This study proposes a modified Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm based on Hummingbird Flight (HBF) patterns to enhance the search quality and population diversity. The HBF has five concepts: (1) Smaller steps toward position updating are more likely than larger ones, (2) Position...

Emerging modes of advanced air mobility are potential alternatives to current ground transport. This study proposes a service network design approach for the air metro, a pre-scheduled service with fixed routes that accommodate passengers for intra- or inter-city trips. The scenarios of...

Purpose: Implementing process management methodology through Lean Management and Design Thinking provides a new way to manage surgical blocks, maximize efficiency and adapt to the high variability of demand. This article presents our experience of implementing a set of improvement actions within...

The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions and challenges across many business sectors, including the construction industry. A serious ramification of the pandemic on the construction industry was an increase in the number of project schedule delays that affected...

This paper investigates a scheduling approach for Automated Guided Vehicle Systems, enabling transport load transfers between vehicles during transport execution. The vehicles can use predefined transfer stations to buffer transport loads until the transport continues by a following vehicle. The...

Cross-docking is a logistics methodology employed in warehouses to gain a competitive advantage by consolidating and transferring freights directly from an inbound supplier to an outbound client with no or restricted storage. Real-time data processing is required for fast synchronisation of...

Investing in green technologies to increase sustainability in supply chains has become a common practice for two reasons: the first is directly related to the defense of the environment and people's health to smooth the emissions of pollutants; the second is the increasing consumer awareness of...

Upon the latest reform to the college entrance examination in China (i.e., Gaokao), high schools began implementing an optional class system. Under this scheme, students' time slots become complex, thereby increasing the difficulty in formulating a suitable timetable from the available ones. To...