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A hybrid population-based ruin-and-recreate algorithm for the blocking flow shop scheduling problem

Author

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  • Teixeira, Ewerton
  • Subramanian, Anand
  • Kramer, Hugo Harry

Abstract

This study addresses the blocking flow shop scheduling problem with makespan minimization. In this problem, n jobs need to be scheduled in a serially ordered environment of m machines, where all jobs must follow the same processing order. Additionally, there is no intermediate buffer between these machines. To solve it, we devise a hybrid population-based heuristic, combining a ruin-and-recreate operator with a local search based on variable neighborhood descent. The algorithm incorporates search acceleration procedures, an efficient tie-breaking criterion, and a population diversity control mechanism. Computational experiments were conducted on 150 benchmark instances, and the proposed method achieved highly competitive results, equaling or improving 94.67% the best-known solutions. We also examine the impact of the main components of the algorithm to evaluate their relevance in the performance of the heuristic.

Suggested Citation

  • Teixeira, Ewerton & Subramanian, Anand & Kramer, Hugo Harry, 2026. "A hybrid population-based ruin-and-recreate algorithm for the blocking flow shop scheduling problem," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 329(2), pages 391-404.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:329:y:2026:i:2:p:391-404
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2025.08.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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