Qualitative search algorithms for partner selection and task allocation in the formulation of virtual enterprise

Abstract

In the formation of dynamic virtual enterprise (VE), partner search is of prime importance. Finding potential partners in a directory is the first step of the process that might involve several interactions between the VE initiator and these potential partners in order to gather additional information and to reach agreements on the forms and terms of cooperation (Camarinha-Matos and Afsarmanesh, 1999, pp. 493). Given the manufacturing requirements, the initiator or coordinator of dynamic VE should first prepare several alternative schemes that can satisfy the requirements. Next, the coordinator should evaluate these alternative schemes by means of some multi-objective analysis methodologies, such as multi-objective decision-making (MODM), data envelopment analysis (EDA), analytic hierarchy process (AHP) or fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), or statistical analysis, multi-attribute utility theory (MAUT). Then the coordinator should determine the formation scheme. The present paper deals with the search procedure of alternative schemes to form VE for the coordinator. In this paper, a logic model is first put forward to describe the relationships among the manufacturing capabilities of enterprises and the manufacturing requirements of clients within the range of the applied industry. It will suffer little change in a considerable long period because of its qualitative nature. This advantage will make it easy to maintain. Next, the procedures for the manufacturing enterprises seeking partners with this logic qualitative model are expressed mathematically. Based upon this logic model, three search algorithms are brought about for three different optimal goals, respectively: minimizing the number of enterprises, minimizing the number of redundant basic capability units in the dynamic enterprise alliances and minimizing the number of basic capability units useful to the manufacturing requirement of each enterprise. After that, theoretical analyses are made for these algorithms. It is demonstrated that these three search algorithms are all polynomial with respect to the number of enterprises belonging to a particular industry. This number is usually fairly large and represents the size of the search problem. In the end, it is shown that these three algorithms are effective and reliable with an example.

Keywords:

• Agile manufacturing
• Partner search
• Corporate portal
• Dynamic alliance (agile virtual enterprise)

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the support of the National High Technology Project of P. R. China with Research Grant 863-511-9944-008; the National Science Fund of P. R. China with Research Grants 59985002, 50085001, and 69974011; the Team Project of the National Science Fund of Guangdong Province with Research Grants 05200197; and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Research Project with Research Grant A056.