Hadi Gökçen

A goal programming approach to mixed-model assembly line balancing problem

Abstract In this paper, a binary goal programming model for the mixed-model assembly line balancing (ALB) problem is developed. The model is based on the concepts developed by Patterson and Albracht [1] and the model of Deckro and Rangachari [2] developed for the single-model ALB problem. The proposed model provides a considerable amount of flexibility to the decision maker since several conflicting goals can be simultaneously considered.

Shortest-route formulation of mixed-model assembly line balancing problem

A shortest-route formulation of the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem is presented. Common tasks across models are assumed to exist and these tasks are performed in the same stations. The formulation is based on an algorithm which solves the single-model version of the problem. The mixed-model system is transformed into a single-model system with a combined precedence diagram. The model is capable of considering any constraint that can be expressed as a function of task assignments.

A goal programming approach to simple U-line balancing problem

Abstract In this paper, a goal programming model for the simple U-line balancing (ULB) problem is developed. The model is based on the integer programming formulation developed by Urban [Urban, Note: Optimal balancing of U-shaped assembly lines, Management Science 44(5) (1998) 738–741] for the ULB problem and the goal model of Deckro and Rangachari [Deckro, Rangachari, A goal approach to assembly line balancing, Computers and Operations Research 17 (1990) 509–521] developed for the traditional single model assembly line balancing (ALB) problem. The proposed model which is the first multi-criteria decision making approach to the U-line version provides increased flexibility to the decision maker since several conflicting goals can be simultaneously considered.

Binary integer formulation for mixed-model assembly line balancing problem

The assembly line balancing problem has been a focus of interest to the academicians of production/operations management for the last 40 years. Although there are numerous studies published on the various aspects of the problem, the number of studies on mixed-model assembly lines are relatively small. In this paper, a binary integer programming model for the mixed-model assembly line balancing problem is developed and some computational properties of the model are given.

A chance-constrained approach to stochastic line balancing problem

Abstract In this paper, chance-constrained 0–1 integer programming models for the stochastic traditional and U-type line balancing (ULB) problem are developed. These models are solved for several test problems that are well known in the literature and the computational results are given. In addition, a goal programming approach is presented in order to increase the system reliability, which is arising from the stochastic case.

Balancing and sequencing of parallel mixed-model assembly lines

In this paper, a simulated annealing approach is developed for the parallel mixed-model assembly line balancing and model sequencing (PMMAL/BS) problem which is an extension of the parallel assembly line balancing (PALB) problem introduced by Gökçen et al. (2006). In PALB, the aim is to balance more than one assembly line together. Balancing of the lines simultaneously with a common resource is very important in terms of resource minimisation. The proposed approach maximises the line efficiency and distributes the workloads smoothly across stations. The proposed approach is illustrated with two numerical examples and its performance is tested on a set of test problems. The computational results show that the proposed approach is very effective for PMMAL/BS.

Balancing parallel two-sided assembly lines

Two-sided assembly lines are usually designed to produce large-sized products such as automobiles, trucks and buses. In this type of production line, both left-side and right-side of the line are used. In parallel assembly lines, one or more product types are produced on two or more assembly lines located in parallel to each other. Both production lines have several serious practical advantages. For this purpose, in this paper, two or more two-sided assembly lines located in parallel to each other are considered and a tabu search algorithm which combines the advantages of both types of production lines is developed. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, a set of test problems are solved. The proposed algorithm is illustrated with two examples, and some computational properties of the algorithm are given.

Balancing parallel assembly lines with precise and fuzzy goals

Balancing parallel assembly lines provides flexibility to minimise the total idle times of assembly lines and the total number of workstations required in production facilities. This paper proposes two goal programming approaches to balance parallel assembly lines with precise and fuzzy goals. Three conflicting goals, namely number of workstations, cycle time, and number of tasks assigned to a workstation are optimised in crisp and fuzzy environments. The proposed approaches are also illustrated using numerical examples and sensitivity analyses. The proposed approaches provide flexibility for decision makers to balance parallel assembly lines based on their decision environments and preferred priorities.

An integer programming model for hierarchical workforce scheduling problem

In this paper, an integer programming model for the hierarchical workforce problem under the compressed workweeks is developed. The model is based on the integer programming formulation developed by Billionnet [A. Billionnet, Integer programming to schedule a hierarchical workforce with variable demands, European Journal of Operational Research 114 (1999) 105–114] for the hierarchical workforce problem. In our model, workers can be assigned to alternative shifts in a day during the course of a week, whereas all workers are assigned to one shift type in Billionnet’s model. The main idea of this paper is to use compressed workweeks in order to save worker costs. This case is also suitable for the practice. The proposed model is illustrated on the Billionnet’s example problem and the obtained results are compared with the Billionnet’s model results. � 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A genetic algorithm approach for optimising a closed-loop supply chain network with crisp and fuzzy objectives

This paper proposes a mixed integer programming model for a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) network with multi-periods and multi-parts under two main policies as secondary market pricing and incremental incentive policies. In the first policy, customers order and receive products from distribution centres, but at next period, they can trade among themselves with used products that are returned in a secondary market. Financial incentives are offered to the customers to influence the returns, and the correct amount of collections at different prices is determined by the second policy. In addition to the base case (crisp) formulation, a fuzzy multi-objective extension is applied to solve CLSC network problem with fuzzy objectives to represent vagueness in real-world problems. Then, developed genetic algorithm approach is applied to solve real size crisp and fuzzy CLSC problems. The effectiveness of the proposed meta-heuristic approach is investigated and illustrated by comparing its results with GAMS-CPLEX on a set of crisp/fuzzy problems with different sizes.