PhD Studentship in Modelling Asset Management Policies
in the Centre for Operational Research & Applied Statistics
at the University of Salford.
==============================================
Applications are invited for a three year research studentship
funded by the EPSRC looking into the implementational problems
that can arise when applying Markov Decision Processes to Asset
Management problems, with the aim of providing widely applicable
guidelines. Although the aim will be to try to keep the work
as generic as possible, there will be particular emphasis on
distribution networks (e.g. electricity supply networks). The
studentship starts on the 1st of March 2000 or as soon as
possible after that date.
Background
==========
There is considerable pressure on the Utilities (e.g.
water, electricity) to move from fixed time period maintenance
to condition based policies. Markov Decision Processes have
successfully provided a framework for using condition
information when applied to road and bridge management systems.
Many of the problems faced when formulating Asset Management
policies for these systems, are similar to those faced when
dealing with distribution networks. Therefore Markov Decision
Processes are starting to be introduced into the electricity
industry [1], but there are a number of modelling issues that
need to be resolved. For example: How many states are needed?
How should the states be defined? How much data is required to
calculate the transition probabilities? When are Markov (or
semi-Markov) Decision Processes appropriate? However, in the
competitive environment the Utilities are now operating
under, resources for the exploratory modelling of problems
is very limited. Therefore the proposed research is to
investigate these issues with a view to providing practical
guidelines on their solution.
[1] "Modelling the Degradation of Condition Indices"
R.P.Hoskins, G.Strbac & A.T.Brint
IEE Proceedings on Generation, Transmission and Distribution,
volume 146(4), pages 386-392, July 1999
Additional information
================
The successful candidate will be expected to have a good degree
in the area of mathematics or computing.
The current EPSRC research studentship award is: £6,620 per year
Requests for further information and/or an application form to:
Dr. Andrew Brint
Centre for Operational Research & Applied Statistics
School of Accounting, Economics and Management Science
University of Salford
Salford
M5 4WT
Tel: 0161 295 5414
Fax: 0161 295 4947
email: [log in to unmask]
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