Dynamic Agent-based Scheduling of Treatments: Evidence from the Dutch Youth Health Care Sector

Citation Erik Giesen, Wolf Ketter, Rob Zuidwijk (2015). Dynamic Agent-based Scheduling of Treatments: Evidence from the Dutch Youth Health Care Sector, pp. 173-199 in: Multiagent System Technologies. Lecture Notes in Computer Science 9433. Jörg P. Müller, Wolf Ketter, Gal Kaminka, Gerd Wagner, Nils Bulling (Eds.), Springer.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27343-3_10

Abstract We use agent-based simulation to compare the performance of four scheduling policies in youth health care. The policies deploy push/pull and centralized/decentralized concepts. The simulation model represents an authentic business case and is parameterized with actual market data. The model incorporates, among other things, non-stationary Poisson arrival processes, reneging and return mechanisms, and care provider’s client preferences. We have identified that performance measurement in youth health care should not be focused on queue lengths alone, which is presently the case, but should include a case difficulty parameter as well. The simulation results, together with contextual data obtained from stakeholder interviews, indicate that a push strategy with a centralized queue suits the sector best, which is different from the current real-world situation. This policy ensures a higher level of fairness in treatment provision because the care providers are compelled to take their share in treating the difficult and economically less attractive cases. The complexity of the case cannot be captured by current queuing theory methods. Our simulation approach incorporates these complexities, which turn out to be relevant for the scheduling policy decision. We validate the model and strategies using real market data and field expert discussions.

Towards Efficient Multimodal Hinterland Networks

Citation Albert Veenstra and Rob Zuidwijk (2015). Towards Efficient Multimodal Hinterland Networks, pp. 55-66 in: Logistics and Supply Chain Innovation. Lecture Notes in Logistics. Henk Zijm, Matthias Klumpp, Uwe Clausen, Michael ten Hompel (Eds.), Springer.

Link https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22288-2_4

Abstract Terminal operator ECT in the port of Rotterdam sought to establish a multidisciplinary research group that would support the development of a strong multimodal hinterland network concept. This was the start of the ULTIMATE project. ULTIMATE aimed to support the development “towards efficient multimodal hinterland networks”. The Ultimate research agenda consisted of four elements: (1) The operational consequences of integrating transport and cargo handling activities for supply chains. This has resulted in efficient container stacking and barge routing algorithms. (2) Incorporating new business models in the design of hinterland networks. This delivered new insights in the role of information and pricing in hinterland networks. (3) The legal consequences of mixing transport and storage activities by container terminals. The contribution of this element is a more fundamental understanding of the importance of legal concepts in multimodal transport for different actors. (4) The role and position of the port authority vis-a-vis the activities of container terminals. This led to new insights on the role and contribution of a port authority in port and hinterland network development. This chapter discusses some of the main research outcomes of the work for these four research problems.

The merit of agents in freight transport

Citation Tamás Máhr, Jordan Srour, Mathijs de Weerdt, Rob Zuidwijk (2009). The merit of agents in freight transport, pp. 332-341 in: Ana L.C. Bazan, Franziska Blügl (eds.). Multi-Agent Systems for Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Information Science Reference.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-60566-226-8.ch016

Abstract While intermodal freight transport has the potential to introduce efficiency to the transport network,this transport method also suffers from uncertainty at the interface of modes. For example, trucks moving containers to and from a port terminal are often uncertain as to when exactly their container will be released from the ship, from the stack, or from customs. This leads to much difficulty and inefficiency in planning a profitable routing for multiple containers in one day. In this chapter, the authors examine agent-based solutions as a mechanism to handle job arrival uncertainty in the context of a drayage case at the Port of Rotterdam. They compare their agent-based solution approach to a wellknown on-line optimization approach and study the comparative performance of both systems across four scenarios of varying job arrival uncertainty. The chapter concludes that when less than 50% of all jobs are known at the start of the day then an agent-based approach performs competitively with an on-line optimization approach.

Yesterday proactive, responsive today: Use of Information to enhance planning in closed loop supply chains

Citation Muhammad Jalil, Rob Zuidwijk, Harold Krikke (2008). Yesterday proactive, responsive today: Use of Information to enhance planning in closed loop supply chains, pp. 215-234 in: Surendra Gupta, Fred Lamberts (eds.). Environment Conscious Manufacturing. CRC Press.

Link http://www.crcpress.com/product/isbn/9780849335525

Mathematical models for planning support

Citation Leo Kroon, Rob Zuidwijk (2006). Mathematical models for planning support, pp. 245-277 in: Wout van Wezel, Rene Jorna, Alexander Meystel (eds.). Planning in Intelligent Systems, Wiley Interscience.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/0471781266.ch8

Abstract In this chapter we describe how computer systems can provide planners with active planning support, when these planners are carrying out their daily planning activities. This means that computer systems actively participate in the planning process by automatically generating plans or partial plans. Later on, these plans can be completed and fine-tuned by the planners. Automatically generating plans by a computer system requires the application of mathematical models and mathematical solution techniques, as will be described in this chapter. Here a mathematical model is an abstract representation of the practical planning problem in mathematical terms. Solving the model leads to a solution of the planning problem, which is an abstract representation of the required plan. The currently available hard-and software for solving mathematical models allows for the generation of appropriate solutions for practical planning problems, both in a pro-active and in a re-active way

Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains

Citation Jo van Nunen, Rob Zuidwijk, Hans Moonen (2005). Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains, pp. 159-167 in: Smart Business Networks, Peter Vervest et al. (eds.), Springer Verlag.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/3-540-26694-1_11

Information and Communication Technology Enabling Reverse Logistics

Citation Angelika Kokkinaki, Rob Zuidwijk, Jo van Nunen, Rommert Dekker (2004). Information and Communication Technology Enabling Reverse Logistics, pp. 381-405 in: Reverse Logistics: Quantitative Models for Closed-Loop Supply Chains, Rommert Dekker, Moritz Fleischmann, Karl  Inderfurth, Luk Van Wassenhove (eds.), Springer Verlag.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-24803-3_16

Abstract In this chapter, we examine how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are being used to support reverse logistics; ICT is the term widely used in a European context instead of IT, which is commonly used in American publications. Focusing on the ICT infrastructure, this chapter does not follow a quantitative approach as does the rest of the book. Nonetheless, the topics covered in this section outline how ICT systems enable and support the quantitative approaches presented in other chapters of this book. Furthermore, this chapter provides a roadmap to the reader about what aspects of reverse logistics are implemented and what remains to be addressed in the future.

E-business and Circular Supply Chains: Increased business opportunities by IT-based Customer Oriented Return-flow Management

Citation Harold Krikke, Jo van Nunen, Rob Zuidwijk, Roelof Kuik (2004). E-business and Circular Supply Chains: Increased business opportunities by IT-based Customer Oriented Return-flow Management, pp. 221-242 in: Distribution Logistics: Advanced Solutions to Practical Problems. Bernard Fleischmann, Andreas Klose (eds.), Springer Verlag.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17020-1_12

Abstract This paper deals with the application of IT in circular supply chains (CSCs). We consider information on the installed base critical, and present an illustrative example. Next we discuss a framework of different kinds of value contained in a return, and IT-applications useful in supporting its recovery or neutralization in case of negative externalities. Also we show which kind of CSC is needed for which kind of return. We illustrate our work by three real life case studies.

End-of-lease asset recovery: the Océ case

Citation Rob Zuidwijk, Erwin van der Laan, Leon Hoek (2004). End-of-lease asset recovery: the Océ case, pp. 141-150 in: Managing Closed Loop Supply Chains, Simme Douwe Flapper, Jo van Nunen, Luk van Wassenhove (eds.), Springer Verlag.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/3-540-27251-8_13

Simultaneous similarity of pairs of companions to their transposes

Citation Rob Zuidwijk (2001). Simultaneous similarity of pairs of companions to their transposes. Operator Theory: Advances and Applications 122: 417-425.

Link http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8283-5_16

Abstract This paper considers simultaneous similarity of pairs of Companion matrices to their transposes. It turns out that the similarity transformation in question always is a (nonzero) multiple of the Bezoutian associated with the characteristic polynomials of the Companion matrices.