Near-optimal solutions of large-scale Single Machine Scheduling Problems

We present a lagrangean heuristic based on the time-indexed formulation of the Single Machine Scheduling Problem with Release Dates. We observe that lagrangian relaxation of job constraints leads to a Weighted Stable Set problem on an Interval Graph. The problem is polynomially solvable by a dynamic programming algorithm. Computational experience is reported on instances up … Read more

Mesh Topology Design in Overlay Virtual Private Networks

We study the mesh topology design problem in overlay virtual private networks. Given a set of customer nodes and associated traffic matrix, tunnels that are connecting node pairs through a public service provider network subject to degree constraints are determined so as to minimize total multihopped traffic. Valid inequalities strengthening the LP relaxation and a … Read more

Solving Stability Problems on a Superclass of Interval Graphs

We introduce a graph invariant, called thinness, and show that a maximum weighted stable set on a graph $G(V, E)$ with thinness $k$ may be found in $O(\frac{|V|}{k})^k$-time, if a certain representation is given. We show that a graph has thinness 1 if and only if it is an interval graph, while a graph with … Read more

A binary LP model to the facility layout problem

In facility layout problems, a major concern is the optimal design or remodeling of the facilities of an organization. The decision-maker’s objective is to arrange the facility in an optimal way, so that the interaction among functions (i.e. machines, inventories, persons) and places (i.e. offices, work locations, depots) is efficient. A simple pure-binary LP model … Read more

A New Mathematical-Programming Framework for Facility-Layout Design

We present a new framework for efficiently finding competitive solutions for the facility-layout problem. This framework is based on the combination of two new mathematical-programming models. The first model is a relaxation of the layout problem and is intended to find good starting points for the iterative algorithm used to solve the second model. The … Read more

A 1.52-Approximation Algorithm for the Uncapacitated Facility Location Problem

In this note we present an improved approximation algorithm for the (uncapacitated) metric facility location problem. This algorithm uses the idea of cost scaling, the greedy algorithm of \cite{JMS}, and the greedy augmentation procedure of \cite{CG,GK}. CitationWorking Paper, MIT and the University of IowaArticleDownload View PDF

Models and Solution Techniques for Frequency Assignment Problems

Wireless communication is used in many different situations such as mobile telephony, radio and TV broadcasting, satellite communication, and military operations. In each of these situations a frequency assignment problem arises with application specific characteristics. Researchers have developed different modeling ideas for each of the features of the problem, such as the handling of interference … Read more

Using Heuristics to Solve the Dedicated Aircraft Recovery Problem

The Dedicated Aircraft Recovery Problem (DARP) involves decisions concerning aircraft to flight assignments in situations where unforeseen events have disrupted the existing flight schedule, e.g. bad weather causing flight delays. The dedicated aircraft recovery problem aims to recover these flight schedules through a series of reassignments of aircraft to flights, delaying of flights and cancellations … Read more

Disruption Management – Operations Research between planning and execution

For a large number of applications Operations Research has a proven track record: it can deliver high quality solutions for planning problems. Important examples can be found in the airline industry, logistics and production management. This report will describe real-world examples of a novel way of applying Operations Research: As plans have to be adjusted … Read more

Lagrangean Duality Applied on Vehicle Routing with Time Windows

This paper presents the results of the application of a non-differentiable optimization method in connection with the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (VRPTW). The VRPTW is an extension of the Vehicle Routing Problem. In the VRPTW the service at each customer must start within an associated time window. The Shortest Path decomposition of the … Read more