1. |
Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method: A robust approach
, Pages: 323-340 Seyed Jafar Sadjadi and Mahdi Karimi PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: One of the primary concerns in most decision making problems is the uncertainty associated with the input parameters. The existence of uncertainty may lead to some unrealistic results, which may make the final decision even more difficult. This paper presents an application of robust optimization technique to a recently developed model named Best-Worst method. The resulted robust approach is formulated as a linear programming where it can be solved using any commercial software package. The proposed model has been implemented on several instances which exist in the literature and the preliminary results have indicated that a small perturbation may influence the final ranking, significantly. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.3.003 Keywords: Multi-criteria decision making, Best-Worst method, Uncertain programming, Robust optimization
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2. |
Suitable computerized maintenance management system selection using grey group TOPSIS and fuzzy group VIKOR: A case study
, Pages: 341-358 Amir Zare, Mohammad Reza Feylizadeh, Amin Mahmoudi and Sifeng Liu PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: The purpose of this paper is developing a method to choose an appropriate Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) using Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MADM) for a dairy company. Among different methods, the grey group TOPSIS and fuzzy group VIKOR methods were selected. TOPSIS is a Technique for order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution and VIKOR technique is a method based on compromise programming. The data in this article were gathered using the interviews with the company’s managers and elites in the field of maintenance. Then, out of five types of maintenance software, the best ones were selected using these two techniques and finally the results were compared with each other. In the selection process, 13 sub-criteria were introduced under 5 main criteria. These criteria were selected out of a huge number of criteria using the studies of others and by consulting with the company’s managers and experts. We have tried to make the choices in a way that the majority of aspects could be considered. This paper helps the maintenance managers in decision-making related to choosing the CMMS software in uncertainty environment. Using two different fuzzy and grey approaches and comparing the results can lead to appropriate selection and improve the confidence in decision-making. Maintenance planning issues are among the important issues in industrial production systems. Maintenance systems have basically made remarkable progress in recent years. The increase of companies’ competitive pressure on the one hand and the close relationship between maintenance activities and companies’ core activities, on the other hand, have encouraged companies to use the software in order to manage their maintenance activities. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.3.002 Keywords: CMMS, Grey Group TOPSIS, Fuzzy Group VIKOR, Maintenance, MADM
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3. |
Crafting decision options and alternatives for designing cultural observation system using general morphological modelling
, Pages: 359-380 Jaber Moghaddampour, Farhad Darvishi Setalani, Hakem Ghasemi and Mohammad Rahim Eivazi PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: According to connoisseurs, cultural system is encountering a fully new space in future decades and cultural indicators will be exposed by some dangers; for the same reason, cultural observation activities in management dialogue of Iran are emphasized; the concept of “observation” in Iran is facing with challenges including being far from the concepts of futures studies and the focus on “cultural indicators monitoring” while cultural engineering needs foresight and identification of affecting progressive and deterring factors on the culture. The present study aims at providing alternatives to design an observation system by considering the monitoring and scanning simultaneously to bring out strategic and futurist vision for cultural organizations. To this end, the solution space and morphological field of observation (parameters and values) by using MA/Carma Viewer software package is designed based on the literature review and forming a five-member expert group and specialized conversations. Upon Internal Consistency Assessment of parameters and by considering some values as drivers, Parameters Activity Check was conducted to study the reactions by other parameters and values. After sense-making and proper understanding of the model behavior, an Inference and “What-If” model were devised; some configurations were studied and provided in order to aware a part of proper alternatives for designing a cultural observation system (two scenarios). Scenario selection is different due to contingencies and conditions of executing the process as well as the users’ needs and goals in cultural observation system and cultural organizations can make decisions and design detailed observation systems by using morphological models, solution space and alternatives provided in the present study and depended on their goals and needs. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.3.001 Keywords: Solution space, Decision making, model, General Morphological Analysis (GMA), Horizon scanning, Observation
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4. |
A stochastic time-dependent green capacitated vehicle routing and scheduling problem with time window, resiliency and reliability: a case study
, Pages: 381-394 Masoud Rabbani, Soroush Aghamohammadi Bosjin, Reza Yazdanparast and Niloufar Akbarian Saravi PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: This paper presents a new multi-objective model for a vehicle routing problem under a stochastic uncertainty. It considers traffic point as an inflection point to deal with the arrival time of vehicles. It aims to minimize the total transportation cost, traffic pollution, customer dissatisfaction and maximizes the reliability of vehicles. Moreover, resiliency factors are included in the model to increase the flexibility of the system and decrease the possible losses that may impose on the system. Due to the NP-hardness of the presented model, a meta-heuristic algorithm, namely Simulated Annealing (SA) is developed. Furthermore, a number of sensitivity analyses are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model. Lastly, the foregoing meta-heuristic is compared with GAMS, in which the computational results demonstrate an acceptable performance of the proposed SA. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.2.002 Keywords: Green vehicle routing, Stochastic time-dependent capacitated vehicle routing problem, Scheduling, Time window, Resiliency, Reliability
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5. |
A new MCDM-based approach using BWM and SAW for optimal search model
, Pages: 395-404 Alireza Sotoudeh-Anvari, Seyed Jafar Sadjadi, Seyed Mohammad Hadji Molana and Soheil Sadi-Nezhad PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Search for lost or hidden things is a very interesting and complicated issue. This problem concentrates on the study of how to exploit resources to discover a target with unknown location. On the other hand, search problem may be formulated as a difficult decision problem because it is affected by various crucial decision factors such as search cost, search time, the probability of discovering, etc. In this paper, a new multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach on the basis of best-worst method (BWM) and simple additive weighting (SAW) is suggested to rank potential locations of lost or hidden targets. BWM is a novel subjective weighting technique and compared to the most common subjective method, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), requires fewer comparisons and gives more trustworthy outcomes. In this paper, BWM is used to gain the criteria weights and SAW is employed to rank the locations regarding the decision factors. This study demonstrates that BWM is easier and works better than AHP, also perfect agreement in the results of COPRAS, TOPSIS and SAW is observed. The suggested approach is very easy as well as flexible and provides an efficient method which can be developed to tackle other decision problems. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.2.001 Keywords: Search problem, Best-worst method, Subjective weighting technique, Simple additive weighting
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6. |
Optimization of process parameters for WEDM of Inconel 825 using grey relational analysis
, Pages: 405-416 Pawan Kumar, Meenu and Vineet Kumar PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Inconel 825 is high nickel-chromium-based superalloy which retains its mechanical properties and exhibits good corrosion and oxidation resistance at elevated temperature. Inconel 825 is extensively used for making aircraft engine parts like combustor casing and turbine blades in aero space industry. This research proposed the Response Surface Methodology with GRA to optimize multiple responses during Wire-cut EDM of Inconel 825. At optimum combination of input parameters i.e. A4B1C1D5E4F2, increase in MRR from 36.13 mm2/min to 41.822 mm2/min, decrease in SR from 2.842μm to 2.445μm and decrease in WWR from 0.01832 to 0.01758 was obtained. Experimental results showed that pulse-on time, wire feed, pulse-off time, and peak current significantly affected the MRR, and surface integrity of specimen and electrode with the formation of craters, pockmarks, debris, micro cracks, and recast layer. The optimal parametric combination obtained from the present study will be advantageous for working on high strength; high thermal conductivity and low melting point materials like nickel alloys. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.1.006 Keywords: Inconel 825, Sprint cut WEDM, Machining Characteristics, Response surface methodology, Grey Relational Analysis
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7. |
Ranking the cities with potential of tourism investment in Fars province using numerical taxonomy
, Pages: 417-426 Ardeshir Bagheri, Masoomeh Moharrer, Moslem Bagheri and Maryam Nekooee Zadeh PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Tourism industry is one of the most important parts of economic development. It can create job either directly or through stimulating other economic sectors. Therefore, it is important for policy makers to determine the best places with good potentials for tourism development. Fars province has been the center of civilization and the origin of the Iranian literature and mysticism celebrities and could be a potential investment of tourism. However, this province does not have the infrastructure required to accommodate tourists, especially during holiday seasons. This study ranks different cities located in the Fras province having the necessary potential for investment in the tourism sector by using the numerical taxonomy in terms of 12 indicators. The research population includes 29 cities in this province based on the devision of 2016. The necessary data are collected from Directorate General of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism in Fars province. It is found that the cities of Shiraz, Marvdasht, Firouzabad, Sepidan, and Kazerun were the best cities for tourism investment, respectively. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.1.005 Keywords: Tourism, City, Fars Province, Numerical taxonomy
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8. |
Selection of a mini-grid business model for developing countries using CRITIC-TOPSIS with interval type-2 fuzzy sets
, Pages: 427-442 Desmond Eseoghene Ighravwe and Moses Olubayo Babatunde PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: The growth in renewable energy study has resulted in the expansion of mini-grids projects across different communities in developing countries. However, there is a need to ensure that a suitable business model is selected during the provision of mini-grid services in developing countries. This study presents a framework for ranking mini-grid business models. The proposed framework is a multi-criteria multi-decision (MCMD) making tool. The framework combines Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC), TOPSIS (Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and WASPAS (weighted aggregated sum product assessment) methods. An interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2FSs) is used to convert the responses from decision-makers into crisp values. The applicability of the proposed framework was tested using Nigeria as a case study. Four potential mini-grid (private, government, community-based and public-private) business models for the case study were ranked using twelve criteria. The average values for the subjective and objective weight methods showed that electricity traffic and energy demand were the least and the most important criteria, respectively, for selecting a mini-grid business model. The results obtained showed that the best mini-grid model was a private model using a TOPSIS framework. A WASPAS framework ranked the community-based business model as the best model. This study results showed mini-grid business models in developing countries should be either private or community-based business models. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.1.004 Keywords: CRITIC, TOPSIS, WASPAS, IT2FSs, Mini-grid Business model
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9. |
Theories of opportunity creation and effective entrepreneurial actions in opportunity creation context
, Pages: 443-454 Behrooz Jamali, Reza MohammadKazemi, Jahangir Yadollahi Farsi and Ali Mobini Dehkordi PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Created opportunities are refered as the opportunities in which none of the supply and demand parties exists clearly and obviously one or both of them must be created. Therefore, several economic inventions should take place in marketing, franchising, etc. so that opportunity can be created. This perception of opportunity deals with the creation of new markets. In the meantime, identifying some entrepreneurial actions influencing on the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities can provide backgrounds for the formation and empowering the opportunity creation. In this paper, some basic ideas about the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities and the evolution of opportunity creation theories are examined. Then effective actions on the opportunity creation are identified. Finally, the structure of the investigated actions is examined using the DEMATLE Method. The results which were according to the opinions of 15 experts of entrepreneurship showed that leadership, decision making, and strategy actions influence other entrepreneurial actions. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.1.003 Keywords: Opportunity creation, Entrepreneurial opportunity, Entrepreneurial actions
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10. |
Identifying and prioritizing the factors of service experience in banks: A Best-Worst method
, Pages: 455-464 Shahrbanoo Yadollahi, Ali Kazemi and Bahram Ranjbarian PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: The present study aimed at identifying and evaluating the factors affecting the service experience at the touch points of banking services. These factors were prioritized to help the managers understand the most important factors for achieving the favorable service experience. In this study, the theoretical foundations and interviews with customers were used to identify the factors forming the service experience at touch points. Then, the Best-Worst method (BMW) was used to evaluate and determine the significance of each identified factor. Sixteen customers participated in the interview and ten customers participated in the study by the BMW method. Six touch points and 34 factors forming the service experience were created at these points of interview analysis. The research findings showed that ‘service process’ and ‘interaction customer-employees’ for creating a favorable experience are significant in banking services. In addition, the findings showed that bank managers should allocate their resources for improving them to achieve the competitive advantage. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.1.002 Keywords: Service experience, Banking service, Service marketing, Best-Worst Method, Multi-criteria decision making
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11. |
Investigating readiness in the Iranian steel industry through six sigma combined with fuzzy delphi and fuzzy DANP
, Pages: 465-480 Peyman Barzegar Keliji, Bahram Shabani Diz Abadi and Mostafa Abedini PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: In today's competitive world, Six Sigma can serve as a corporate strategy to improve quality and reduce costs. Six Sigma is a comprehensive and flexible system for achieving, maintaining and maximizing organizational success, through an improved performance of processes. However, this tool can only be successful in organizations which are already prepared for Six Sigma implementation. This study investigated the readiness of an Iranian company, Tabarestan Steel Co., in terms of Six Sigma projects. In doing so, the study proposed a model designed for assessing the readiness of Six Sigma in organizations. To this end, primarily Six Sigma readiness indicators were identified through Fuzzy Delphi, by recourse to the experts’ opinions. Next the interrelationships between the indicators were examined through the Fuzzy DEMATEL method. The internal links between the indicators were determined after the examination, and the degree of importance and the weights of the indicators were decided. Ultimately, three highly important dimensions were discovered that had a significant function in Six Sigma implementation (leadership and perspective, corporate strategy, and focus on the customer). DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2018.1.001 Keywords: Six sigma, Fuzzy delphi, Fuzzy analytic network process, Fuzzy DEMATEL, Tabarestan steel
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12. |
A robust fuzzy possibilistic AHP approach for partner selection in international strategic alliance
, Pages: 481-502 Vahid Reza Salamat, Alireza Aliahmadi, Mir Saman Pishvaee and Khalid Hafeez PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: The international strategic alliance is an inevitable solution for making competitive advantage and reducing the risk in today’s business environment. Partner selection is an important part in success of partnerships, and meanwhile it is a complicated decision because of various dimensions of the problem and inherent conflicts of stockholders. The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical approach to the problem of partner selection in international strategic alliances, which fulfills the gap between theories of inter-organizational relationships and quantitative models. Thus, a novel Robust Fuzzy Possibilistic AHP approach is proposed for combining the benefits of two complementary theories of inter-organizational relationships named, (1) Resource-based view, and (2) Transaction-cost theory and considering Fit theory as the perquisite of alliance success. The Robust Fuzzy Possibilistic AHP approach is a novel development of Interval-AHP technique employing robust formulation; aimed at handling the ambiguity of the problem and let the use of intervals as pairwise judgments. The proposed approach was compared with existing approaches, and the results show that it provides the best quality solutions in terms of minimum error degree. Moreover, the framework implemented in a case study and its applicability were discussed. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2017.12.002 Keywords: International Strategic Alliance, Resource-Based View, Transaction-Cost Theory, Fit, Robust Programming, Interval AHP
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13. |
An American option contract toward supply chain coordination
, Pages: 503-522 Masoud Rabbani, Neda Manavizadeh, Hamed Vafa Arani and Safoura Famil Alamdar PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Coordination improves the profit of all the members in a supply chain. In this paper, a novel coordination mechanism is introduced in a retailer-manufacturer supply chain in which the retailer can adopt either an American option mechanism or a wholesale mechanism to satisfy the market demand throughout a multi-period horizon. The manufacturer follows a make-to-order production policy. This mechanism gives the retailer the right to select the more beneficial mechanism in each period. The retailer as the leader of the chain decides how many options should be purchased at the beginning of the horizon through a mixed-integer mathematical model. This model addresses the uncertainties in the market demand and the market price, simultaneously. A scenario planning approach is used to treat the random variables within the model. Also, an optimal scenario reduction model is adapted to reduce the computational complexity of the problem. Finally, a numerical experiment is designed to validate the performance of the model. The results demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the profit of both members. Moreover, a number of experiments are performed to show how the option price, the exercise price and the interest rate affect the performance of the contract. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2017.12.001 Keywords: Supply chain coordination, American option mechanism, Wholesale mechanism, Stochastic programming, Geometric Brownian Motion
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14. |
Selection of optimal variant route based on dynamic fuzzy GRA
, Pages: 523-534 Jalil Heidary Dahooie, Amir Salar Vanaki, Navid Mohammadi and Hamid Reza Firoozfar PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Given the high costs of construction and maintenance, an optimum design methodology is one of the most important steps towards the development of transportation infrastructure, especially freeways. However, the effects of different variables on the decision-making process to find an optimal variant have caused the choice to become a very difficult and professional task for decision makers. So, the current paper aims to determine the optimal variant route for Isfahan-Shiraz freeway through MADM approaches. First, evaluation indices for an optimal route variant are derived through literature review and expert panel assessment. Then, a dynamic fuzzy GRA method is used for weightings and optimal route selection. Bases on the results, the road longevity, views of NGOs and route integration are identified as the highest-weighted criteria in route variant prioritization. Further, Route 3 is defined as the priority for the optimal variant for Isfahan–Shiraz freeway, which is the main basis in practice. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2017.11.004 Keywords: Variant route, Isfahan-Shiraz freeway, MADM, Dynamic fuzzy GRA
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15. |
ANN and RSM approach for modelling and multi objective optimization of abrasive water jet machining process
, Pages: 535-548 Srinath Reddy N., Dinesh Tirumala, Rajyalakshmi Gajjela and Raja Das PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Abrasive Water Jet Machining is one of the novel nontraditional cutting processes found diverse applications in machining different kinds of difficult-to-machine materials. Process parameters play an important role in finding the economics of machining process at good quality. This research focused on the predictive models for explaining the functional relationship between input and output parameters of AWJ machining process. No single set of parametric combination of machining variables can suggest the better responses concurrently, due to its conflicting nature. Hence, an approach of Multi-objective has been attempted for the best combination of process parameters by modelling AWJM process using of ANN. It served a set of optimal process parameters to AWJ machining process, which shows a development with an enhanced productivity. Wide set of trail experiments have been considered with a broader range of machining parameters for modelling and, then, for validating. The model is capable of predicting optimized responses. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2017.11.003 Keywords: AWJM, Response surface methodology, Artificial neural network, Modeling, Optimization
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16. |
A fuzzy multi-criteria decision model for integrated suppliers selection and optimal order allocation in the green supply chain
, Pages: 549-566 Hamzeh Amin-Tahmasbi and Shohreh Alfi PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: Today, with the advancement of technology in the production process of various products, the achievement of sustainable production and development has become one of the main concerns of factories and manufacturing organizations. In the same vein, many manufacturers try to select suppliers in their upstream supply chains that have the best performance in terms of sustainable development criteria. In this research, a new multi-criteria decision-making model for selecting suppliers and assigning orders in the green supply chain is presented with a fuzzy optimization approach. Due to uncertainty in supplier capacity as well as customer demand, the problem is formulated as a fuzzy multi-objective linear programming (FMOLP). The proposed model for the selection of suppliers of SAPCO Corporation is evaluated. Firstly, in order to select and rank suppliers in a green supply chain, a network structure of criteria has defined with five main criteria of cost, quality, delivery, technology and environmental benefits. Subsequently, using incomplete fuzzy linguistic relationships, pair-wise comparisons between the criteria and sub-criteria as well as the operation of the options will be assessed. The results of these comparisons rank the existing suppliers in terms of performance and determine the utility of them. The output of these calculations (utility index) is used in the optimization model. Subsequently, in the order allocation process, the two functions of the target cost of purchase and purchase value are optimized simultaneously. Finally, the order quantity is determined for each supplier in each period. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2017.11.002 Keywords: Supplier selection, Order allocation, Fuzzy programming, Network analysis
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17. |
A many-objective Jaya algorithm for many-objective optimization problems
, Pages: 567-582 Sandeep U. Mane, M. R. Narsingrao and Vrushali C. Patil PDF (517 K) |
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Abstract: The proposed work presents the design and application of many-objective Jaya (MaOJaya) algorithm to optimize many-objective benchmark optimization problems. The basic Jaya algorithm is modified by introducing non-dominated sorting and tournament selection scheme of NSGA-II. The reference point mechanism is introduced to traverse algorithm towards the best solutions. The basic Jaya algorithm is modified while preserving its essential properties. The Tchebycheff – a decomposition based approach is used to simplify the complex MaOPs. The proposed MaOJaya algorithm is tested on DTLZ benchmark functions with objectives ranging from three to ten to measure its applicability and effectiveness to solve many-objective optimization problems. The IGD and Hypervolume performance metrics are used to evaluate the performance of proposed MaOJaya algorithm. The obtained IGD and Hypervolume values compared with the best known results and it is observed that, the proposed MaOJaya algorithm gives competitive or better results than known best results. DOI: 10.5267/j.dsl.2017.11.001 Keywords: Many-objective Jaya (MaOJaya) algorithm, Many-objective optimization problems, DTLZ benchmark functions
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