Applying a fuzzy multi-objective model for a production–distribution network design problem by using a novel self-adoptive evolutionary algorithm

Abstract

In this paper, a new fuzzy bi-objective mathematical model for production–distribution problem under uncertainty for a four-echelon supply chain network design involving of several suppliers, producers, distributors, customers, and a set of transportation modals with different reliability rates are presented. In addition to minimise the total cost of the supply chain, the second objective is maximising reliability rate of the whole proposed system. In order to solve the proposed model, a hybrid two-phase solution procedure is proposed based on possibilistic programming, fuzzy multi-objective programming and an efficient algorithm called self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm. Finally, an extensive comparison by a set of numerical examples with different complexity along with some sensitivity analyses has been reported to explore the efficiency of proposed model as well as the performance of proposed evolutionary algorithm.

KEYWORDS:

• Production–distribution problem
• fuzzy multi-objective programming
• metaheuristic
• self-adoptive evolutionary algorithm

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fariba Goodarzian

Fariba Goodarzian is currently a PhD candidate in Industrial Engineering from Yazd University. She earned her M. Sc. degree in Industrial Engineering from University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, Behshar in 2016. She also earned her B. Sc. degree in Industrial Engineering from Mazandaran University of Science and Technology, Babol in 2014. Her main research interests are in the area of Supply Chain Management and Production-Distribution Networks, Health Care Management and Emergency logistics as well as proposing novel heuristics and metaheuristics.

Hassan Hosseini-Nasab

Hassan Hosseini-Nasab is a Professor in Industrial Engineering from Yazd University. His main research interests are in the area of Supply Chain Management, Green Logistics and Sustainable Operations Management, Inventory Management, Combinatorial optimization and heuristics/metaheuristics. He is also a peer-reviewer in top journals e.g., ASOC, NCAA, CAIE, IJSS, ESWA and JCLP. He has published more than 50 scientific papers in high-ranked journals e.g., ASOC, CAIE and IJAMT etc. and international conferences e.g., IEEE.