Order Selection

We assume a simultaneous order selection process where P ≥ 0 orders have been accumulated over a specific decision period (e.g., 1 week or 1 month) (cf. Stam and Gardiner [295]). Each order p (p = 1,..., P) is characterized by a value (such as the profit or the contribution margin), a time window where, if accepted, the delivery of the order has to take place, and a set of precedence related tasks which have to be accomplished to complete the order. Each task relates to a specific work package which has to be performed by one department of the company, e.g., engineering, fabrication, or assembly.