Title
Note on a comparative evaluation of nine well-known algorithms for solving the cell formation problem in group technology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2001
DOI
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ads/2001/206769/
Abstract
Over the last three decades, numerous algorithms have been proposed to solve the work-cell formation problem. For practicing manufacturing managers it would be nice to know as to which algorithm would be most effective and efficient for their specific situation. While several studies have attempted to fulfill this need, most have not resulted in any definitive recommendations and a better methodology of evaluation of cell formation algorithms is urgently needed. Prima facie, the methodology underlying Miltenburg and Zhang's (M&Z) (1991) evaluation of nine well-known cell formation algorithms seems very promising. The primary performance measure proposed by M&Z effectively captures the objectives of a good solution to a cell formation problem and is worthy of use in future studies. Unfortunately, a critical review of M&Z's methodology also reveals certain important flaws in M&Z's methodology. For example, M&Z may not have duplicated each algorithm precisely as the developer(s) of that algorithm intended. Second, M&Z's misrepresent Chandrasekharan and Rajagopalan's [C&R's] (1986) grouping efficiency measure. Third, M&Z's secondary performance measures lead them to unnecessarily ambivalent results. Fourth, several of M&Z's empirical conclusions can be theoretically deduced. It is hoped that future evaluations of cell formation algorithms will benefit from both the strengths and weaknesses of M&Z's work.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Joglekar, Prafulla; Chung, Q. B.; and Tavana, Madjid, "Note on a comparative evaluation of nine well-known algorithms for solving the cell formation problem in group technology" (2001). Business Systems and Analytics Faculty Work. 316.
https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/bsa_faculty/316
Comments
Joglekar, P., Chung, Q. and Tavana, M. (2001) ‘Note on a Comparative Evaluation of Nine Well-Known Algorithms for Solving the Cell Formulation Problem in Group Technology,’ Journal of Applied Mathematics and Decision Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 253-267.