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h-NSDE—A Solution Algorithm for the Multi-objective Resource Leveling Problem

Author

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  • Marinos Aristotelous

    (University of Patras)

  • Andreas C. Nearchou

    (University of Patras)

Abstract

Consideration is given to the resource leveling problem (RLP) in resource-constrained project scheduling (RCPS). Although RLP has gained an increasing research interest, multiple optimization criteria are rarely considered simultaneously in the literature. In this paper, a multi-objective version of RLP is investigated aiming to simultaneously minimize the resource imbalance, the peak of the resource usage as well as the makespan. A metaheuristic algorithm is presented devoted to the search for Pareto-optimal RLP solutions. This algorithm constitutes an adaptation of h-NSDE (the hybrid non-dominated sorting differential evolution) which has recently shown excellent performance over a particular class of machine scheduling problems. Using existing benchmark data sets, we test the performance of h-NSDE in comparison to three of the most famous in the literature multi-objective population-based metaheuristics namely NSGA-II, SPEA2, and PAES. The results obtained are quite promising demonstrating a clear superiority of h-NSDE in terms of both the solution quality and diversity in regard to Pareto-front.

Suggested Citation

  • Marinos Aristotelous & Andreas C. Nearchou, 2025. "h-NSDE—A Solution Algorithm for the Multi-objective Resource Leveling Problem," SN Operations Research Forum, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:snopef:v:6:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s43069-025-00415-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s43069-025-00415-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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