Learning from Nature. Using Genetic Algorithms for Inventory Optimisation

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Literature Review
  • 2.1 Literature on Serial Supply Chains
  • 2.2 Literature on Genetic Algorithms
• 3 Description of the Serial Supply Chain Model
  • 3.1 Model Assumptions
  • 3.2 Mathematical Formulation
• 4 Theory of Genetic Algorithms
  • 4.1 Optimisation Problem and Solution Representation
  • 4.2 Iterative Process
  • 4.3 Caveats and Limitations
    • 4.3.1 Parameter Tuning
    • 4.3.2 Multimodality
    • 4.3.3 Convergence to the Global Optimum
• 5 Implementing a GA for Base-Stock Level Optimisation
  • 5.1 Supply Chain Model Implementation
  • 5.2 GA Implementation
    • 5.2.1 Parameters
    • 5.2.2 Iterative Steps
• 6 Empirical Testing
  • 6.1 Parameter Tuning
  • 6.2 Simulation Runs
• 7 Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis explores the use of genetic algorithms for inventory optimisation in a serial supply chain context. The primary goal is to develop and implement a genetic algorithm for determining optimal base-stock levels across multiple echelons of a supply chain, aiming to minimize total supply chain cost. This research examines both the theoretical foundations of inventory optimisation and genetic algorithms, and then applies these concepts to a real-world scenario.

• Inventory management in serial supply chains
• Application of genetic algorithms for optimisation
• Base-stock level optimisation
• Minimising total supply chain cost
• Practical implementation and empirical testing

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter introduces the topic of inventory optimisation in serial supply chains, highlighting the importance of managing inventory effectively for business success. It explains the trade-off between customer service and inventory cost and discusses the role of supply chain networks in inventory control. The chapter also introduces the concept of genetic algorithms as a potential solution for inventory optimisation problems.
• Chapter 2: Literature Review This chapter provides a comprehensive review of existing literature on serial supply chains and genetic algorithms. It explores different approaches to inventory optimisation and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various methods. The chapter also examines the theoretical foundations of genetic algorithms and their application in different fields.
• Chapter 3: Description of the Serial Supply Chain Model This chapter defines the structure and assumptions of the serial supply chain model used in the thesis. It provides a detailed mathematical formulation of the model, including the objective function and constraints.
• Chapter 4: Theory of Genetic Algorithms This chapter delves into the theoretical aspects of genetic algorithms, explaining the principles of Darwinian evolution and their application in the context of optimisation problems. It describes the iterative process of genetic algorithms, including the selection, crossover, and mutation operators. The chapter also discusses the limitations of genetic algorithms, such as parameter tuning and multimodality issues.
• Chapter 5: Implementing a GA for Base-Stock Level Optimisation This chapter combines the theoretical knowledge from previous chapters to implement a genetic algorithm for base-stock level optimisation in the defined serial supply chain model. It outlines the specific implementation details of the GA, including parameter settings and iterative steps.
• Chapter 6: Empirical Testing This chapter focuses on evaluating the performance of the implemented GA through empirical testing. It describes the parameter tuning process and presents the results of simulation runs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the algorithm in finding optimal base-stock levels.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on the core concepts of inventory optimisation, serial supply chains, genetic algorithms, base-stock level optimisation, total supply chain cost, and empirical testing. These keywords represent the primary themes and research areas explored in this work.