The Impact of Distribution System Characteristics on Computational Tractability

Iqbal Agha () and O'Connor, Debra ()
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Iqbal Agha: Department of Finance & Operations Management, Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
O'Connor, Debra: Department of Economics, College of the Holy Cross

No 807, Working Papers from College of the Holy Cross, Department of Economics

Abstract: Mathematical programming models that seek optimal design and operational plans for distribution systems can be computationally intractable. This paper exam-ines the extent to which distribution configuration and demand characteristics affect the ease of obtaining an optimal solution. Problem characteristics, which are reflected in a model by the parameter values, can render the model for one distribution scenario to be computationally intractable and that for another to yield an optimal solution eas-ily. We introduce echelon-flow-based valid inequalities and use them to explicate the extent to which problem characteristics impact computational tractability.

Keywords: Distribution; Integer programming; Logistics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cmp
Date: 2008-05

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