Nitish Umang

Journal publications [3]

2017

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Erera A. (2017). Real-time management of berth allocation with stochastic arrival and handling times. Journal of Scheduling 20 (1):67-83


@Article{UmanBierErer16,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Alan Erera},
  title = {Real-time management of berth allocation with stochastic arrival and handling times},
  journal = {Journal of Scheduling},
  year = {2017},
  volume = {20},
  number = {1},
  pages = {67-83},
  DOI = {10.1007/s10951-016-0480-2},
  note = {Accepted on Mar 23, 2016}}}

2014

Robenek T., Umang N., Bierlaire M., Ropke S. (2014). A Branch-and-Price Algorithm to Solve the Integrated Berth Allocation and Yard Assignment Problem in Bulk Ports. European Journal of Operational Research 235 (2):399-411

In this research, two crucial optimization problems of berth allocation and yard assignment in the context of bulk ports are studied. We discuss how these problems are interrelated and can be combined and solved as a single large scale optimization problem. More importantly we highlight the differences in operations between bulk ports and container terminals which high- lights the need to devise specific solutions for bulk ports. The objective is to minimize the total service time of vessels berthing at the port. We propose an exact solution algorithm based on a branch and price framework to solve the integrated problem. In the proposed model, the mas- ter problem is formulated as a set-partitioning problem, and subproblems to identify columns with negative reduced costs are solved using mixed integer programming. To obtain sub-optimal solutions quickly, a metaheuristic approach based on critical-shaking neighborhood search is pre- sented. The proposed algorithms are tested and validated through numerical experiments based on instances inspired from real bulk port data. The results indicate that the algorithms can be successfully used to solve instances containing up to 40 vessels within reasonable computational time.
```
@Article{RobeUmanBierRopk13,
  author = {Tom\'a\v{s} Robenek and Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Stefan Ropke},
  title = {A Branch-and-Price Algorithm to Solve the Integrated Berth Allocation and Yard Assignment Problem in Bulk Ports},
  journal = {European Journal of Operational Research},
  year = {2014},
  volume = {235},
  number = {2},
  pages = {399-411},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.ejor.2013.08.015},
  note = {Accepted on Aug 12, 2013}}}
```

2013

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Vacca I. (2013). Exact and Heuristic Methods to Solve the Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review 54 :14-31

In this paper, we study the dynamic hybrid berth allocation problem in bulk ports with the objective to minimize the total service times of the vessels. We propose two exact methods based on mixed integer progra mming and generalized set partitionin g, and a heuristic method based on squeaky wheel optimization, explicitly considering the cargo type on the vessel. The formulations are compared through extensive numer ical experiments based on instances inspired from real bulk port data. The results indicate that the set partitioning method and the heuristic method can be used to obtain near-optimal solutions for even larger problem size.
```
@Article{UmanBierVac13,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Ilaria Vacca},
  title = {Exact and Heuristic Methods to Solve the Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports},
  journal = {Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review},
  year = {2013},
  volume = {54},
  pages = {14-31},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.tre.2013.03.003},
  note = {Accepted on Mar 16, 2013}}}
```

Technical reports [4]

2013

Umang N., Erera A., Bierlaire M. (2013). The robust single machine scheduling problem with uncertain release and processing times. Report TRANSP-OR 131029


@TechReport{NitEraBier2013,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Alan Erera and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {The robust single machine scheduling problem with uncertain release and processing times},
  institution = {Transport and Mobility Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique F\'ed\'erale de Lausanne},
  year = {2013},
  type = {Technical Report},
  number = {TRANSP-OR 131029},
  address = {Lausanne, Switzerland}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Erera A. (2013). Real-time management of berth allocation with stochastic arrival and handling times. Report TRANSP-OR 130215


@TechReport{NitBierEra2013,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Alan Erera},
  title = {Real-time management of berth allocation with stochastic arrival and handling times},
  institution = {Transport and Mobility Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique F\'ed\'erale de Lausanne},
  year = {2013},
  type = {Technical Report},
  number = {TRANSP-OR 130215},
  address = {Lausanne, Switzerland}}}

2012

Robenek T., Umang N., Bierlaire M., Ropke S. (2012). A branch-and-price algorithm to solve the integrated berth allocation and yard assignment problem in bulk ports. Report TRANSP-OR 121030


@TechReport{TomNitBierStef12,
  author = {Tom\'a\v{s} Robenek and Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Stefan Ropke},
  title = {A branch-and-price algorithm to solve the integrated berth allocation and yard assignment problem in bulk ports},
  institution = {Transport and Mobility Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique F\'ed\'erale de Lausanne},
  year = {2012},
  type = {Technical Report},
  number = {TRANSP-OR 121030},
  address = {Lausanne, Switzerland}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Vacca I. (2012). Exact and heuristic methods to solve the berth allocation problem in bulk ports. Report TRANSP-OR 120116


@TechReport{NitBierVac12,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Ilaria Vacca},
  title = {Exact and heuristic methods to solve the berth allocation problem in bulk ports},
  institution = {Transport and Mobility Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique F\'ed\'erale de Lausanne},
  year = {2012},
  type = {Technical Report},
  number = {TRANSP-OR 120116},
  address = {Lausanne, Switzerland}}}

Articles in conference proceedings [3]

2012

Robenek T., Umang N., Bierlaire M. (2012) Integrated Berth Allocation and Yard Assignment in Bulk Ports using Column Generation. Proceedings of the 12th Swiss Transport Research Conference (STRC), May 2-4, Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland


@InProceedings{TomasNitishBierlaire_STRC2012,
  author = {Tom\'a\v{s} Robenek and Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Integrated Berth Allocation and Yard Assignment in Bulk Ports using Column Generation},
  booktime = {Proceedings of the 12th Swiss Transport Research Conference (STRC), May 2-4},
  year = {2012},
  address = {Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M. (2012) Real Time Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports. Proceedings of the 12th Swiss Transport Research Conference (STRC), May 2-4, Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland


@InProceedings{NitishBierlaire_STRC2012,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Real Time Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports},
  booktime = {Proceedings of the 12th Swiss Transport Research Conference (STRC), May 2-4},
  year = {2012},
  address = {Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland}}}

2011

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Vacca I. (2011) The Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports. Proceedings of the 11th Swiss Transport Research Conference (STRC), May 11-13, Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland


@InProceedings{Nitish_STRC2011,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Ilaria Vacca},
  title = {The Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports},
  booktime = {Proceedings of the 11th Swiss Transport Research Conference (STRC), May 11-13},
  year = {2011},
  address = {Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland}}}

Talks [11]

2013

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Erera A. Strategies to deal with uncertainty in real time in the berth allocation problem September 06, 2013. International Conference on Operations Research, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands.


@Misc{OR_Nit2013,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Alan Erera},
  title = {Strategies to deal with uncertainty in real time in the berth allocation problem},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/OR_Nit2013.pdf}},
  year = {2013},
  note = {Presented at International Conference on Operations Research, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Erera A. Real-time management of the berth allocation problem with stochastic arrival and handling times June 17, 2013. Second INFORMS TSL Workshop 2013, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove CA, USA.


@Misc{TSL_Nit2013,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Alan Erera},
  title = {Real-time management of the berth allocation problem with stochastic arrival and handling times},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/TSL_Nit2013.pdf}},
  year = {2013},
  note = {Presented at Second INFORMS TSL Workshop 2013, Asilomar Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove CA, USA}}}

2012

Umang N., Bierlaire M. Reactive methods to solve the berth allocation problem with stochastic arrival and handling times November 22, 2012. First Large Scale Optimization Workshop, Vevey, Switzerland.


@Misc{LOW_Nitish_2012,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Reactive methods to solve the berth allocation problem with stochastic arrival and handling times},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/LOW_Nitish_2012.pdf}},
  year = {2012},
  note = {Presented at First Large Scale Optimization Workshop, Vevey, Switzerland}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M. Real Time Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem September 06, 2012. 1st European Symposium on Quantitative Methods in Transportation Systems, Lausanne, Switzerland.


@Misc{Latsis_Nitish_2012,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Real Time Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/Latsis_Nitish_2012.pdf}},
  year = {2012},
  note = {Presented at 1st European Symposium on Quantitative Methods in Transportation Systems, Lausanne, Switzerland}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M. Real-Time Disruption Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem July 11, 2012. 25th European Conference on Operational Research, Vilnius, Lithuania.


@Misc{Euro2012_Nitish,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Real-Time Disruption Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/Euro2012_Nitish.pdf}},
  year = {2012},
  note = {Presented at 25th European Conference on Operational Research, Vilnius, Lithuania}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M. Berth Allocation Problem in Real Time June 29, 2012. 10th Joint Operations Research Days 2012, Neuchatel, Switzerland.


@Misc{IBMORDays2012_Nitish,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Berth Allocation Problem in Real Time},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/IBMORDays2012_Nitish.pdf}},
  year = {2012},
  note = {Presented at 10th Joint Operations Research Days 2012, Neuchatel, Switzerland}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Robenek T. Integrated and Robust Planning of Bulk Port Operations June 05, 2012. Euro Summer Institute on Maritime Logistics, ESI 2012, Bremen, Germany.


@Misc{ESI2012_Nitish,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Tom\'a\v{s} Robenek},
  title = {Integrated and Robust Planning of Bulk Port Operations},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/ESI2012_Nitish.pdf}},
  year = {2012},
  note = {Presented at Euro Summer Institute on Maritime Logistics, ESI 2012, Bremen, Germany}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M. Disruption Management and Re-scheduling in Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports May 25, 2012. 5th International Workshop on Freight Transportation and Logistics, Odysseus 2012, Mykonos, Greece.


@Misc{Odysseus2012_Nitish,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Disruption Management and Re-scheduling in  Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/Odysseus2012_Nitish.pdf}},
  year = {2012},
  note = {Presented at 5th International Workshop on Freight Transportation and Logistics, Odysseus 2012, Mykonos, Greece}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M. Real Time Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports May 02, 2012. Swiss Transport Research Conference, STRC, Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland.


@Misc{STRC2012_Nitish,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire},
  title = {Real Time Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/STRC2012_Nitish.pdf}},
  year = {2012},
  note = {Presented at Swiss Transport Research Conference, STRC, Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland}}}

2011

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Vacca I. Exact Solution Approaches to the Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Sea Port Terminals July 14, 2011. IFORS, 2011, Melbourne, Australia.


@Misc{Nitish_IFORS2011,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Ilaria Vacca},
  title = {Exact Solution Approaches to the Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Sea Port Terminals},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/Nitish_IFORS2011.pdf}},
  year = {2011},
  note = {Presented at IFORS, 2011, Melbourne, Australia}}}

Umang N., Bierlaire M., Vacca I. The Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports May 13, 2011. Swiss Transport Research Conference, STRC, Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland.


@Misc{STRC2011_NITISH,
  author = {Nitish Umang and Michel Bierlaire and Ilaria Vacca},
  title = {The Berth Allocation Problem in Bulk Ports},
  howpublished = {\url{https://transp-or.epfl.ch/documents/talks/STRC2011_NITISH.pdf}},
  year = {2011},
  note = {Presented at Swiss Transport Research Conference, STRC, Monte Verita / Ascona, Switzerland}}}

Reviewing [8]

Research projects [1]

2011

Large scale robust optimization of bulk port operations.

The primary objective of this research is to develop large scale robust optimization algorithms providing sustainable solutions for bulk port operations accounting for uncertainties and disruptions in operations. While significant contributions have been made for container terminals, relatively little attention has been directed to the use of operations research methods and techniques to optimize bulk port operations. In this research we aim to develop large scale mathematical models for bulk port operations, with emphasis on integrated planning; furthermore, we plan to include robustness to account for uncertainties in operations. A broader objective of our work is to study how the methodologies developed for bulk ports can be extended to multi-modal transport operations, including other domains such as container ports, airlines and railways, with a view to optimize the usage and operations of existing infrastructure to achieve sustainability in the mobility of goods and people. The devised models and algorithms will be tested and validated in a real-world context using as a case study, the SAQR port in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
- Jan 01, 2011 - Apr 30, 2014
- Sponsor: EPFL Middle East
- Principal investigator: Michel Bierlaire
- Project managers: Nitish Umang, Ilaria Vacca

EPFL courses [6]

Fall 2013

Introduction � l'optimisation diff�rentiable.
- Level: Bachelor
- Sections: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Computer science
- Lecturer: Michel Bierlaire
- Teaching assistant: Nitish Umang
- Webpage: http://transp-or.epfl.ch/courses/optimizationfall2013/
Recherche op�rationnelle.
- Level: Bachelor
- Sections: Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences and Engineering
- Lecturer: Michel Bierlaire
- Teaching assistant: Nitish Umang
- Webpage: http://transp-or.epfl.ch/courses/rofall2013/

Spring 2012

Decision-aid methodologies in transportation.
- Level: Master
- Section: Civil Engineering
- Lecturers: Michel Bierlaire, Prem Kumar
- Teaching assistants: Jingmin Chen, Nitish Umang
- Webpage: http://transp-or.epfl.ch/courses/decisionAid2012
Optimization and Simulation.
- Level: PhD
- Section: Doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Lecturers: Michel Bierlaire, Bilal Farooq, Prem Kumar
- Teaching assistant: Nitish Umang
- Webpage: http://transp-or.epfl.ch/courses/OptSim2012/

Fall 2011

Introduction � l'optimisation diff�rentiable.
- Level: Bachelor
- Sections: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Computer science
- Lecturer: Michel Bierlaire
- Teaching assistants: Bilge Atasoy, Nitish Umang

Spring 2011

Decision-aid methodologies in transportation.
- Level: Master
- Section: Civil Engineering
- Lecturers: Michel Bierlaire, Prem Kumar
- Teaching assistants: Jingmin Chen, Nitish Umang
- Webpage: http://transp-or.epfl.ch/courses/decisionAid2011

MSc theses [2]

2012

A two-stage sequential linear programming approach to optimize security staff at Geneva Airport, Mahmoud Kharouf (Civil Engineering)
- Supervision: Michel Bierlaire, Nitish Umang, Prem Kumar
- External expert: Vincent-Ruben Jimenez
Integrated berth allocation and yard assignment in bulk ports using column generation, Tomas Robenek (None)
- Supervision: Michel Bierlaire, Nitish Umang
- External expert:

Semester projects [4]

2012-2013

Job Shop Scheduling in a Medical Parts Production Factory, Nathan Scheinmann (Mathematics)

Supervision: Michel Bierlaire, Nitish Umang

Process Optimization and School Schedules: New Legistlation, New Constraints, Ailin Zhang (Mathematics)

Supervision: Michel Bierlaire, Nitish Umang

2011-2012

Optimizing Security Staff Operations at Geneva Airport, MAHMOUD KHAROUF

Supervision: Michel Bierlaire, Prem Kumar, Nitish Umang
Geneva airport is the second largest airport in Switzerland. Airport is capable of easily handling 80-100 landings and take-offs per hour. However one of the major bottlenecks today is the passenger handling capacity. The airport terminal area can handle up to 3000 passengers per hour. In recent times, passenger congestion is frequently building up at the airport. Because of the geographical reasons, it is not easy to expand the terminal building. As a result, it may be fruitful to attempt reducing congestion by efficient handling of the passengers and not letting the passengers wait too long to be serviced. Security screening is the most important area for departing passengers. Optimizing the operating costs for security personnel at airports is a complex problem due to a number of reasons. Each passenger and their corresponding hand baggage need to undergo security screening before entering the boarding gates. Even though the passengers and the baggage need to move together, the rate of service for the two can be vastly different. Security personnel work over specific shift times and need to be provided with suitable meal breaks. Staff members can work full-time or part-time, with a minimum of four hours per day. Passenger arrival pattern at an airport can be extremely uneven. Flight activities also tend to be non-uniform while passenger service expectations and staffing inflexibilities due to shift durations can make the problem even more complex. In this work, we would use the flight schedule and service criteria to develop a method to find optimal shift timings and the mix of full-time and part-time workers such that the overall costs are minimized and the service criteria conditions are fulfilled. Term Project (Master Project Pre-Study) Deliverables � Determine global parameters for passenger arrival rates, service times and shift times at different times of the day and days of the week for both passengers and baggages � Develop and implement a cost optimization MIP model with discrete time intervals Masters Project Deliverables � Adapt the deterministic linear model to account for non-linear passenger arrival and service rates and implement the same � Build a robust optimization model to capture vastly varying arrival and service rates. Determine the various ways to capture model stability with special emphasis on recoverability � Perform sensitivity analysis and compare the results of the stochastic model with simulation � Use the results to make recommendations: For example, create a separate queue or sub-queue for passengers without baggage, or passengers whose flights depart in 20 mins should be brought ahead of the queue, etc. � Develop and implement the model for staff rostering at the security screening Apart from expertise in modeling, the student is expected to be able to implement his model and write his own codes in a standard programming language, such as C or C++ Desired Masters Project Deliverables � Evaluate the tendency for staff to take leaves (including sick leaves) and vacation (subject to data availability) � Plan for contingencies in your model Project Organization The student would be expected to update us on the progress and revert to us for queries on a pre-decided day of the week. The student would be expected to update us on the progress and revert to us for queries on a pre-decided day of the week. A midterm presentation would be scheduled on Thursday, 10.11.2011. At the completion of the term project, a report will be delivered (both in paper as well as electronic form) before the 13.01.2012. The final oral presentation for the term project will be scheduled on 11.01.2012. Similarly, the Masters project would be due before the 01.06.2012 while the oral presentation for Masters project will be scheduled between 18.06.2012 and 29.06.2012 or a mutually convenient and agreed date. All the files, programs, codes, data and report associated with the project must be delivered before these date. All reports will be submitted in two copies to TRANSP-OR Lab and GVA Airport. References � Dowling, D., Krishnamoorthy, M., Mackenzie, H., and Sier, D. (1997). Staff rostering at a large international airport. Annals of Operations Research, 72:125-147. � Ernst, A., Jiang, H., Krishnamoorthy, M., and Sier, D. (2004). Staff scheduling and rostering: A review of applications, methods and models. European journal of operational research, 153(1):3-27. � Gilliam, R. (1979). An application of queueing theory to airport passenger security screening. Interfaces, 9(4):117-123.

Robustness and Recovery in Berth Allocation Problem, Wei Li (Management of Technology and Financial Engineering)

Supervision: Michel Bierlaire, Nitish Umang