilisation. 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00 4 1 91 106 2012-01-13T23:20:50-05:00