Flexibility has been cited as a key factor to enhance the performance of flexible manufacturing sys-tem (FMS). The main aim of this paper is to rank the flexibility of FMS. The ranking decisions are complex in the manufacturing field to analyze a number of alternatives based on a set of some attributes. In this research, two MADM methods i.e. MOORA (i.e. multi-objective optimization on the basis of ratio analysis) and weighted Euclidean distance based approach (WEDBA) are used for ranking of flexibility in FMS for new part development. MOORA approach can give de-cision with or without considering relative importance of attributes i.e. attribute weights. While in WEDBA, integrated attribute weights are used for evaluation which included the subjective and objective weights of attributes. Objective weights are calculated by entropy method and subjective weights are calculated by analytic hierarchy process. MOORA is applied in two ways i.e. ratio based and reference point analysis. Ranking of fifteen flexibility of FMS done on the basis fifteen variables which effect flexibility of FMS. The results of MOORA and WEDBA approach shows that product flexibility has the top most flexibility in fifteen flexibilities and programme flexibility has the least impact in fifteen flexibilities.

Now-a-days, the offer of credit period to the retailer for settling the account for the units purchased by the supplier is considered to be the most beneficial policy. In this article, an attempt is made to formulate an economic order quantity model under fuzzy environment where delay in payment for the retailer is permissible. The demand rate, ordering cost and selling price per item are taken as triangular fuzzy numbers. The ?-cut representation method is used to calculate the optimum cycle time and total optimum cost. The optimum cycle time and total optimum cost in fuzzy sense is de-fuzzified using the centre of gravity method.

This paper presents the application of the new method in the process of making the decisions on the scooters selection. The Fuzzy AHP method was used to obtain the weight coefficients of criteria, on the basis of which the alternatives were evaluated. The selection of criteria for evaluating scooters was based on an analysis of available manufacturer website. The evaluation and selection of scooters was carried out using a new multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method. The present study tries to identify the attributes like kerb weight, mileage, top speed, fuel tank capacity and price playing prominent role in the buying behavior of the working women while purchasing scooters. Fuzzy-AHP method has been used to obtain the relative weights of the criteria, on the basis of which the alternatives are evaluated using new MCDM. The TOPSIS and MABAC methods were tested under the same conditions. The stability of the result obtained by this method is established through a sensitivity analysis.

This paper presents the application of the new method in the process of making the decisions on the scooters selection. The Fuzzy AHP method was used to obtain the weight coefficients of criteria, on the basis of which the alternatives were evaluated. The selection of criteria for evaluating scooters was based on an analysis of available manufacturer website. The evaluation and selection of scooters was carried out using a new multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method. The present study tries to identify the attributes like kerb weight, mileage, top speed, fuel tank capacity and price playing prominent role in the buying behavior of the working women while purchasing scooters. Fuzzy-AHP method has been used to obtain the relative weights of the criteria, on the basis of which the alternatives are evaluated using new MCDM. The TOPSIS and MABAC methods were tested under the same conditions. The stability of the result obtained by this method is established through a sensitivity analysis.

A central problem of tool management in Versatile Multi-tool machining centres is to decide how to batch the parts to be produced and what tools to allocate to the machine in order to maximize utilization of these expensive machines. Various authors have proposed heuristics and/or mathematical models to minimize the batches of parts to be manufactured in a production period. There is no comprehensive study reported to compare the number of actual batches (stoppages) formed with and without processing time considerations. In this paper, the sequential deterministic heuristics (SDHs) are appropriately adapted to include processing time of operations in the formation of groups. The modified heuristics are more realistic in reducing machine stoppages due to tools. Some stochastic search techniques have also been adapted to compute the number of groups. The results are compared with those obtained from SDHs and standard search techniques. The results indicate that the adapted search techniques are powerful approaches for forming optimum number of batches of parts and tools.

In this study, a volume flexible inventory system for deteriorating items with stock & time dependent demand has been developed over a finite planning horizon. Shortages are permitted with partial backorder. Uncertainties are inherent in real inventory problems due to complexities of market situation. This uncertainty can be handled by the concept of randomness. As a result, backorder rate is taken as random and follows a probability distribution. All the costs are influenced by the learning effect. The optimal number of production cycles that minimize the total cost is considered. Numerical illustrations together with sensitivity analysis are given to elucidate the model. Furthermore, the numerical results of the finite planning horizon model have been plotted graphically.

This study attempts to assess the moderating impact of recently introduced tourist relationship management (TRM) framework on service quality perception-tourist satisfaction-destination loyalty link. Tourist relationship management framework draws inspiration from customer relationship management (CRM) model with validated addition of dimensions compatible to tourism dynamics. The study, carried out in Santiniketan, India, confirmed moderating impact of dimensional performance of tourist relationship management on perceived tourism service quality-tourist satisfaction-destination loyalty link.

This work deals with production scheduling problem in an assembly flow shop, having parts machining followed by their subsequent assembly operations. Limited heuristics available on the problem, are based on unrealistic assumption that every part is processed on all machines. In this paper, two heuristics NEH_BB and Disjunctive are proposed to solve assembly flow shop scheduling problem where every part may not be processed on each machine. Exhaustive computational experiments are conducted with 60 trials each. The methods are found to be applicable to large size problems. The objective functions used for comparison are makespan and computational time. Disjunctive method takes very less computational time as compared to NEH_BB and hence claimed to be the better among available approaches for finding solution in assembly flow shop problems.

Control chart pattern (CCP) recognition can act as a problem identification tool in any manufacturing organization. Feature-based rules in the form of decision trees have become quite popular in recent years for CCP recognition. This is because the practitioners can clearly understand how a particular pattern has been identified by the use of relevant shape features. Moreover, since the extracted features represent the main characteristics of the original data in a condensed form, it can also facilitate efficient pattern recognition. The reported feature-based decision trees can recognize eight types of CCPs using extracted values of seven shape features. In this paper, a different set of seven most useful features is presented that can recognize nine main CCPs, including mixture pattern. Based on these features, decision trees are developed using CART (classification and regression tree) and QUEST (quick unbiased efficient statistical tree) algorithms. The relative performance of the CART and QUEST-based decision trees are extensively studied using simulated pattern data. The results show that the CART-based decision trees result in better recognition performance but lesser consistency, whereas, the QUEST-based decision trees give better consistency but lesser recognition performance.

An integrated information system based DSS is developed for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions in India. The system has been web structured with the most suitable newly developed modules. A DSS model has been developed for solving semi-structured and unstructured problems including decision making with regard to various programmes and activities operating in the ODLIs. The DSS model designed for problem solving is generally based on quantitative formulas, whereas for problems involving imprecision and uncertainty, a fuzzy theory based DSS is employed. The computer operated system thus developed would help the ODLI management to quickly identify programmes and activities that require immediate attention. It shall also provide guidance for obtaining the most appropriate managerial decisions without any loss of time. As a result, the various subsystems operating in the ODLI are able to administer its activities more efficiently and effectively to enhance the overall performance of the concerned ODL institution to a new level.