Modeling and Optimization of Operational Costs of Nissan Urvan Vehicles of a Fleet Operator

Abstract

This study focused on Modeling and Optimization of the operational costs of Nissan Urvan Vehicles of a fleet operator in Anambra State Nigeria. The special design used to fit a second order model needed to optimize the operational costs of Nissan Urvan Vehicles was Box - Behnken design while response surface method (RSM) was used to model and optimize performance characteristics of the vehicles. The response function of the second order model is best characterized by multivariate power equation. Ten (10) years operation data were collected from two sources, namely primary and secondary sources. The primary source of data was from the workshop manager and the statistical office of the company, and from Metrological Institute of Nigeria. The secondary source of data was from Books consulted at different Libraries. The outcome of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for RSM optimization of operational costs of Nissan Urvan vehicles showed that all the control factors are significant except factors (B, C, D) of replacement costs. From the result of the income generated at optimum condition and the sum of the maintenance & replacement costs compared, by the year 2013 the income generated is less than the sum of maintenance & replacement costs. It was observed that the operation of the transportation system is economical for a period of 8 years (from 2005 – 2012), where the income generated is more than the maintenance & replacement costs.It is hereby recommended that response surface model should be deployed for the operation analysis of the case study company vehicles to enhance efficient utilization and profitability.