Field(s) of Expertise/Research Area(s)

Supply chain management,  transportation systems, vehicle routing and scheduling, applied optimization

Courses

381  Supply Chain Modeling and Analysis
480-1  Production and Logistics I
482  Routing and Scheduling

Biography

Dr. Smilowitz studies the opportunities and challenges of introducing operational flexibility in distribution systems. With more flexibility, it is possible to significantly improve system efficiency (greater utilization of employees and equipment, reduction in empty miles traveled, etc.). At the same time, increasing flexibility expands the set of operational choices (possible vehicle routes, load assignments, etc.) which complicates already difficult routing and scheduling problems. Dr. Smilowitz has developed innovative modeling and solution techniques for these complex transportation systems. She has worked in both commercial applications (e.g., package delivery networks, intermodal drayage) and non-profit applications (e.g., interlibrary loan delivery, emergency supply distribution).

In my research, we consider the opportunities and challenges of introducing operational flexibility in freight transportation. With more flexibility, it is possible to significantly improve system efficiency (greater utilization of employees and equipment, reduction in empty miles traveled, etc.). At the same time, increasing flexibility expands the set of operational choices (possible vehicle routes, load assignments, etc.) which complicates already difficult routing and scheduling problems. Often analysis of these complex freight transportation systems requires approximations and simplifications in modeling and solution methods to obtain solutions with acceptable computational effort (i.e., computer time and memory).
 

Research

P. Francis, K. Smilowitz and M. Tzur, "Flexibility and Complexity in Periodic Distribution Problems," Naval Research Logistics, forthcoming, 2007.

K. Smilowitz and C. Daganzo, "Cost Modeling and Design Techniques for Integrated Package Distribution Systems," Networks, forthcoming, 2007.

P. Francis, K. Smilowitz and M. Tzur, "The Period Vehicle Routing Problem with Service Choice," Transportation Science, Volume 40, Number 4, pp. 439-45

K. Smilowitz. 2006. "Multi-Resource Routing with Flexible Tasks: An Application in Drayage Operations," IIE Transactions, Volume 38, Number 7, June 2006, pp. 577 - 590.

Honors and Awards

• Sloan Industry Studies Fellowship, 2005
• National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipient, 2004-2009
• National Academy of Engineering Frontiers of Engineering Participant 2004
• Searle Junior Faculty Fellow, Northwestern University, 2003-2004