What is Newsvendor Problem?

The newsvendor problem is to make a single-period procurement decision of a single product under stochastic demand

Newsvendor Framework:

  • One chance to decide on the stocking quantity of the product
  • Demand for the product is uncertain
  • Known marginal profit for each unit sold and known marginal loss for the ones that are bought and not sold
  • Goal : Maximize expected profit

 

Examples where the Newsvendor Framework is appropriate:

  • Perishable Goods newsvendor
    • Meals in a Cafeteria
    • Dairy foods
  • Short selling season
    • Christmas trees, toys
    • Flowers on Valentine's day
    • Fashion clothes, seasonal clothes
    • Newspaper