Network optimization for optimal product mix decisions in a graphite mining production process

Autor: Karunamunige Sandun Madhuranga Karunamuni, Ekanayake Mudiyanselage Kapila Bandara Ekanayake, Subodha Dharmapriya, Asela Kumudu Kulatunga
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, Vol 6, Iss 3, Pp 208-231 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2690-6104
2690-6090
DOI: 10.1108/IJIEOM-12-2022-0072/full/pdf
Popis: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop a novel general mathematical model to find the optimal product mix of commercial graphite products, which has a complex production process with alternative sub-processes in the graphite mining production process. Design/methodology/approach – The network optimization was adopted to model the complex graphite mining production process through the optimal allocation of raw graphite, byproducts, and saleable products with comparable sub-processes, which has different processing capacities and costs. The model was tested on a selected graphite manufacturing company, and the optimal graphite product mix was determined through the selection of the optimal production process. In addition, sensitivity and scenario analyses were carried out to accommodate uncertainties and to facilitate further managerial decisions. Findings – The selected graphite mining company mines approximately 400 metric tons of raw graphite per month to produce ten types of graphite products. According to the optimum solution obtained, the company should produce only six graphite products to maximize its total profit. In addition, the study demonstrated how to reveal optimum managerial decisions based on optimum solutions. Originality/value – This study has made a significant contribution to the graphite manufacturing industry by modeling the complex graphite mining production process with a network optimization technique that has yet to be addressed at this level of detail. The sensitivity and scenario analyses support for further managerial decisions.
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