An Efficient Algorithm to the Integrated Shift and Task Scheduling Problem

Abstract   This paper deals with operational models for integrated shift and task scheduling problem. Staff scheduling problem is a special case of this with staff requirements as given input to the problem. Both problems become hard to solve when the problems are considered with flexible shifts. Current literature on these problems leaves good scope … Read more

Robust Appointment Scheduling for General Convex Uncertainty Sets

The Appointment Scheduling Problem (ASP) involves scheduling a finite number of customers with uncertain service times, served consecutively by a single server, aiming to minimize the weighted costs of waiting time, idle time, and overtime. Previous studies using stochastic programming were limited to small instances. We introduce a Robust Optimization (RO) approach that considers service … Read more

Efficient Project Scheduling with Autonomous Learning Opportunities

We consider novel project scheduling problems in which the experience gained from completing selected activities can be used to accelerate subsequent activities. Given a set of potential learning opportunities, our model aims to identify the opportunities that result in a maximum reduction of the project makespan when scheduled in sequence. Accounting for the impact of … Read more

Similarity-based Decomposition Algorithm for Two-stage Stochastic Scheduling

This paper presents a novel decomposition method for two-stage stochastic mixed-integer optimization problems. The algorithm builds upon the idea of similarity between finite sample sets to measure how similar the first-stage decisions are among the uncertainty realization scenarios. Using such a Similarity Index, the non-anticipative constraints are removed from the problem formulation so that the … Read more

Distributed Task Assignment in a Swarm of UAVs

We consider the problem of distributed task assignment in a swarm of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), where heterogeneous agents that can have different capabilities need to work in teams to execute tasks. We consider the case where communication between UAVs is costly or dangerous and should be limited or avoided, while individual UAVs have uncertain … Read more

Tactical workforce sizing and scheduling decisions for last-mile delivery

We tackle the problems of workforce sizing and shift scheduling of a logistic operator delivering parcels in the last-mile segment of the supply chain. Our working hypothesis is that the relevant decisions are affected by two main trade-offs: workforce size and shift stability. A large workforce is able to deal with demand fluctuations but incurs … Read more

A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm for Generalized Order Acceptance and Scheduling

In this paper, a novel approach is presented to address a challenging optimization problem known as Generalized Order Acceptance Scheduling. This problem involves scheduling a set of orders on a single machine with release dates, due dates, deadlines, and sequence-dependent setup times judiciously to maximize revenue. In view of resource constraints, not all orders can … Read more

Approximating the Pareto frontier for bi-objective preventive maintenance and workshop scheduling. A Lagrangean lower bounding methodology for evaluating contracting forms

Effective planning of preventive maintenance plays an important role in maximizing the operational readiness of any industrial system. We consider an operating system and a maintenance workshop governed by two stakeholders who collaborate based on a mutual contract: components of the operating system that need maintenance are sent to the maintenance workshop, where necessary maintenance … Read more

Robust Mask-Based Appointment Scheduling in Primary Care Practices

In most health care systems, a primary care physician (PCP) is both the first instance consulted by patients with medical concerns and the instance coordinating patients’ continued access to medical care. Due to the PCP’s pivotal role, we address challenges of a high-quality primary care service by interday appointment scheduling on a tactical decision level. Our … Read more

Cross-Dock Trailer Scheduling with Workforce Constraints: A Dynamic Discretization Discovery Approach

LTL freight carriers operate consolidation networks that utilize cross-docking terminals to facilitate thetransfer of freight between trailers and enhance trailer utilization. This research addresses the problem ofdetermining an optimal schedule for unloading inbound trailers at specific unloading doors using teams ofdock workers. The optimization objective is chosen to ensure that outbound trailers are loaded with … Read more