Modelos matemáticos para la definición del layout de las celdas de manufactura. Revisión de literatura

This review article discusses the approach to the layout problem of cell manufacturing (LCM) in a descriptive form; considering at first the problem and its variations, then the elements of the mathematical models, subsequently presenting solution methods used; and finally some future perspectives about this topic are considered.El presente artículo de revisión aborda el planteamiento del problema del layout de las celdas de manufactura (LCM) de una forma descriptiva, considerando primero el problema y sus variaciones, luego los elementos de los modelos matemáticos, y posteriormente los métodos de solución empleados; y por último se concluye con algunas perspectivas futuras alrededor de este tema.

A game theory model based on Gale-Shapley for dual-resource constrained (DRC) flexible job shop scheduling

Most job shops in practice are constrained by both machine and labor availability. Worker assignment in these so-called Dual Resource Constrained (DRC) job shops is typically solved in the literature via the use of meta-heuristics, i.e. “when” and “where” rules, or heuristic assignment rules. While the former does not necessarily lead to optimal results, the latter suffers from high computational time and complexity, especially when there is a large number of workstations. This paper uses game theory to propose a new worker assignment rule for DRC job shops. The Gale-Shapley model (also known as the stable marriage problem) forms a ‘couple’ made up of a worker and machine following a periodic review strategy. Simulation is used to evaluate and compare the proposed model to “when” and “where” rules previously proposed in the literature. Simulation experiments under different conditions demonstrate that the Gale-Shapley model provides better results for worker assignments in complex DRC systems, particularly when the workers have different efficiency levels. The implications of the findings for research and practice are outlined

Review evolution of cellular manufacturing system’s approaches: Human resource planning method

This paper presents a review of human resource planning methods, related techniques, and their effects on cellular manufacturing systems (CMS). In-depth analysis has been conducted through a review of 43 dominant research papers available in the literature. The advantages, limitations, and drawbacks of material transferring methods have been discussed as well. The domains of the examined studies include some of the important problems in staff planning, such as worker assigning, hiring and firing, optimum number of workers, skilled workers, cross-functional ex-perts, worker satisfaction and outsourcing. The results of this study can fill research gaps and clarify many related questions in CMS problems

Development of Manufacturing Cells Using an Artificial Ant-Based Algorithm with Different Similarity Coefficients

Although there exists several ways of solving the cellular manufacturing problem, including several ant-based algorithms, many of these algorithms focus on obtaining the best possible answer instead of efficiency. An existing artificial-ant based algorithm AntClass, was modified so that it is easier to manipulate. AntClass uses Euclidean vectors to measure the similarity between parts, because similarity is used to group parts together instead of distances, the modified version uses similarity coefficients. The concept of heaping clusters was also introduced to ant algorithms for cellular manufacturing. Instead of using Euclidean vectors to measure the distance to the center of a heap, as in the AntClass algorithm, an average similarity was introduced to measure the similarity between a part and a heap. The algorithm was tested on five common similarity coefficients to determine the similarity coefficient which gives the better quality solution and the most efficient process

A model for digital literacy enhancement through technology adoption in resource-constrained environments

The ubiquitous and pervasive nature of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) fosters societies driven by knowledge rather than traditional capital and labour through the simplified socio-economic participation. No longer are individuals impacted by spatial and environmental conditions when conducting personal, community and even national obligations and duties. However, the effective use of ICT is governed by personal, interpersonal and environmental factors. Nowhere else is this impact more evident than in rural areas. Rural areas are plagued by a number of challenges which affect ICT use. Some of these challenges relate to the scarcity of income, education and infrastructure. A holistic investigation on the challenges experienced by rural areas was necessary. Based on the outcome of the investigation, rural areas were classified as resource-constrained environments. The study then set out to explore concepts that highlight the opportunities offered by ICT in rural areas and those that mitigate challenges posed by these environments on ICT use. The theoretical grounding of the concepts identified in the study firstly set out to understand and explain general ICT use, then extended this ICT use to rural areas. A conceptual model explaining challenges posed by resource constraints inherent in rural areas on ICT use was incepted. This conceptual model was empirically investigated for evaluation and validation purposes resulting in the final model of the study. The final model of the study facilitated the process of understanding and explaining the effective use of ICT in rural areas based on the inherent resource constraints in these environments. By mitigating the factors affecting ICT use in rural areas, the impact of effective ICT use can potentially be extended to resource-constrained environments, including rural areas.School of ComputingM. Sc. (Computing