General information
Type: Semester project or Master project
Period: Autumn 2021
Project directors: Prof. François Maréchal (IPESE-EPFL)
Assistants: Rafael Amoedo (IPESE-EPFL)
Project description
Supply chains are an intricate set of connections between different actors, who have different goals and preferences and are affected by uncertainty at multiple levels. Optimization tools oftentimes try to find the overall minimum in total cost. However, this solution is frequently not chosen, but rather sub-optimal configurations are preferred, which account for the preferences of individual stakeholders. In this project, the goal is to properly incorporate stakeholders’ preferences in decision-making and accounting for uncertainty at different stages.
Highlights:
- Identify and compare different methods to find the most relevant parameters in supply chain design.
- Identify and compare strategies to cope with multistakeholder preferences in supply chain problems.
- Embed uncertainty in an optimization framework to generate robust and resilient supply chain designs.
- Develop risk assessment metrics for performance evaluation.
- Example of application to waste and/or biomass supply chain design in Switzerland.
The project can fit into either a semester project or a master thesis work. Expectations and outcome will be adapted accordingly.
Required skills:
- Good coding skills (Python, Lua, R).
- Good knowledge and/or willingness to learn statistics and data analysis tools.
- Highly motivated and able to work in an autonomous way.
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply
If interested, please take contact with Rafael Amoedo attaching your CV, Cover Letter and transcript of records (Bachelor’s and Master’s).
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Early applications are encouraged.
Practical information
- The IPESE group is located in Sion (EPFL Valais) at about 1h05 from Lausanne train station. Master students are expected to carry their thesis and be present at least 4 days out of 5, and semester students 1. Compensation is provided by EPFL at the middle of the semester, given that the student has come actively to Sion.
- Such projects may be carried in groups (in this case, the scope will be adapted appropriately, as well as the supervision).