This paper considers a multi-objective version of the Multiple Traveling Salesman Problem (MOmTSP). In particular, two objectives are considered: the minimization of the total traveled distance and the balance of the working times of the traveling salesmen. The problem is formulated as an integer multi-objective optimization model. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is proposed to solve the MOmTSP. The solution scheme allows one to find a set of ordered solutions in Pareto fronts by considering the concept of dominance. Tests on real world instances and instances adapted from the literature show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

The main aim of the present paper is to analyze the stochastic behavior of a cold standby system with concept of preventive maintenance, priority and maximum repair time. For this purpose, a stochastic model is developed in which initially one unit is operative and other is kept as cold standby. There is a single server who visits the system immediately as and when required. The server takes the unit under preventive maintenance after a maximum operation time at normal mode if one standby unit is available for operation. If the repair of the failed unit is not possible up to a maximum repair time, failed unit is replaced by new one. The failure time, maximum operation time and maximum repair time distributions of the unit are considered as exponentially distributed while repair and maintenance time distributions are considered as arbitrary. All random variables are statistically independent and repairs are perfect. Various measures of system effectiveness are obtained by using the technique of semi-Markov process and RPT. To highlight the importance of the study numerical results are also obtained for MTSF, availability and profit function.

Distribution and optimum allocation of emergency resources are the most important tasks, which need to be accomplished during crisis. When a natural disaster such as earthquake, flood, etc. takes place, it is necessary to deliver rescue efforts as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is important to find optimum location and distribution of emergency relief resources. When a natural disaster occurs, it is not possible to reach some damaged areas. In this paper, location and multi-depot vehicle routing for emergency vehicles using tour coverage and random sampling is investigated. In this study, there is no need to visit all the places and some demand points receive their needs from the nearest possible location. The proposed study is implemented for some randomly generated numbers in different sizes. The preliminary results indicate that the proposed method was capable of reaching desirable solutions in reasonable amount of time.

Suitable selection of various machining parameters for wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) process heavily relies on the operator’s experience and manufacturer’s technologies because of their numerous and diverse operating ranges. Artificial neural networks have been introduced as an effective tool to predict values of responses and input parameters of different machining processes through forward and reverse modeling approaches respectively. This paper mainly focuses on predicting values of some machining responses, like machining rate, surface roughness, dimensional deviation and wire wear ratio using feed forward back propagation artificial neural network based on six WEDM process parameters, such as pulse on time, pulse off time, peak current, spark gap voltage, wire feed and wire tension. The corresponding reverse model is also developed to recommend the optimal settings of WEDM process parameters for achieving the desired responses according to the requirements of the end users. These modeling approaches are quite efficient to predict the values of machining responses as well as process parameter settings with reduced time and effort which otherwise have to be determined experimentally based on trial and error method. The predicted results are found to be in well congruence with the previously obtained experimental observations.

Reliability is one of the most important characteristics of the electrical and mechanical systems with applications in the space communication industries, internet networks, telecommunication systems, power generation systems, and productive facilities. What adds to the importance of reliability in these systems are system complications, nature of competitive markets, and increasing production costs due to failures. This paper investigates availability optimization of a system using both repairable and non-repairable components, simultaneously. The availability-redundancy allocation problems involve the determination of component availability (i.e., life time and repair time of the components) and the redundancy levels that produce maximum system availability. These problems are often subject to some constraints on their components such as cost, weight, and volume. To maximize the availability and to minimize the total cost of the system, a new Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) model is presented. To solve the proposed model, an improved version of the genetic algorithm is designed as an efficient meta-heuristic algorithm. Finally, in order to verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, a numerical example of a system is presented that consists of both repairable and non-repairable components.

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the inter-relationship among the indices that influence on knowledge sharing systems in lessons learned systems. To do this, while reviewing the literature, the researchers first identified the indices affecting KSS; then, they collected the related data through the use of a researcher-devised questionnaire. The results of surveying the indices of knowledge sharing system based on DEMATEL system analysis indicated that there were systemic relationships with the predominant characteristic of impressibility among the indices of the system. Investigating the internal relationship among the indices of knowledge sharing in learned lessons systems showed that in order to create a positive as well as optimum effect on knowledge sharing processes, the first priority should be updating and reinforcing “communication channels”; also, “reward systems and processes” should be reinforced as the second priority in line with the strengthening of the purposeful process of knowledge sharing system.

Strategic warehouse location-allocation problem is a multi-staged decision-making problem having both numerical and qualitative criteria. In order to survive in the global business scenario by improving supply chain performance, companies must examine the cross-functional drivers in the optimization of logistic systems. A meticulous observation makes evident that strategy warehouse location selection has become challenging as the number of alternatives and conflicting criteria increases. The issue becomes particularly problematic when the conventional concept has been applied in dealing with the imprecise nature of the linguistic assessment. The qualitative decisions for selection process are often complicated by the fact that often it is imprecise for the decision makers. Such problem must be overcome with defined efforts. Fuzzy multi-criteria decision making methods have been used in this research as aids in making location-allocation decisions. The anticipated methods in this research consist of two steps at its core. In the first step, the criteria of the existing problem are inspected and identified and then the weights of the sector and subsector are determined that have come to light by using Fuzzy AHP. In the second step, eligible alternatives are ranked by using TOPSIS and Fuzzy TOPSIS comparatively. A demonstration of the application of these methodologies in a real life problem is presented.

Technology transfer, from research and technology organizations (RTOs) toward local industries, is considered as one of important and significant strategies for countries & apos; industrial development. In addition to recover the enormous costs of research and development for RTOs, successful technology transfer from RTOs toward local firms forms technological foundations and develops the ability to enhance the competitiveness of firms. Better understanding of factors influencing process of technology transfer helps RTOs and local firms prioritize and manage their resources in an effective and efficient way to maximize the success of technology transfer. This paper aims to identify important effective factors in technology transfer from Iranian RTOs and provides a comprehensive model, which indicate the interactions of these factors. In this regard, first, research background is reviewed and Cummings and Teng’s model (2003) [Cummings, J. L., & Teng, B.-S. (2003). Transferring R & D knowledge: The key factors affecting knowledge transfer success. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 20(1-2), 39-68.] was selected as the basic model in this study and it was modified through suggesting new factors identified from literature of inter-organizational knowledge and technology transfer and finally a Delphi method was applied for validation of modified model. Then, research conducted used Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to evaluate the relationship between the factors of final proposed model. Results indicate that there were twelve factors influencing on technology transfer process from Iranian RTOs to local firms and also the intensity of absorption capability in transferee could influence on the intensity of desorption capability in transferor.

Quality of services in banking industry plays essential role in measuring the performance of banks. As customer awareness increases on the services offered by banks, expectations from service quality increases too. Presently, managers of banks use different financial factors such as deposits, credits, etc. to rank their banks. This paper uses SERVQUAL technique to measure customer satisfaction for 14 branches of a bank in city of Kermanshah, Iran. The study first statistically shows that customer satisfaction was not the same for all these banks and then using analytical hierarchy process and The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) ranks these branches using five components of SERVQUAL method; namely tangibles, reliability, assurance, responsiveness and empathy.

Flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is an important component of competitive strategy, which could be used for improving organizational performance, productivity, and profitability. The goal of this research is to use DEMATEL approach for finding the intensity of influence of selected criteria. Then, in order to evaluate flexible manufacturing systems, the results of DEMATEL are used in SAW method. A questionnaire was developed and ten professional experts working in various departments of Aluminum Composite Panel Industry are asked to answer its questions. The obtained results reveal that in this case, it is a better choice not to implement and develop FMS.