Optimal Allocation of Limited Inventory Among Multiclass Customers with Finite Populations

• 成果类型: Article; Early Access
• 署名作者: Ge, Puyao; Kulkarni, Vidyadhar G.; Swaminathan, Tayashankar M.
• 署名单位: University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; University of North Carolina School of Medicine; University of North Carolina; University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; University of North Carolina School of Medicine
• 刊物名称: OPERATIONS RESEARCH
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0030-364X
• DOI: 10.1287/opre.2024.0892
• 发表日期: 2025
• 关键词: rationing policy; MODEL; management

摘要

We consider the problem of allocating a single type of resource with limited supply to distinct groups, each with a finite population and characterized by a unique reward and arrival rate. We develop a stochastic model and formulate the problem as a Markov decision process. We study the structural properties of the optimal value function and derive the optimal allocation policy. Contrary to the conventional approach of incrementally extending access to groups of lower priority over time, our findings suggest that it is optimal to progressively restrict admission to lower-priority groups. We also present a fluid model with an explicit solution that can serve as a good approximation when the system size is very large.