An effective multi-wave algorithm for solving the max-mean dispersion problem

We propose an effective multi-wave algorithm organized in multiple search phases for the max-mean dispersion problem, which offers enhancement of neighborhood search algorithms by incorporating the notion of persistent attractiveness in memory based strategies. In each wave, a vertical phase and a horizontal phase are first alternated to reach a boundary solution. Then a concluding horizontal phase is executed to search around this boundary solution for further solution refinement. Finally, an oscillation phase and a diversified initial solution generation phase focus on search diversification to build well-diversified initial solutions for subsequent waves and passes. Experimental results show that the proposed approach performs quite competitive with state-of-the-art algorithms in the literature. Additional analysis discloses the benefits of the key ingredients in the proposed algorithm.