Mohammad A. Al-Fawzan

A tabu search approach to the uncapacitated facility location problem

In this paper, the uncapacitated facility location problem is considered. A tabu searchalgorithm for solving this problem is proposed. The algorithm is tested on some standardtest problems taken from literature and its performance is compared with the known optimalsolutions. Computational results show that the proposed algorithm produces optimal solutionsfor all test problems, and that it is very efficient in terms of time compared to existingalgorithms in the literature.

A tabu search based algorithm for minimizing the number of tool switches on a flexible machine

The tool switching problem consists of N jobs which must be processed on a single flexible machine. The machine contains a tool magazine which has a limited capacity of C slots. Each job requires a set of tools and the total number of tools, M, required to process all N jobs is greater than C. The problem is to find a job sequence and the tools to be loaded on the machine before each job in the sequence such that the total number of tool switches is minimized. A variety of tabu search algorithms for solving this problem are proposed. The algorithms are tested on some random test problems and are compared with the basic algorithm. Computational results show that the use of recency-based and frequency-based memory along with strategic oscillation produce the best results.

An algorithm for production planning in a flexible production system

In this paper, we consider the problem of determining the production rate, production batch size, and production sequence when production rate, setup cost, and unit processing cost are sequence-dependent. Using a standard lot sizing model with backorder, a tabu search algorithm for solving this problem is proposed. The algorithm is tested on some random test problems and its performance is compared with random sequencing. Computational results show that the proposed algorithm is very efficient.

VARIANCE REDUCTION IN A PROCESS WITH RANDOM LINEAR DRIFT

In this paper, we consider the model of Rahim and Banerjee (1988) for a process with random linear drift. We present a modification of this model, then we study the effect of the variance of the process on the optimal production cycle, and consequently on the total cost per good item. We also provide a numerical example.

Discounted Models for the Single Machine Inspection Problem

In this paper, we address the problem of determining optimal inspection schedules for a single machine subject to exponentially distributed failures. We formulated the inspection models using the concept of discounted cash flow analysis to account for the effects of time value of money on the inspection policies. In addition, these models are developed under different assumptions on the planning horizon related to its length (infinite and finite) and nature (deterministic and stochastic). In the finite horizon problem, we considered both cases where the inspection times are treated as continuous and discrete variables. For the case of continuous inspection times, we prove that the equal inspection interval policy is optimal only under certain conditions. In the case of a random horizon, we show that the problem can be transformed to the infinite horizon problem and, consequently, can be solved using the same procedure. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the models and their solution procedures.

Fostering university–industry collaboration in Saudi Arabia through technology innovation centers

Abstract Saudi Arabia has established a goal of steering its economy away from a reliance on natural resources toward the development of knowledge-based industries. Strong collaborative relationships between research universities and private industries are central to achieving this goal. This paper proposes a new model for university–industry collaboration which targets combining academic and industrial resources to conduct research and development focused on industry-oriented problems and innovation and, additionally, educating a workforce capable of advancing national technological and economic goals. The proposed model serves as a platform for the recently established Technology Innovation Centers program at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

Promoting techno-entrepreneurship through incubation: An overview at BADIR program for technology incubators

Abstract Saudi Arabia embarks the transition from conventional economy into a knowledge-based economy. This implies improving the national innovation capacity and developing an ecosystem for techno-entrepreneurs. In this regard, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology has established a national technology business incubation program; BADIR Program for Technology Incubators. BADIR aims to encourage non-oil based industry economic growth and foster knowledge growth and innovation-based startups. BADIR helps cultivate innovative ideas contributed by Saudi technoentrepreneurs as incubator members and enables them to scale their technology for industrialization and commercialization, and to benefit from the economic growth. This program to date has successfully assisted many technological incubators in a structured way.

Determination of economic production rate, production quantity and production sequence for flexible routing

In this paper, we consider the problem of determining the production rate, production batch size, and production sequence when production rate, setup cost, and unit processing cost are sequence-dependent. Using a standard lot sizing model with backorder, a tabu search algorithm for solving this problem is proposed. The algorithm is tested on random test problems and its performance is compared with random sequencing. Computational results show that the proposed algorithm is very efficient.