Towards a Generic Optimisation Framework for Business Applications

Manager: Dr. Waleed Abo-Hamad
Contact Email: [email protected]

Problem:

Time-consuming activities such as searching for software packages, selecting criteria, data collection, software screening, and software evaluation are the core of the framework. The interface layer of the framework organises the final requirements and needs of the organisation management team into five main groups: a. Application Area: such as capacity planning, demand planning, inventory management, etc. b. Problem Description: decision variable, constraints, and objectives. c. Organizational Constraints: budget, time, existing hardware and software, and available system models. d. Technical Requirements: such as compatibility, adaptability, vendor support, etc. e. Criteria Weighting: Weighting of desired features by management team. Then, the Optimisation Techniques Map (OTM) uses the application area and problem description to identify the optimisation technique that can contribute effectively in solving the optimisation problems of the organisation. Potential packages are then selected for evaluation from the optimisation software database in a screening process which considers the suitable optimisation technique and the technical requirements of the organization. The optimisation packages database is developed using specific criteria that are usually used to evaluate different optimisation software packages in the market place. After the screening process, the potential packages are evaluated using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). Because of the hierarchical structure of the proposed evaluation criteria, AHP consolidates information about alternative software packages effectively using multiple criteria. Subsequently, the results of the evaluation are presented in which the package with the highest rank is recommended as the best selection

Objectives:

  • Minimise time and cost of selecting and evaluation optimisation software packages
  • Select a best-fit optimisation package that meets the organisation business needs
  • Provide a guideline on how an effective optimisation exercise can be conducted successfully

Design:

Members: