Competitive analysis of online inventory problem with interrelated prices

This paper investigates the online inventory problem with interrelated prices in which a decision of when and how much to replenish must be made in an online fashion even without concrete knowledge of future prices. Four new online models with different price corre- lations are proposed in this paper, which are the linear-decrease model, the log-decrease model, the logarithmic model and the exponential model. For the first two models, the online algo- rithms are developed, and as the performance measure of online algorithm, the upper and lower bounds of competitive ratios of the algorithms are derived respectively. For the exponential and logarithmic models, the online algorithms are proposed by the solution of linear programming and the corresponding competitive ratios are analyzed, respectively. Additionally, the algorithm designed for the exponential model is optimal, and the algorithm for the logarithmic model is optimal only under some certain conditions. Moreover, some numerical examples illustrate that the algorithms based on the dprice-conservative strategy are more suitable when the purchase price fluctuates relatively flat.

Core of HR Strategy： System Thinking and HRM

Research topic of study is to explore system approach in strategic HRM field. Assumption of study is that, strategic HRM may be applied in organizations by HR system set. In USA literature HPWS represents HR system thinking. This study explores HR system thinking in human resource management. Second assumption of study is that, HR manager must have system approach in HRM. HRM practices are applied through individual in HRM; however, HRM practices are applied through interrelation in SHRM to have more impact on performance. HR system is bundle, according to MacDuffie＇s study （1995）. In addition, Huselid （1997） suggests application of HPWS in HR system. Study adopts case study methodology. Methods are career management system and performance management system. Research question is how a firm sets an HR system and strategic HRM in its organizational structure. Main conclusion is that HR systems might be applied in organizations through interrelated HRM practices. To achieve this purpose, HR manager must have HR system thinking in application of HRM.

Generalized Algorithms of Discrete Optimization and Their Power Engineering Applications

Generalized algorithms for solving problems of discrete, integer, and Boolean programming are discussed. These algorithms are associated with the method of normalized functions and are based on a combination of formal and heuristic procedures. This allows one to obtain quasi-optimal solutions after a small number of steps, overcoming the NP-completeness of discrete optimization problems. Questions of constructing so-called “duplicate” algorithms are considered to improve the quality of discrete problem solutions. An approach to solving discrete problems with fuzzy coefficients in objective functions and constraints on the basis of modifying the generalized algorithms is considered. Questions of applying the generalized algorithms to solve multicriteria discrete problems are also discussed. The results of the paper are of a universal character and can be applied to the design, planning, operation, and control of systems and processes of different purposes. The results of the paper are already being used to solve power engineering problems.