Grouping Genetic Algorithms : Advances and Applications

This book presents advances and innovations in grouping genetic algorithms, enriched with new and unique heuristic optimization techniques. These algorithms are specially designed for solving industrial grouping problems where system entities are to be partitioned or clustered into efficient groups according to a set of guiding decision criteria. Examples of such problems are: vehicle routing problems, team formation problems, timetabling problems, assembly line balancing, group maintenance planning, modular design, and task assignment. A wide range of industrial grouping problems, drawn from diverse fields such as logistics, supply chain management, project management, manufacturing systems, engineering design and healthcare, are presented. Typical complex industrial grouping problems, with multiple decision criteria and constraints, are clearly described using illustrative diagrams and formulations. The problems are mapped into a common group structure that can conveniently be used as an input scheme to specific variants of grouping genetic algorithms. Unique heuristic grouping techniques are developed to handle grouping problems efficiently and effectively. Illustrative examples and computational results are presented in tables and graphs to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithms.

Researchers, decision analysts, software developers, and graduate students from various disciplines will find this in-depth reader-friendly exposition of advances and applications of grouping genetic algorithms an interesting, informative and valuable resource.

Michael Mutingi is a Lecturer and a Researcher in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He researches in healthcare operations management, biologically inspired metaheuristic optimization, fuzzy multi-criteria decision methods, and lean healthcare. Other areas of interest include green supply chain management, logistics management, manufacturing systems simulation, and business system dynamics.

Charles Mbohwa is an established researcher and professor in operations management, manufacturing systems, green supply chain management and sustainability engineering, optimization, and  his specializations include renewable energy systems, and bio-fuel feasibility.