We consider the problem of minimizing staffing costs in an inbound call center, while maintaining an acceptable level of service in multiple time periods. The problem is complicated by the fact that staffing level in one time period can affect the service levels in subsequent periods. Moreover,...

In this paper, we propose a framework for selecting a high quality global optimal solution for discrete stochastic optimization problems with a predetermined confidence level using general random search methods. This procedure is based on performing the random search algorithm several...

We present a modification of the simulated annealing algorithm designed for solving discrete stochastic optimization problems. Like the original simulated annealing algorithm, our method has the hill climbing feature, so it can find global optimal solutions to discrete stochastic optimization...

A major assumption in the analysis of (s, S) inventory systems with stochastic lead times is that orders are received in the same sequence as they are placed. Even under this assumption, much of the work to date has focused on the unconstrained optimization of the system, in which a penalty cost...