Variable Pricing Research Articles

Efficient Online Heuristic Approach for Handling Fluctuation in Renewable Energy in a Microgrid

Renewable resources are prime contributors to energy in a microgrid. Fluctuation in the renewable outcome is inevitable because of strong dependence on the atmospheric condition. Energy storage systems (ESSs) are often used to mitigate variability issues. Development of efficient methodology to supply necessary electrical energy to the load from a combination of ESS and utility grid with minimal cost is the need of the hour. The variable pricing scheme adds another dimension to the problem. In this article, we propose a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation to find an optimal operation schedule of charging/discharging of an ESS offline. As MILP formulation fails to scale for large inputs, we propose a heuristic algorithm, namely, intelligent day-ahead schedule with predicted renewable energy heuristic algorithm, to quickly find a good solution. We propose another online heuristic strategy, namely, online scheduling algorithm (OSA), which can take account of real-time fluctuation. We provide an extensive comparative study of the different proposed approaches using the Pecan Street dataset. We observe that the OSA can provide a reasonably acceptable solution considering its minimal requirement of computing resources. Under a significant fluctuation in the renewable outcome, a maximum of 18% deviation was observed for the OSA compared to every slot optimal results, i.e., OSET <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$_\mathtt {on}$</tex-math></inline-formula> .

Impact of carbon emission reduction on supply chain model with manufacturing decisions and dynamic lead time under uncertain demand

Consignment stock policy plays a crucial role in stock management to accomplish more significant benefits for supply chain players. Accordingly, in this research, we developed an inventory model based on the vendor managed inventory and consignment stock agreement by delivering a single item from the single vendor to a single buyer under controllable lead time. Manufacturing industries are a major source of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Consumption of larger energy through non-renewable sources increases the use of fossils and coal. Though, this produces more waste and has a negative impact on the environment. In contrast to earlier research, logarithmic investment is employed to control the amount of carbon generated throughout the manufacturing process. The demand rate is treated as a pentagonal fuzzy number to account for the uncertainty. The primary goal of this study is to maximize gross profit with various realistic factors and reduce carbon emissions from the production process. Five numerical experiments, comparison and sensitivity analysis are performed to validate the proposed model. Finally, the benefits of variable pricing and investing in carbon reduction will assist industry managers in effectively managing pricing and inventory strategies to adopt a sustainable supply chain in an uncertain environment.

PENGARUH STRATEGI PEMASARAN TERHADAP PENINGKATAN VOLUME PENJUALAN LAHAN DI PT. KAWASAN INDUSTRI MODERN (PERSERO) MEDAN

This study aims to determine the effect of marketing strategies, namely pricing strategies and promotional costs carried out by PT. Kawasan Industri Modern (Persero) to increase the volume of land sales. The method used is a quantitative method. This study uses secondary data types and the data analysis used is multiple regression data analysis, partial regression analysis and equipped with classical assumption test. The results of the regression analysis show that partially the pricing strategy has a positive and significant effect on increasing the volume of land sales. Simultaneous or multiple regression testing of pricing and promotion strategies obtained constant values ​​and positive regression coefficients. And the value of R Square shows 0.75.3 or 75.3% which means that the marketing strategy carried out by PT. Kawasan Industri Modern (Persero) can be explained by the variable pricing strategy and promotion strategy while the remaining 24.7% is influenced by other factors not examined in this study. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that partially price and promotion have a positive and significant effect on increasing the volume of land sales and simultaneously price and promotion have a positive and significant effect on increasing land sales volume. Thus it can be suggested that PT. Kawasan Industri Modern (Persero) continues to carry out pricing strategies and also promotional costs that have a good impact on increasing land sales at PT. Kawasan Industri Modern (Persero).

Comprehensive spatial and cost assessment of urban transport options in Munich

The constant introduction of new mobility options in urban transportation complexifies the mode choice of individual users. Relevant indicators have to give users a reliable guideline for mode choice as well as giving municipalities and industry a reasonable guideline for strategic orientation. Therefore, in this paper, a comprehensive assessment of transport options is conducted for indicators such as travel time, costs, CO2 emissions and external costs. The main added value of this paper is the method employed: Trips with origin-destination (OD) coordinates are routed for different transport modes using Open Trip Planner (OTP). In the next step, a cost model calculates these indicators for all transport modes. The presented method can compare privately-owned vehicles with different propulsion types with conventional as well as new public mobility services from a spatial perspective within the Munich area as a case study. The comprehensive information provided by these results helps mobility stakeholders in the decision-making process. The thematic analysis potential of the method is shown in figures which present the efficiency and sustainability of transport modes in different contexts. Recommendations for individual users, the mobility industry, and political decision-makers can be derived from these figures to implement measures for more sustainable and efficient mobility. Results include, that i) Individual users are more cost-efficient when using shared mobility services depending on the annual mileage (below 5,000 km for cars); ii) electric vehicles will be the most cost-efficient propulsion type and, at the same time, have the lowest CO2 emissions. The visualized interdependencies between the guiding principles for transport planners and transport modes allow providers of mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platforms to integrate a variable pricing system according to these principles. Pricing models will be investigated in further studies.

Price differentiation in the alpine skiing industry—The challenges of demand shifting and capacity constraints under pandemics

The implementation of variable pricing at ski resorts can shift demand from peak periods to off-peak periods if at least some skiers have the flexibility and willingness to do so. This is often referred to as diversion, or demand shifting, and can directly affect the profit-maximizing prices ski resorts should set for their tickets. In this paper, we first model how diversion is related to various levels of the intra-weekly price differences at a ski resort. Then we use this model to recalculate the optimal variable prices a ski resort should set when accounting for the demand shifting and capacity constraints. The results show that the optimal prices the ski resort should set are influenced by both diversion and capacity constraints. The latter aspect is particularly relevant in the ongoing global pandemic. Ski resort managers can make direct use of our modelling framework and results when implementing new pricing strategies. • Variable pricing at ski resorts can shift demand from peak periods to off-peak periods. • The demand shifting will directly affect the optimal prices managers of ski resorts should set for the tickets. • Managers can use the proposed framework to model diversion as a function of intra-weekly price differences and use these results in a subsequent optimization model. • Our framework and results are also useful when implementing new pricing strategies during periods of strong capacity constraints (such as the ongoing pandemic).

PD41-09 VARIABILITY IN COST-EFFECTIVE PRICE POINTS FOR SINGLE-USE CYSTOSCOPES BASED ON PRACTICE VOLUME: A REAL-WORLD ANALYSIS OF TWO PRACTICES IN A MAJOR URBAN CENTER

You have accessJournal of UrologySurgical Technology & Simulation: Instrumentation & Technology II (PD41)1 Sep 2021PD41-09 VARIABILITY IN COST-EFFECTIVE PRICE POINTS FOR SINGLE-USE CYSTOSCOPES BASED ON PRACTICE VOLUME: A REAL-WORLD ANALYSIS OF TWO PRACTICES IN A MAJOR URBAN CENTER Evan Garden, James Young, Osama Al-Alao, Darren Deoraj, Greg Hruby, Alexander Small, and Michael Palese Evan GardenEvan Garden More articles by this author , James YoungJames Young More articles by this author , Osama Al-AlaoOsama Al-Alao More articles by this author , Darren DeorajDarren Deoraj More articles by this author , Greg HrubyGreg Hruby More articles by this author , Alexander SmallAlexander Small More articles by this author , and Michael PaleseMichael Palese More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002051.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The traditional cost of reusable cystoscopes (RC) is derived from up-front purchasing, repair fees and equipment reprocessing, whereas single-use, disposable cystoscopes (DC) trade off these indirect expenses for higher direct costs. Therefore, the point at which DCs become more cost-effective than RCs depends primarily on the price of the DC itself. We sought to define the optimal price point for cost-effectiveness of the Ambu® DC (aScope™ 4) versus the Olympus® digital RC (CYF-VHR and V2) for cystoscopies performed in two outpatient clinical settings: a high-volume (HV) multi-provider practice and low-volume (LV) single-provider practice. METHODS: The number of cystoscopies performed at HV and LV between 1/2019-12/2019 was recorded. A micro-costing analysis was performed for DC and RC procedures, incorporating purchasing price, sterilization supplies, repair fees, and personnel costs. Using a variable pricing model, the optimal DC price was calculated – that is, the price of each individual DC, valve seal, and stopcock at which the per-case cost for cystoscopy performed with DC and RC was equal. RESULTS: Cystoscopies performed at the HV [n=1984] and LV[n=245] utilized nine and two RCs, respectively. Taking into consideration relevant expenses for procedures at each clinic, the HV operated at a cost of $65.98/case and the LV operated at a cost of $232.62/case with reusable equipment. For a complete transition from reusable-to-disposable equipment to be economically feasible, the HV would need to purchase each DC at a maximum price of $46.60 to maintain cost-effectiveness. At the LV practice the maximum cost-effective price for DCs would be $28.64. CONCLUSIONS: For both practices, an economically feasible DC price was <$50. This price was lower for the LV practice, suggesting that a practice run entirely with disposable equipment may be less financially feasible for low- versus high-volume clinics. Purchasing groups must be familiar with the economic implications of varying price points during negotiations to mitigate financial strain on the practice. Source of Funding: N/A © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e684-e684 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Evan Garden More articles by this author James Young More articles by this author Osama Al-Alao More articles by this author Darren Deoraj More articles by this author Greg Hruby More articles by this author Alexander Small More articles by this author Michael Palese More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Will It Fly? Adoption of the road pricing framework to manage drone use of airspace

• We adopt the theoretical road pricing framework to examine user charging potential in air drone use. • Responses from 825 active drone flyers were analysed using a random parameters logit model. • WTP of $0.11 for flying a drone in a safe and orderly manner for one hour was found. • Modelling also shows much higher WTPs for various currently prohibited activities (e.g. fly at night) • A LAAM system with variable user charges is preferred and fairer than flat registration fees/taxes. Applications and demand for airborne drone operations, including urban air mobility, are growing rapidly in regional and metropolitan areas. However, the expected traffic volumes in cities will make it impossible to operate drones in uncontrolled airspace. Despite the wealth of literature on pricing transport infrastructure usage showing that variable pricing is the optimal way for charging for road use, jurisdictions are reluctant to move towards this efficient mechanism evident in the slow uptake of road pricing implementation globally. What is worse, regulations have been drafted to tax the drone growth similarly to cars proposing the adoption of annual registration fees for drones. This paper proposes that drone use should instead adopt a pricing structure modelled on road user charging, and presents evidence suggesting that a case can be made for enabling controlled and fair growth through low altitude airspace management (LAAM) systems and variable drone user charges. A stated preference experiment with 825 respondents who actively fly drones has shown user charge potential in way of willingness to pay (WTP) of A$0.11 for flying a drone for one hour. Random parameters logit models further allowed us to establish much higher WTP for various currently not permitted activities such as A$7.09 to fly beyond line of flight or A$4.29 to fly outside daylight hours. As such, if those occasional uses are variably charged, we argue that a commercially viable LAAM system could be implemented, and low altitude air traffic user charging could overtake implementation of the wider (i.e. road) transport capacity pricing on the fast lane.

Effects of Dynamic Pricing on the Design and Operation of Distributed Energy Resource Networks

This paper presents a framework for the use of variable pricing to control electricity imported/exported to/from both fixed and unfixed residential distributed energy resource (DER) network designs. The framework shows that networks utilizing much of their own energy, and importing little from the national grid, are barely affected by dynamic import pricing, but are encouraged to sell more by dynamic export pricing. An increase in CO2 emissions per kWh of energy produced is observed for dynamic import and export, against a baseline configuration utilizing constant pricing. This is due to feed-in tariffs (FITs) that encourage CHP generation over lower-carbon technologies. Furthermore, batteries are shown to be expensive in systems receiving income from FITs and grid exports, but for the cases when they sell to/buy from the grid using dynamic pricing, their use in the networks becomes more economical.

Pricing practices of football and basketball clubs in Italy

Revenue management is widely adopted across industries—except in the sports industry. In the context of the present study, we contact every single football and soccer club belonging to the top league in Italy—one of the world’s most successful football nations—and obtain responses from close to half of all clubs. We find that one-third of all football clubs apply revenue management, far more than basketball clubs. Basketball clubs rely heavily on fixed pricing, whereas soccer clubs use variable pricing or revenue management. Study data also suggest that perceived barriers to revenue management include a fear of alienating customers or perceived high implementation costs; since experiences of revenue management implementation are overwhelmingly positive, this study suggests that the fears of revenue management implementation are overblown. This study advances research on the practical implementation of revenue management in non-traditional industries and provides an encouragement for executives working in other industries to implement revenue management.

A Two-Stage Stochastic Optimisation Methodology for the Operation of a Chlor-Alkali Electrolyser under Variable DAM and FCR Market Prices

The increased penetration of renewable energy sources in the electrical grid raises the need for more power system flexibility. One of the high potential groups to provide such flexibility is the industry. Incentives to do so are provided by variable pricing and remuneration of supplied ancillary services. The operational flexibility of a chlor-alkali electrolysis process shows opportunities in the current energy and ancillary services markets. A co-optimisation of operating the chlor-alkali process under an hourly variable priced electricity sourcing strategy and the delivery of Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR) is the core of this work. A short term price prediction for the Day-Ahead Market (DAM) and FCR market as input for a deterministic optimisation shows good results under standard DAM price patterns, but leaves room for improvement in case of price fluctuations, e.g., as caused by Renewable Energy Sources (RES). A two-stage stochastic optimisation is considered to cope with the uncertainties introduced by the exogenous parameters. An improvement of the stochastic solution over the deterministic Expected Value (EV) solution is shown.

Robust Distributed Fixed-Time Economic Dispatch Under Time-Varying Topology

The centralized power generation infrastructure that defines the North American electric grid is slowly moving to the distributed architecture due to the explosion in use of renewable generation and distributed energy resources (DERs), such as residential solar, wind turbines and battery storage. Furthermore, variable pricing policies and profusion of flexible loads entail frequent and severe changes in power outputs required from the individual generation units, requiring fast availability of power allocation. To this end, a fixed-time convergent, fully distributed economic dispatch algorithm for scheduling optimal power generation among a set of DERs is proposed. The proposed algorithm incorporates both load balance and generation capacity constraints.

Flexible CO2 capture in China

CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is an important option for coal-fired power plants in China since they currently contribute about half the country’s CO2 emissions and the average age of the fleet is currently less than 15 years old. Previous studies on the operation of CO2 capture systems have identified several strategies for flexible operation that can improve the economics of CCS. However, these analyses assume liberalized electricity markets with variable pricing and very high levels of mandated capture leading to significant economic penalties associated with excess emissions. This is not the current situation in China. Here, we clarify the drivers and constraints for flexible CO2 capture applied to the power sector in China and show how optimal strategies could diverge, in the short to intermediate term, from best practices in other parts of the world. We complement this general analysis with a look at the ground-level situation in two regions in northern China where CCS is promising. Both perspectives suggest that strategies for flexible operation of CO2 capture developed to take advantage of variable dispatch prices in liberalized electricity markets are not valid in the China context in the near to intermediate term. Instead, we conclude that efforts to optimize the flexibility of CO2 capture should focus on capital cost reductions and flexibility in system design in support of staged deployment, along with the possibility of coordinated action across power plant fleets.

Techno‐economic potential of battery energy storage systems in frequency response and balancing mechanism actions

Batteries offer a combination of balancing and regulation services within a smart grid to improve its resilience and flexibility. Maintaining an acceptable state of health and the highest rate of return requires dynamic modelling of the asset and rigorous optimisation. The authors compare the technical cost and economic benefit of battery employment in dynamic frequency and balancing mechanism actions in a smart grid. They use the services procured by National Grid in the UK as a case study but the methodology is globally applicable, including developing grid infrastructures. Their methodology yields the most optimum scenario of service participation, accounting for the dynamic degradation and considering variable pricing of electricity throughout the day. Additionally, it advises the most optimal despatch schedule and price declarations for the battery over the course a day and a year, employing particle swarm optimisation algorithm and historic data. Their results demonstrate that ordinarily frequency response is preferred due to its lower technical toll and payments for availability rather than despatch. However, the proposed despatch schedule including both services provides the highest profit. They anticipate this methodology to become the basis for more sophisticated battery models that integrate the service despatch optimisation, dynamic lifetime degradation and economic analysis.

ANALISIS PENGARUH CITRA MEREK, HARGA DAN KUALITAS PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN HANDPHONE SAMSUNG (BERBASIS ANDROID ) TAHUN 2019 (Studi kasus pada dosen dan mahasiswa pengguna smartphone Samsung Di Universitas Boyolali)

This research aims to know the influence of brand image, price, and product quality of samsung smartphone purchases on all student users of samsung mobile phones (android-based) at the University of Boyolali. The technique of collecting data which used of these tests are the questionnaire and the interviews conducted in the months april and stay there until 2019 mt gas bali on june .The technique of the sample collection that is used accidental the sampling method of , all of the data have been analyzed from the analysis the percentage of , it is anticipated that analysis linear regression of multiple , the fit and proper test classical economic assumptions agreed to at , the test and been approved f , a satire or a reflecti efforts whatever survives this test and coefficients of determination. Percent of the population in this research was lecturers and students the user of mobile phone samsung ( the android based ) at the university of boyolali&#x0D; , with samples from 100 respondents in the present study. From hypothesis testing in mind that the goal of brand, price and quality of products simultaneously influential buying decision significantly to Samsung mobile phone (android-based). Partially variable of influential brand image quality significantly to purchase Samsung mobile (android-based). While variable pricing and product quality partially do not affect purchase decisions significantly to Samsung mobile phone (android-based).&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: brand image, price, product quality, purchase decision.

The Impact of Customer Valuation Uncertainty on Software Licensing

This paper studies how an important feature of software adoption impacts a software vendor’s preference between perpetual and subscription-based licensing: Customers are uncertain about their valuation of the software prior to adoption. We show that customer valuation uncertainty causes the equilibrium outcome to depart from that of standard durable-goods theories in two aspects: (1) Contrary to the conventional wisdom of durable-goods theories that subscription-based licensing is optimal, perpetual licensing can be more profitable for the vendor than subscription-based licensing under some conditions. This result offers a possible explanation for the historical prevalence of perpetual licensing in many software markets. (2) When subscription-based licensing is optimal, our theory suggests a low-then-high variable pricing path. In contrast, standard durable-goods theories suggest charging the monopoly leasing price in each period. Such a variable pricing path and the resulting adoption pattern are consistent with market observations (e.g., pricing strategy by Adobe Systems). We also examine a variation of subscription-based licensing in which the vendor offers a menu of subscription options varying in license duration and shows that customer valuation uncertainty is critical for this strategy to outperform perpetual licensing under some conditions. Moreover, we find that customer valuation uncertainty can cause the vendor to prefer a licensing strategy that is not socially optimal.

Battery Storage for Ancillary Services in Smart Distribution Grids

Abstract Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) for prosumers in distribution grids can be used to increase self-consumption of a PV installation and to stack ancillary services. A variable pricing strategy is used to incentivise prosumers to participate in some ancillary services while other ancillary services are implemented through an economic remuneration or penalty. A model is developed in Python and OpenDSS to determine the optimal economic operation strategy for prosumer scale BESSs while stacking services. The model is tested on the IEEE European low voltage test feeder. It is concluded that stacking ancillary services can benefit the flexibility, safety, reliability and quality of the grid and increases the economic potential of the BESS.

A data-driven approach to improving hospital waste management

ABSTRACT This study aims to clarify the factors influencing the financial burden of medical waste management (MWM) on public hospitals, and develop a best-reduced model for predicting MWM cost for hospitals. The medical waste generation rate was computed considering the hospital type and its location. MWM cost in selected hospitals was calculated using the variable pricing method. The mean medical waste generation rate was 0.70 kg per bed per day and 11 kg per surgical procedure. On average, with a daily 420 kg medical waste generated, urban hospitals were the major sources of medical waste. MWM cost in urban hospitals was much greater than that in rural hospitals. The results present an evaluation of how well MWM cost can be predicted by the number of surgical procedures, outpatients and distance of the hospital from the city centre. This study highlights the fact that cost-saving strategies at hospital organizational level are essential for reducing the enhanced MWM cost in hospitals.

Scarcity-Based Price Promotions: How Effective are they in a Revenue Management Environment?

Two key characteristics of revenue management (RM) environments–fixed capacity and the application of variable pricing–have the potential to influence consumers’ reactions to scarcity-based price promotions. In this study, we explore consumer reaction to two types of restrictions on price promotions-limited-time scarcity (LTS) and demand-driven limited-quantity scarcity (LQS)-in the RM context. We propose a moderated mediation model, wherein perceived consumer competition, perceived price uncertainty, and anticipated regret mediate the price promotion type (restricted vs. unrestricted)-booking intentions relationship, and booking lead-time moderates the relationship of price promotion type with perceived consumer competition and price uncertainty. Our findings suggest that LTS and LQS are effective in driving consumers’ perceptions of competition for available inventory and price uncertainty when booking lead-time is long. In turn, heightened perceptions of competition and price uncertainty amplify anticipated regret, leading to a positive effect on booking intentions. Conversely, when booking lead-time is short, restrictions-based price promotions do not differ significantly from nonrestricted promotions in terms of their effect on consumers’ booking intentions. This research provides guidance for hospitality marketing managers regarding how, and when, to employ scarcity-based price promotions to influence consumers’ booking behavior.

Variable pricing: an integrated airline pricing and revenue management model

We propose a variable pricing model (VPM) for airline pricing and revenue management. Combining existing elasticity based fare–demand functions and deterministic linear programs (DLP), VPM formulates the interaction between change in fare and demand of related products, introduces fare as a decision variable in the optimization problem, and simultaneously computes the optimal pair of allocation and fare for each product. We solve nonlinear programs of VPM using the Frank–Wolfe algorithm and its variant. The proposed method has been implemented in the existing module of Sabre and tested using synthetized data from a medium-sized airline. Numerical results show that our model is scalable, and the outcome of VPM significantly increases revenue, traffic, and load factors compared to existing methods.

Ideology and Value Determinants of Public Support for Energy Policies in the U.S.: A Focus on Western States

Energy policy is often a contentious issue in the U.S. in the areas of infrastructure, conservation, and price discrimination. From the siting of new pipelines, conservation regulations, and variable pricing based on times and usage, many policies have been met by intense opposition as well as support from a variety of sources. In this context, this study examines individual-level attributes (e.g., political ideology, environmental values, and demographic characteristics) that lead to support for or opposition to infrastructure, conservation, and price discrimination policies. The identification of demographic and value correlates of energy policy preferences is important for the successful development of energy policies. Data from 2019 random household surveys in the U.S. western states of California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are used to examine the variation in views on a variety of energy policies. Multivariate analyses reveal that those with more liberal political ideology and people holding stronger pro-environmental values (as measured by the New Ecological Paradigm) were more likely to support conservation campaigns, energy efficiency, funding for renewable energy technology and price discrimination policies than those who held more conservative views. Several demographic variables also have a significant impact on support for or opposition to policies concerning infrastructure, conservation, and price discrimination. Younger people and people with higher levels of formal education are more likely to support voluntary energy conservation campaigns and increased funding for research into renewable energy technologies, and people with higher incomes are more supportive of requiring high-energy efficiency standards in new construction. Finally, state residency independently affected policy preferences with Idahoans’ views more consistent with political conservatives and those lower on the NEP than residents of the other three western states. These findings should be useful to policy makers as they work toward the development of energy policies.