Title: Solving the disassembly-to-order problem using linear physical programming

Authors: Elif Kongar, Surendra M. Gupta

Addresses: University of Bridgeport, 141 Technology Building, 221 University Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, USA. ' Northeastern University, 334 Snell Engineering Center, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Abstract: This article focuses on a disassembly-to-order system for end-of-life (EOL) electronic products. The EOL system embodies a variety of cost and revenue functions, starting from the take-back step, till the disassembled items and recycled materials are sent to customers. Storage and proper disposal options are also included in the model with the appropriate financial measures. A thorough solution methodology, involving these functions in an environmentally conscious manner, is provided based on the linear physical programming algorithm. The algorithm embodies various environmental, managerial and financial targets, which may be either quantitative or qualitative. The introduction of intangible factors allows the model to obtain desirable levels of important targets viz., environmental damage and customer satisfaction. The model also fulfils the demand for items and materials without backorders.

Keywords: disassembly; DTO; disassembly-to-order systems; EOL; end-of-life products; LPP; linear physical programming; multiple criteria decision making; MCDM; recycling; reverse supply chains; supply chain management; SCM; electronic products; environmental damage; customer satisfaction; intangible factors; environmental manufacturing; green issues.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMOR.2009.026279

International Journal of Mathematics in Operational Research, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.504 - 531

Published online: 05 Jun 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article