integrated production-distribution planning (pdp) is one of the most important approaches in supply chain networks. we consider a supply chain network (scn) to consist of multi suppliers, plants, distribution centers (dcs), and retailers. a bi-objective mixed integer linear programming model for integrating production-distribution designed here aim to simultaneously minimize total net costs in ...

Railway scheduling is a complex task of rail operators that involves the generation of a conflict-free train timetable. This paper presents a discrete-event simulation-based optimization approach for solving the train timetabling problem to minimize total weighted unplanned stop time in a hybrid single and double track railway networks. The designed simulation model is used as a platform for ge...

Assigning facilities to locations is one of the important problems, which significantly is influence in transportation cost reduction. In this study, we solve quadratic assignment problem (QAP), using a meta-heuristic algorithm with deterministic tasks and equality in facilities and location number. It should be noted that any facility must be assign to only one location. In this paper, first o...

The Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB–BC) method is a relatively new meta-heuristic algorithm which inspired by one of the theories of the evolution of universe. In the BB–BC optimization algorithm, firstly random points are produced in the Big Bang phase then these points are shrunk to a single representative point via a center of mass or minimal cost approach in the Big Crunch phase. In this paper, the...

This paper considers a three-stage assembly flowshop scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup < /div> times at the first stage and blocking times between each stage in such a way that the weighted mean completion time and makespan are minimized. Obtaining an optimal solution for this type of complex, large-sized problem in reasonable computational time using traditiona...

This chapter introduces and overviews an emerging methodology in search and optimisation. One of the key aims of these new approaches, which have been termed hyper-heuristics, is to raise the level of generality at which optimisation systems can operate. An objective is that hyper-heuristics will lead to more general systems that are able to handle a wide range of problem domains rather than cu...

Preventive healthcare aims at reducing the likelihood and severity of potentially life-threatening illnesses by protection and early detection. In this paper, a bi-objective mathematical model is proposed to design a network of preventive healthcare facilities so as to minimize total travel and waiting time as well as establishment and staffing cost. Moreover, each facility acts as M/M/1 queuin...

  We relax some assumptions of the traditional scheduling problem and suggest an adapted meta-heuristic algorithm to optimize efficient utilization of resources and quick response to demands simultaneously. We intend to bridge the existing gap between theory and real industrial scheduling assumptions (e.g., hot metal rolling industry, chemical and pharmaceutical industries). We adapt and evalua...

Water distribution networks are one of the important and costly infrastructures of cities and many meta-heuristic algorithms in standard or hybrid forms were used for optimizing water distribution networks. These algorithms require a large amount of computational cost. Therefore, the converging speed of algorithms toward the optimization goal is as important as the goal itself. In this paper, a...

in today's globalization, an effective integration of production and distribution plans into a unified framework is crucial for attaining competitive advantage. this paper addresses an integrated multi-product and multi-time period production/distribution planning problem for a two-echelon supply chain subject to the real-world variables and constraints. it is assumed that all transportations a...