Axioms (Feb 2022)

Research on the n-Stage Delay Distribution Method Based on a Compensation Mechanism in a Random Environment

  • Lei Zhou,
  • Yue Qi,
  • Fachao Li

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms11020067
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 2
p. 67

Abstract

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With the development of logistics, the delayed distribution problem based on a compensation mechanism has appeared. The core of this problem is to decide whether to delay the distribution at the beginning of each stage and how to compensate the customers if delay occurs. In this paper, beginning with the 2 and 3-stage delay distribution problem, the characteristics and computational complexity of the model are analyzed, and a formal model description of the n-stage problem is given. The expected value and variance are used as the centralized quantization description strategy for random variables, and the expected value model and the generalized expectation value model for solving the delay distribution problem are given. The solution algorithm is given, and the dependence of the single transport cost of each transport vehicle and the penalty for each car delay in a period-of-time distribution are analyzed. Combined with specific examples, theoretical analysis and example calculations show that the formal description model is a good platform for further combinations of solution methods. This method extends the general delayed distribution problem to multi-stage delayed distribution, which has guiding significance for decision-makers. The proposed model has solid system structure features and interpretability, and could be used in a wide variety of applications.

Keywords