Cost Control Theory Research Articles

Research on Fine Cost Control of Civil Engineering Works Supported by Building Information Modeling

Abstract The problems of cost control in the development process of the construction industry are endless, and cost control, as a core task in the process of project management, has a decisive role in the realization of project economic benefits. This paper combines the DEMATEL method and WBS work breakdown structure to screen and decompose the factors affecting cost under the cost control theory. Then, BIM5D technology is introduced to construct a refined cost control model based on the combination of the earned value method and BIM technology, in which the BIM-5D model can become its grassroots database and combined with the earned value method to provide the basic data for cost monitoring, cost early warning, cost correction and cost prediction, to realize an effective and refined control of costs. The case study shows that enterprise infrastructure, human resource management, internal logistics, procurement and bidding, cooperative and competitive relationships, technology development, project construction, completion and acceptance, and subsequent maintenance services all affect civil engineering costs. The control method can effectively control the construction progress and cost status, can play a good effect on the schedule-cost synergistic control, and provide support for the project management decisions of the constructor in the construction stage.

Robust Cruise Control for the Heavy Haul Train Subject to Disturbance and Actuator Saturation

This paper investigates the disturbance observer based robust cruise control problem for the heavy haul train with input saturation and disturbances. Both uncertain parameters and actuator saturation are taken into account in the dynamic model of the heavy haul train. To reject the influence of disturbances from the input channel, a linear disturbance observer is proposed to approximate the unknown disturbance, and an augmented system is constructed by combining the train state and the disturbance estimation error. According to the Lyapunov stability analysis method and the guaranteed cost control theory, a sufficient condition for the existence of the composite state-feedback control law and the disturbance observer parameter matrix are obtained, the coupler deviation and the disturbance estimation error are stable at the equilibrium point, and meanwhile the minimization of a given train performance index is ensured. Numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Mean-Field Control for Stochastic Delay Systems via Static Output Feedback Strategy

In this paper, we consider mean-field control based on the static output feedback (SOF) strategy for stochastic delay systems. First, we define a stabilization problem via SOF gains in block-diagonal forms for systems with a single player, and then solve the problem of minimizing the upper bound of the cost function by cost-guaranteed cost control theory. For this problem, the necessary conditions for the sub-optimality are established using stochastic large-scale matrix equations. The obtained preliminary results are then used to study Pareto optimal strategies in cooperative games, for mean-field stochastic systems involving a large number of players. The primary contribution of this study is the derivation of a design method for decentralized strategies. Furthermore, a new low-order computational algorithm based on Newton's method is developed to obtain the decentralized strategy set. The cost degradation of the proposed decentralized SOF strategy set is then estimated. Finally, a simple numerical example is presented to demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed method. As a result, it is determined that the decentralized SOF strategy works well even when the number of players goes to infinity.

Some Remarks on LQ Mean-Field Social Control Problems for Stochastic Input Delay Systems

In this study, we consider linear-quadratic (LQ) mean-field social control problems for a class of stochastic systems with ordinary control input and delay control input. We define a stabilization problem via a memoryless static output feedback (SOF) strategy and then solve the problem of minimizing the upper bound of the cost function using guaranteed cost control theory. It is found that the minimization of the upper bound of the cost function cannot be attained if only a delay control input exists. Futhermore, it is proved that it is impossible to implement a mean-field SOF strategy to solve the minimization problem, and the input matrix must have the same dimension as the state matrix. To solve this minimiztion problem, the necessary conditions for the sub-optimality are established via stochastic cross-coupled matrix equations (SCCMEs) using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker condition and the state feedback strategy. Finally, the performance and usefulness of the proposed strategy are investigated using an order-reduced scheme based on the direct method.

Internal cost control of health resort institutions: Methodological aspects

Subject. This article analyzes the activities of therapeutic resort and spa facilities from the point of view of the social importance of the population's health. It discusses the problems of improving the system of cost control and calculating the cost of a unit of services provided by these facilities to obtain reliable information and optimize the costs. Objectives. Based on the analysis of statistical information and scientific sources, the article aims to form an opinion on the state of the health resort complex, the structure of costs, and their share by items and elements in the total amount of production costs, and develop a methodology for their continuous control, taking into account the industry specifics to minimize risks. Methods. For the study, we used analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, literature review, and the calculation, graphical, accounting and analytical methods. Results. The article finds that the service provided by the health resort industry organizations is complex (accommodation, food, treatment) and therefore, it has a multi-element cost structure, which entails certain financial, tax, management risks that need continuous monitoring. Conclusions and Relevance. The proposed methodology helps to continuously control the costs of a multi-component service provided by economic entities of the health resort sector, optimizing them taking into account the industry specifics. This makes it possible to make this service more accessible to all segments of the population. The results of the study can be used in the theory and practice of internal cost control and the formation of the cost of a unit of services provided by the health resort institutions, as well as for further scientific developments and practical application.

The contract-type choice for short-term software development outsourcing: The role of behaviour-based formal control

With this article, we contribute to the recent debate regarding the role of transaction cost economics in IT outsourcing and software development outsourcing research. Our focus is on the contract-type choice for short-term software development outsourcing. For this purpose, we critically examine transaction cost economics and the extant IT outsourcing/software development outsourcing literature and propose a framework which classifies software development outsourcing transactions according to transaction frequency and transaction investment characteristics. The framework identifies short-term software development outsourcing as an occasional, idiosyncratic transaction. Based on this groundwork, we clarify the concept of short-term contract and put forward that such a transaction is governed by a short-term contract. Following transaction cost economics and control theory, our resulting theoretical considerations infer that for short-term software development outsourcing, the vendor’s high human asset specificity and the resulting behaviour-based outcome control, the monitoring of the developer staff, are the triggers for contract-type decisions. Accordingly, staff monitoring by the client should result in Time & Material contracts, whereas staff monitoring by the vendor should result in Fixed Price contracts. We develop corresponding hypotheses which we test with 468 specific contract records for short-term software development outsourcing. The results confirm the transaction cost economics–based recommendations for contract-type choice. We therefore conclude that the advice of the transaction cost economics to use certain governance structures according to transaction attributes is also applicable to IT outsourcing/software development outsourcing transactions. We suggest further exploration of specific contract records to substantiate our results.

A Novel Coordinated Algorithm for Vehicle Stability Based on Optimal Guaranteed Cost Control Theory

A Novel Coordinated Algorithm for Vehicle Stability Based on Optimal Guaranteed Cost Control Theory

Fund Management Method of Ocean Shipping Enterprises Based on Cost Control Theory

Fund Management Method of Ocean Shipping Enterprises Based on Cost Control Theory

Fund Management and Risk Control of Listed Ocean Shipping Companies Based on Cost Control Theory

Lin, Y. and Han, S., 2020. Fund management and risk control of listed ocean shipping companies based on cost control theory. In: Gong, D.; Zhang, M., and Liu, R. (eds.), Advances in Coastal Research: Engineering, Industry, Economy, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 106, pp. 237–241. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Fund management and risk control of listed ocean shipping companies directly affect the development of enterprises, and cost control is an effective method to improve the ability of fund management and reduce risks. This article attempts to study the fund management and risk control of listed shipping companies based on cost control theory. To this end, it first explores the factors affecting the shipping costs of listed ocean shipping companies, then analyzes the change trends of fund management and risk control in these companies. Finally, it proposes the construction of financial risk management mechanisms for listed ocean shipping companies. The research found that the interaction between internal environmental factors and external environmental factors together affected the transportation costs of listed ocean shipping companies. Taking COSCO Group as an example, it was found to have particular cash financing risk, and its short-term debt service risk was low, but in the long run, COSCO Group has a high debt repayment risk. Cost control is conducive to reducing corporate costs, and COSCO's financial assets have good potential. China's listed ocean shipping companies should establish a financial risk management system, and their financial risks should be measured in terms of profitability, solvency, economic efficiency, etc. The research findings play a significant role in improving the fund management capabilities and reducing risks of China's listed ocean shipping companies.

Cost Control Method for Goods Transportation of Coastal Enterprises Based on Earned Value Method

Gao, S., 2020. Cost control method for goods transportation of coastal enterprises based on earned value method. In: Yang, Y.; Mi, C.; Zhao, L., and Lam, S. (eds.), Global Topics and New Trends in Coastal Research: Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 103, pp. 674–677. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Currently, the coastal transportation industry is in a fierce global competitive environment, and companies are trying to compete for the market and customers by reducing costs and improving service quality. In order to strengthen cost control of transportation enterprises and improve their management level, this paper proposes a cost control method for goods transportation of coastal enterprises based on earned value method. Based on the characteristics of cargo transportation of coastal enterprises, the composition of transportation cost is analyzed comprehensively. The principle of cost control theory is introduced. It is clear that the controllability of cost has a great relationship with the time and space range of control objects. of control objects. This work analyses the specific composition of transportation cost in China under different classification methods, summarizes its cost characteristics, and preliminarily discusses the control methods that ocean container transportation enterprises should adopt according to these cost characteristics. An example of logistics freight transportation cost shows that the control of transportation cost of water-rail intermodal logistics lies mainly on the control of the whole operation process. The strategies of control optimization mainly include: optimizing infrastructure and special equipment, adopting advanced information system, cultivating high-quality personnel system and improving system environment.

A Fund Management Method for Ocean Shipping Companies Based on Cost Control Theory

Xu, N.; Ma, Y., and Wang, J., 2019. A fund management method for ocean shipping companies based on cost control theory. In: Li, L.; Wan, X., and Huang, X. (eds.), Recent Developments in Practices and Research on Coastal Regions: Transportation, Environment and Economy. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 98, pp. 30–33. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Fund management is the core of the financial management of ocean shipping companies, and it is related to the operation scale and operation ability of the entire company. The cost control theory involves the corporate operation control system and the accounting control system, which can guide the company to obtain the maximum benefit. On the basis of the theory of cost control, this paper explores the control system and organizational structure of the fund management of ocean shipping companies in China, and proves the advantages of unified fund management through practical examples. The research results show that ocean shipping has become an important transportation method for international trade; the conditions of fund management in ocean shipping companies are becoming more and more severe, and using centralized management and unified approval to manage the funds can produce maximum benefits; moreover, by allocating the flow of funds of each branch, the outflow of funds from the headquarters of ocean shipping companies can be reduced, and the maximum benefit of the funds can be achieved as well. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the fund management of ocean shipping companies.

Robust Control Design of MMC-HVDC Systems Using Multivariable Optimal Guaranteed Cost Approach

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) represents the important technological innovation that emerged among the diverse available topologies of voltage source converter and is avowedly the most suitable solution for converters in high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission and multiterminal direct current grids. Special focus is given through this paper to the dynamic performance of an MMC-based, point-to-point HVDC system. Using an optimal guaranteed cost control theory, a robust control approach is designed in order to reject the impact of the unmodeled uncertainty, mainly in the ac side of the MMC. For this aim, a small-signal state-space linear model is derived for the control design of an advanced local controller of each MMC station. Furthermore, a new optimal guaranteed cost controller is proposed based on the convex optimization problem using linear matrix inequality optimization approach. The proposed strategy leads to regulate simultaneously the ac grid and differential currents as well as total stored energy per phase in abc frame. To ensure the energy balancing between upper and lower arm per phase, an outer control loop is used in order to control the energy difference per phase between upper and lower arms of MMC. For the MMC linked to HVDC system, the active power reference is generated through an outer classical dc voltage controller. This combined control strategy between classic and advanced robust regulation methods allows exploiting the advantages of both control methods. Effectiveness of the proposed optimal robust control strategy for point-to-point MMC-HVDC system is evaluated across accurate and skillful simulation study under MATLAB/SimPowerSystem environment. The simulation results convince satisfactory dynamics responses of a two-terminal MMC-HVDC system based on the robust control approach under various operating conditions, even under unbalanced ac grid conditions (e.g., asymmetrical fault).

Health Reform and Theories of Cost Control

Health care costs and affordability are critical issues to consumers. Just as we assess the coverage impacts of a health reform proposal, we should be able to evaluate how the plan will constrain health care costs: its theory of cost control. This essay provides a framework to assess health reform plans on their theories of cost control, identifying the key policy tools to constrain health care costs organized in a two-by-two matrix across the following dimensions: price vs. utilization and public vs. private payers. It then applies the framework to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Republican's 2017 legislative efforts to repeal and replace the ACA to identify their general theories of cost control, revealing on the plans' strengths, blind spots, and incoherence.

Optimal control of uncertain nonlinear quadratic systems

This paper addresses the problem of robust and optimal control for the class of nonlinear quadratic systems subject to norm-bounded parametric uncertainties and disturbances. By using an approach based on the guaranteed cost control theory, a technique is proposed to design a state feedback controller ensuring for the closed-loop system: (i) the local exponential stability of the zero equilibrium point; (ii) the inclusion of a given region into the domain of exponential stability of the equilibrium point; (iii) the satisfaction of a guaranteed level of performance, in terms of boundedness of some optimality indexes. In particular, a sufficient condition for the existence of a state feedback controller satisfying a prescribed integral–quadratic index is provided, followed by a sufficient condition for the existence of a state feedback controller satisfying a given L2-gain disturbance rejection constraint. By the proposed design procedures, the optimal control problems dealt with here can be efficiently solved as Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) optimization problems.

A Novel SHLNN Based Robust Control and Tracking Method for Hypersonic Vehicle under Parameter Uncertainty

Hypersonic vehicle is a typical parameter uncertain system with significant characteristics of strong coupling, nonlinearity, and external disturbance. In this paper, a combined system modeling approach is proposed to approximate the actual vehicle system. The state feedback control strategy is adopted based on the robust guaranteed cost control (RGCC) theory, where the Lyapunov function is applied to get control law for nonlinear system and the problem is transformed into a feasible solution by linear matrix inequalities (LMI) method. In addition, a nonfragile guaranteed cost controller solved by LMI optimization approach is employed to the linear error system, where a single hidden layer neural network (SHLNN) is employed as an additive gain compensator to reduce excessive performance caused by perturbations and uncertainties. Simulation results show the stability and well tracking performance for the proposed strategy in controlling the vehicle system.

A Study on the Collaborative Mechanism Based on Cost Control Theory in Coastal Harbor Logistics

Under the increasingly stable state of both the transaction scale of foreign trade business and the throughput, the collaborative development among the coastal harbor and regional economy has been become the crucial way for competence improvement. This paper showed through empirical study that the harbor logistics shall have the positive correlation with the development of regional economy, thus based on the perspective of cost control study, this paper objectively analyzed the practical problems existed among the logistics operation of coastal harbor in China, established the logistics collaborative operation mode in strategical, business, information and fund interface, and proposed the policy suggestion to reduce the logistic cost from the two dimensions of the local government and coastal harbor, so as to benefit the development of regional economy.

Driving Force Guaranteed Cost Control Method for Independent Four Wheels-Drive Electric Vehicle

As energy shortages in recent years, pollution-free cars are urgent needed, so electric cars become engineering research focus. Dynamics of vehicle with four independently-driving wheels is analyzed to show the purpose of vehicle running control. Dynamic response model of driving system is obtained through system identification, and then be transformed into a control model of driving system. The whole vehicle control method is designed, guaranteed cost control theory is used to design system feedback controller. The equality torque driving force distribution strategy is applied in experiment, and this method has achieved good results.

Robust stabilization of multimodeling systems via guaranteed cost control theory

AbstractThis paper considers the robust stabilization of uncertain multimodeling systems. The guaranteed cost control technique is used to choose the design parameter which is included in the control gain. The ε‐independent quadratically stabilizing controller is newly proposed. It is shown that if the reduced‐order algebraic Riccati equations (AREs) have positive definite stabilizing solutions, then closed‐loop uncertain multimodeling systems with the proposed controller are quadratically stable and have a cost bound. To show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, a numerical example is included. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 160(4): 49– 59, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20271

The Guaranteed Cost Control Problem of Uncertain Singularly Perturbed Systems

In this paper we study the algebraic Riccati equation corresponding to the guaranteed cost control theory for an uncertain singularly perturbed system. The construction of the controller involves solving the full-order algebraic Riccati equation with small parameter ε. Under control-oriented assumptions, we first provide the sufficient conditions such that the full-order algebraic Riccati equation has a positive semi-definite stabilizing solution. Next we propose an iterative algorithm based on the Kleinman algorithm to solve the algebraic Riccati equation which depends on the parameter ε. Our new idea is to use the solutions of the reduced-order algebraic Riccati equations for the initial condition. By using the iterative algorithm, we can easily obtain a required solution of the algebraic Riccati equation. Moreover, using the initial conditions without ε, we show that there exists an ε̃ such that the proposed algorithm has quadratic convergence. Finally, in order to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, numerical examples are included.

Construction and View of Chain Integration Key System for Cost Control

The decrease of the total cost from the design to construction and the maintenance control is strongly requested in the construction industry in recent years.Moreover, in accordance with the reformation of the tender and the contract system and internationalization of construction market, it is expected that the decrease of construction cost will become one of most important problems to be solved.On the other hand, progress of information communication industry is marvelous and these information communication technology is indispensable in the construction industry for the efficiency improvement of the production system. This report describes the theory of new cost control (introducion of “construction budget classification code”), paying attention to consistency and sharing of the data, which aims at the decrease of the cost and its systematization and construction as for the cost control in the production system.