Research team
Expertise
My research group focuses on the development of quantitative solution techniques, both exact methods and (meta)heuristic algorithms, to tackle various planning problems in the fields of logistics and supply chain management. More specifically, research expertise has been established in the following domains: multi-stakeholder and collaborative logistics, the planning and scheduling of warehouse operations, speed optimisation for inland waterway vessels and lock scheduling, facility location and inventory management, supply chain network design, and logistics planning in space.
ORBITAL - OR-Based In-orbiT service centre deployment And Logistics.
Abstract
Often without our awareness, our daily lives rely heavily on thousands of satellites orbiting Earth. And this number is rapidly increasing! In addition to Earth observation missions, satellites play a crucial role in today's telecommunications network. Moreover, they provide highly accurate time stamps, essential for verifying and executing financial transactions, as well as maintaining real-time balance in the electrical grid. As satellite constellations continue to expand, there arises a greater need for improved maintenance services. These services involve tasks such as replacing old or malfunctioning modules, updating satellite technology and capabilities, and providing refuelling services. Rather than launching these service missions from Earth, governments, space agencies, and industry partners are currently exploring the possibility of establishing an orbital service centre that could server as a hub for deploying service missions. This research project is focused on the planning aspects of such an orbital service center. We aim to design methods to determine optimal locations for these service centers, calculate the necessary capacity and size of the facilities, and establish guidelines for replenishing their inventory. Additionally, we will define the ideal timing for dispatching specific service missions.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Defryn Christof
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
CIRCUS - Towards a generic optimization model for CIRCUlar Supply chains by bridging operational research and quantitative sustainability assessments.
Abstract
The process of resource extraction takes a significant toll on the environment, climate, biodiversity, and the overall livability of our planet. Through proper processing of end-of-life products and material flows for reintegration into the forward supply chain, defined as circular supply chain management, this impact can be drastically reduced. Circularity considerations, however, are expensive and require the collaboration of various stakeholders, including, among others, manufacturers, customers, recycling plants, and the government. The CIRCUS project aims to develop generic circular supply chain optimization models to facilitate the development and deployment of cost-effective and environmentally friendly circular supply chains. The envisaged models are simple (i.e., avoiding all unnecessary complexity), generic (i.e., applicable within a broad range of industries and circularity strategies), and aligned with a multi-stakeholder reality. As such, we will provide decision-makers at various levels and aiming for different objectives with clear guidance on how to seize benefits and engage in circular supply chain practices.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Defryn Christof
- Co-promoter: Nimmegeers Philippe
- Fellow: Langenaeker Alix
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Collaborative Vehicle Routing. Algorithms for operational and tactical decision support in multi-partner VRPs.
Abstract
The main goal of this research is to develop vehicle routing algorithms for collaborative vehicle routing problems that can support logistics decision-making in horizontal coalitions of distribution companies. The algorithms will enable these coalitions to plan their joint operational "milk-run" distribution, but will also allow them to answer related tactical questions with respect to the contribution to the coalition gain of the (potential) partners in the coalition.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Sörensen Kenneth
- Fellow: Defryn Christof
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Collaborative vehicle routing. Algorithms for operational and tactical decision support in multi-partner VRPs.
Abstract
The main goal of this research is to develop vehicle routing algorithms for collaborative vehicle routing problems that can support logistics decision-making in horizontal coalitions of distribution companies. The algorithms will enable these coalitions to plan their joint operational "milk-run" distribution, but will also allow them to answer related tactical questions with respect to the contribution to the coalition gain of the (potential) partners in the coalition.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Sörensen Kenneth
- Fellow: Defryn Christof
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Collaborative vehicle routing. Algorithms for operational and strategic decision-making in multi-partner vehicle routing problems.
Abstract
The main goal of this research is to develop vehicle routing algorithms for collaborative vehicle routing problems that can support logistics decision-making in horizontal coalitions of distribution companies. The algorithms will enable these coalitions to plan their joint operational "milk-run" distribution, but will also allow them to answer related tactical questions with respect to the contribution to the coalition gain of the (potential) partners in the coalition.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Sörensen Kenneth
- Fellow: Defryn Christof
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project