The single-item stochastic inventory control problem is to find an inventory replenishment policy in the presence of independent discrete stochastic demands under periodic review and finite time horizon. In this paper, we prove that this problem is intractable and for any 2 > 0, we design an algorithm with running time polynomial in the size of the problem input and in 1/2, that finds a policy ...

The purpose of this paper is to validate and test the adequacy of an analytical expression to calculate proper safety stock levels using simulation techniques. The model refers to a periodic review system and a lot-4-lot replenishment policy, with randomness in forecast errors and in order fulfillment. The simulation model is formulated in a spreadsheet environment using MS Excel and @Risk. The...

This paper considers a concurrent pricing and inventory control problem in a stochastic and periodic review setting. Demand in a period is random and depends on the posted price. Other than holding and backlogging costs, the system incurs stock-replenishment costs that consist of both variable and fixed components. At the beginning of each period, a simultaneous decision has to be made on stock...

This paper examines “distribution policies” — that is, combined system inventoryreplenishment, vehicle routing and inventory-allocation policies — designed to minimize total expected purchasing and inventory-management (i.e., inventory-holding and backordering) costs/period for a one-warehouse N-retailer “symmetric” distribution system managed under a periodic-review policy. With respect to dyn...

In this paper, we explore the issue of coordination in a manufacturer-retailer supply chain where the manufacturer is socially responsible and invests in CSR activities. On the other hand, the retailer invests in promotional efforts and uses a periodic review order-up-to policy for replenishing items. First, the decentralized decision-making structure is modeled to calculate the minimum accepta...

Deriving the optimal cash deployment strategy for a network of ATMs involves the analysis of logistics costs, inventory policies as well as of the routing of replenishment vehicles. The optimal cash deployment strategy focuses on the reduction of cash-related expenses provided that ATMs do not run out of cash. In the paper, this rich vehicle routing problem is solved using genetic algorithm. Th...

A supplier has a periodic review inventory system that provides several lead-time options to its customers. The inventory replenishment lead time is a multiple of the inventory review cycle. Customers are classified into two groups: short lead-time customers requiring the product immediately and long lead-time customers who allow the supplier the flexibility to deliver immediately or in the nex...

This paper considers a two-echelon distribution system which consists of a single warehouse serving N (possibly non-identical) retailers that face discrete stochastic demand of the customers. The warehouse orders from an exogenous supplier with ample stock. Orders arrive at the warehouse after a fixed leadtime. The warehouse satisfies, if possible, the replenishment requests from the retailers....