A multi-objective optimization model of the partner selection problem in a virtual enterprise and its solution with genetic algorithms

Virtual enterprise is a basic organization form to achieve agile manufacturing in a manufacturing enterprise. One of the key factors of virtual enterprise’s success is that the dominant enterprise can make the correct decision in the selection of a cooperative partner. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization model is proposed from an activity network project. Based on the concept of inefficient candidate, the solution space of the problem is first reduced. Then, an R-GA with embedded project scheduling is developed for solving the problem, where fuzzy factors-based rules are proposed in order to modify the partner selection according to different situations in the evaluation process of the genetic algorithm by using the characteristics of the considered problem and the knowledge of project scheduling. The results indicate that the proposed model and algorithm can obtain satisfactory solutions.

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