Operations and Supply Chain Management Commons^™

Three Essays On Improving Patient Access To Specialized Services, Amin Mahmoudian Dehkordi

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This dissertation studies how patient access to specialized services in referral networks can be improved. The first study focused on optimizing and coordinating referral and scheduling decisions in a centralized referral network. I proposed a bi-level optimization model which enables the referrer to make optimal decisions for different scenarios based on available capacity in the network and operational competency levels of surgeons. First, I derived optimal scheduling policies for each surgeon in the network. Next, optimal referral decisions for the central referrer were derived for each capacity scenario. Finally, I studied how incorporating fairness in referral decisions can impact patient …

Three Essays On The Interface Of Sales And Operations Management, Sara Babaee

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This dissertation investigates three profit maximization models for coordinating Sales and Operations (S\&OP) management.

The first problem considers implementing a customer education strategy for the digital channel users of a multi-channel service provider. Using a customer network flow model, I investigate the effect of customer education in the digital channel on the number of users of digital and in-person channels. Further, I define a customer value metric that characterizes the optimal level of education effort. Finally, I determine conditions under which the effect of positive word-of-mouth regarding the quality of education dominates the lifetime value of customers.

The second problem …

ُThree Essays On Addressing Risks Under The Servicizing Business Model, Tina Arabian

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

In view of the recent trend to prioritize access to a product over ownership, manufacturers may consider switching from selling their product to servicizing. The benefits of the servicizing business model, under which a firm sells the use or functionality of a product rather than the product itself, extend beyond providing firms with new economic opportunities. It is also recognized as a sustainable business model because it encourages firms and customers to be more conscious of product design and consumption patterns, respectively. Although this business model offers opportunities to the environment and the economy, it entails the risks of product …

Environmental Goal Misalignment Between Logistics Service Providers And Shippers, S.M. Mehdi Jourabchi

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The ongoing debate about who, ultimately, should pay for greening the transportation industry has exposed a gap (i.e. misalignment) between logistics companies and their clients (shippers). This thesis examines this gap in detail.

Study 1 utilizes conceptual theory building to discuss the conditions under which closer environmental collaboration between logistics service provider (LSP) and shipper can be realized within the supply chain. Our theoretical framework discusses the misalignment of LSPs’ and shippers’ incentives regarding green initiatives. Our conceptual framework aims to address the general dependency of LSPs on shippers and to assess whether and when it can be converted …

The Benefits Of Information Sharing In Carrier-Client Collaboration, Hossein Zolfagharinia

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This dissertation includes three related papers to investigate different methods that can help transport providers improve their operational efficiency. The first paper models and measures the profit improvement trucking companies can achieve by collaborating with their clients to obtain advance load information (ALI). The core research method is to formulate a comprehensive and flexible mixed integer mathematical model and implement it in a dynamic rolling horizon context. The findings illustrate that access to the second day ALI can improve the profit by an average of 22%. We also found that the impact of ALI depends on radius of service and …

The Transient Collaboration Model: Theory Building, Structural Formation, And Operationalization, Adrian C. Tan

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This thesis seeks to describe the Transient Collaboration Model as a business model, its underlying theoretical principles, its empirical evidence, and its types of possible collaboration structures. The research seeks to determine how companies may build sustained competitive advantages through the structural design of their collaboration associations as a strategic option. Companies' ability to retain long-term competitive advantages is limited in more unpredictable environments. Companies could not afford to internally build and hold all the possible varieties and quantities of resources and capabilities to build future competitive advantages. Collaboration can provide companies with access to multiple partners with diverse resources …

Modeling And Analysis Of Value-Based Healthcare Delivery, Tannaz Mahootchi

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Healthcare reforms are emerging in order to control the increasing healthcare expenditures and to improve the health outcomes. In the context of the Value-based Healthcare Delivery reform, Michael Porter defines value as a patient's health outcome per dollar spent. Porter's proposal is comprised of organizing care around a medical condition (or around patient segments for primary care). Specifically, care will be provided by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of providers, an Integrated Practice Unit (IPU). The IPU is jointly accountable for the health outcomes of patients and the costs of providing care during the full cycle of care.

The main objective …