An estimation of distribution algorithm with multiple intensification strategies for two-stage hybrid flow-shop scheduling problem with sequence-dependent setup time.

The estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) has recently emerged as a promising alternative to the traditional evolutionary algorithms for solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper, an estimation of distribution algorithm with multiple intensification strategies (EDA-MIS) is proposed to solve a typical kind of hybrid flow-shop scheduling problem. The two-stage heterogeneous hybrid flow-shop scheduling problem is investigated. The sequence-dependent setup time at the first stage is also considered. In the proposed EDA-MIS, the initial population is constructed through the heuristic method and random strategy. An order matrix is established to estimate the probabilistic model of promising solutions. Then the solutions of the algorithm are evolved through the processes of selection, recombination, sampling, and local search. The obtained results indicate that the EDA-MIS provides good solutions in the aspects of solution quality and computational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]