Distributed blackboard decision-making framework for collaborative planning based on nested genetic algorithm

A distributed blackboard decision-making framework for collaborative planning based on nested genetic algorithm （NGA） is proposed. By using blackboard-based communication paradigm and shared data structure, multiple decision-makers （DMs） can collaboratively solve the tasks-platforms allocation scheduling problems dynamically through the coordinator. This methodo- logy combined with NGA maximizes tasks execution accuracy, also minimizes the weighted total workload of the DM which is measured in terms of intra-DM and inter-DM coordination. The intra-DM employs an optimization-based scheduling algorithm to match the tasks-platforms assignment request with its own platforms. The inter-DM coordinates the exchange of collaborative request information and platforms among DMs using the blackboard architecture. The numerical result shows that the proposed black- board DM framework based on NGA can obtain a near-optimal solution for the tasks-platforms collaborative planning problem. The assignment of platforms-tasks and the patterns of coordination can achieve a nice trade-off between intra-DM and inter-DM coordination workload.

Conceptual Model for Collaborative Planning in Iran with Emphasis on the Role of Urban Planners： A Case Study of Anzali＇s Development Strategy

Nowadays, public participation is one of the most important factors to improve the feasibility, legitimacy and quality of urban plans. In Iran, due to lack of comprehensive understanding about the participation notion and its necessary socio-economic and political infrastructures, participatory decision-making has faced with some serious challenges in both processes of preparing and implementing. The present paper focuses on providing practical strategies for preparing collaborative urban plans in Iran＇s conditions. Also it seeks to answer this question： What is the role of planners to prepare a real collaborative plan？ It is assumed that a conceptual model for collaborative planning can be fitted with Iran＇s conditions by means of integrating the fundamental philosophic ideas of participatory planning such as theories of Paul Michel Foucault and Jürgen Habermas, given the fact that the present situation of collaborative planning in Iran needs a supportive theory which is compatible with power structures of Iranian urban planning system. In this regard, the Habermas＇ theory of “communicative action” and the Foucault＇s theory of “power structures” are reviewed by a comparative analysis methodology to present an integrated conceptual model for collaborative planning in Iran＇s condition. At the end, the CDS （City Development Strategy）---making process of Anzali City of Iran is analysed to examine this claim in the practice. The results yield that enabling urban planners to act as communication facilitators during planning can direct the collaborative planning in Iran from theory to a real practice by means of integrating the positive aspects of communication and power.

Collaborative Planning of Distributed Wind Power Generation and Distribution Network with Large-scale Heat Pumps

With the advancement of clean heating projects and the integration of large-scale distributed heat pumps into rural distribution networks in northern China,power grid companies face tremendous pressure to invest in power grid upgrades,which bring opportunities for renewable power generation integration.The combination of heating by distributed renewable energy with the flexible operation of heat pumps is a feasible alternative for dealing with grid reinforcement challenges resulting from heating electrification.In this paper,a mathematical model of the collaborative planning of distributed wind power generation(DWPG)and distribution network with large-scale heat pumps is developed.In this model,the operational flexibility of the heat pump load is fully considered and the requirements of a comfortable indoor temperature are met.By applying this model,the goals of not only increasing the profit of DWPG but also reducing the cost of the power grid upgrade can be achieved.

Collaborative production planning between supply chain partners by Lagrangian relaxation

A collaborative planning framework based on the Lagrangian Relaxation was developed to coordinate and optimize the production planning of independent partners in multiple tier supply chains. Linking constraints and dependent demand constraints were added to the monolithic Multi-Level, multi-item Capacitated Lot Sizing Problem (MLCLSP). MLCLSP was Lagrangian relaxed and decomposed into facility-separable subproblems. Surrogate gradient algorithm was used to update Lagrangian multipliers, which coordinate decentralized decisions of the facilities. Production planning of independent partners could be appropriately coordinated and optimized by this framework without intruding their decisionities and private information. Experimental results show that the proposed coordination mechanism and procedure come close to optimal results as obtained by central coordination.

Multi-User Collaborative Assembly Planning over the Internet

Due to the increasing complexity of products and for the distributed product development, more closely collaborative work among designers is required. A collaborative assembly planning approach is proposed to support assembly planning in a networked environment. The working procedure is depicted and the key techniques including collaborative-planning-oriented assembly decomposition modeling, assembly assignment modeling, and sub-plans merging are addressed. By incorporating visual models at client side with assembly application models at server side, a web-based supporting environment for collaborative assembly planning has been developed using VRML and Java-EAI techniques. A case study is given to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the idea.

Delphi-Based Planning Approach in the Maritime Transport Chain

The objective of this paper is to illustrate behavioural aspects and a collaborative Delphi-based planning approach in the maritime transport chain. Therefore, this paper analyses changes in behavioural routines and governance structures in the maritime transport chain using a case study that depicts mutual projections of expected container transhipment moderated by a neutral third for reducing the uncertainty in planning within the whole maritime transport chain. The actors＇ different views on container transport are collected and directly confronted to an expert panel showing bounded rationality and thus asymmetric information can be circumvented The planning approach shows how actors＇ different internal planning can be improved and evident to the market. The whole maritime transport chain expects the future development in container transport which can be given by using collaborative Delphi-based planning. As a result, an overall picture for planning issues can be constituted, improving both individual planning of the actors and expected market growth.

Analysis of the Development of the Commercial Space Around Metro Stations in Urban Core Areas Based on Place Making: A Case Study of Chunxi Road Metro Station in Chengdu

The metro is the most efficient and convenient public transport system in modern cities. For urban core areas in China, in which the metro was built later, there was more consideration for meeting the traffic needs of cities. However, there are few studies of collaborative planning for metro stations and their surrounding space. Thus, there is an urgent need to conduct research on collaborative planning for metro stations and their surrounding commercial space in urban core areas. Unlike conventional methods of integrated design of stations and cities, this paper, based on the theory of place spirit, took Chunxi Road Metro Station in Chengdu and its surrounding commercial space for example. It explored the pattern and characteristics of the place in the commercial space around the metro station, analyzed the strategies of cultural and commercial integration, as well as architecture, street, landscape and other aspects of the design method in the space, and explored the strategies of place-making and infiltration, providing a reference point for the development and place-making of the commercial space around metro stations in urban core areas.

Optimal Planning of AC-DC Hybrid Transmission and Distributed Energy Resource System: Review and Prospects

With the highly-extensive integration of distributed renewable energy resources(DER)into the grid,the power distribution system has changed greatly in the structure,function and operating characteristics.On this ground,An AC-DC hybrid DER system becomes necessary for effective management and control over DER.This paper first summarizes the physical characteristics and morphological evolution of AC-DC hybrid DER system.The impact of these new features on system configuration planning is analyzed with respect to its flexible networking,rich operation control modes,and tight sourcenetwork-load-storage coupling.Then,based on a review of the existing research,problems and technical difficulties are figured out in terms of converter modeling,steady-state analysis,power flow calculation,operating scenarios management,and optimization model solution.In light of the problems and difficulties,a framework for the configuration optimization of AC-DC hybrid DER systems is proposed.At last,the paper provides a prospect of key technologies from six aspects including morphology forecasting,coupling interaction analysis,uncertainty modeling,operation simulation,optimization model solving algorithm and comprehensive scheme evaluation.

Strategies of Planning Governance and Collaboration for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is an important part of China’s national strategy in the new era.This paper reviews the process of cross-border planning collaboration in this area,from functional division to institutional coordination.However,this process is still constrained by problems such as having few platforms and channels of collaboration,too much reliance on the provincial government,limited measures of collaboration,and weak coordination on the issues concerning core interests.It argues that the orientation should be building an open collaboration framework with multi-party participation and the specific strategies should include establishing a multi-level and multi-party planning collaboration framework,promoting the planning integration of three metropolitan areas,co-building a unified international quality life circle,promoting the co-building and co-sharing of strategic areas,and exploring diversified measures of planning collaboration.

INFORMATION SHARING AND STRATEGIC SIGNALING IN SUPPLY CHAINS

Information sharing in procurement occurs in rich and varied industry contexts in which managerial decisions are made and organizational strategy is formulated. We explore how information sharing ought to work in procurement contexts that involve investments in inter-organizational information systems （IOS） and collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment （CPFR） practices. How and under what circumstances does a firm that plays the role of a supply chain buyer decide to share information on key variables, such as point-of-sale consumer demand data with its supplier, up the supply chain？ This is a key issue that crosses the boundary between supply chain management and information systems （IS） management. The answers that we provide are based on our use of a game-theoretic signaling model of buyer and supplier strategy in the presence of uncertainties about final consumer demand. We also explore the connection between operational costs that are associated with the firm＇s information sharing and information withholding strategies. Our results provide normative guidance to supply chain buyers about how to interpret different demand uncertainty scenarios to improve their decisions and generate high value. From the IS management perspective, we show the impacts on the firm of different information sharing approaches that are made possible by present day technologies.

Opening Up Further

Folowing the establishment of free trade zones（FTZs）,China has selected 12 cities and areas to try out a new open-economy system which is more open to foreign collaboration,Shen Danyang,spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce,announced on May 17 at a press briefing.