Introduction

A large number of optimization problems in manufacturing systems are complex and difficult to solve. They can not be solved optimally or near optimally within a reasonable amount of time. Using heuristic or metaheuristic algorithms is the best alternative to solve large sized manufacturing system problems. Heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms are widely used to solve manufacturing system problems in literature. While heuristic algorithms are developed to search solutions for specific problems, metaheuristic algorithms are developed for general purpose and applied to the problems to obtain good solutions. There are two types of heuristic algorithms, one of them is single objective and the other is multi-objective algorithms. Due to the complicated nature of the real world manufacturing system problems, finding optimum solution can not be possible. For this reason, single or multi-objective algorithms are applied to reach good and efficient solutions. Despite the heuristic algorithms are appropriate alternative for NP-hard problems, each heuristic algorithm can not be appropriate to be applied each problem. For instance, the evolutionary algorithms are good alternatives to reach efficient solution for job-shop scheduling problem, they are not appropriate algorithms for large sized real world optimization problems in terms of computational time. For these reasons, effective application of heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms to the manufacturing systems is important.

The main goal of the book is to present applications of heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms in manufacturing systems. In this manner, complementary approaches can be presented for both practitioners and academicians. This book discusses the main heuristic and metaheuristic methods to manage and optimize the problems in manufacturing systems and examines the two main levels of decision systems in production: the middle term (tactical) and short term (operational). As each level encounters specific problems, appropriate approaches to deal with these are introduced and explained. These problems include the line design, the line balancing optimization, the physical layout of the production or service system, the forecasting optimization, the inventory management, the scheduling etc. The book also examines NP-hard problems that are common in production management. These complex configurations may mean that optimal solutions may not be reached due to variables, but the authors help provide a good solution for such problems. The effective new results and solutions offered in this book should appeal to researchers, managers, and engineers in the production and service industries.

The target audiences for this publication include academics, practitioners, PhD students, scientists, and engineers involved in the manufacturing process. While providing academic rigor, the publication will also be suitable for non-specialists.

* International Manufacturing Methods 
* Advanced Planning Systems 
* Heuristic methods and applications for manufacturing system problems 
* Heuristic approaches for assembly line problems under deterministic and/or stochastic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Heuristic approaches for inventory management under deterministic and/or stochastic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Heuristic approaches for scheduling problems in manufacturing systems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Heuristic approaches for worker assignment problems in manufacturing systems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Heuristic approaches for manufacturing system design problems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Heuristic approaches for facility layout problems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* A literature survey on heuristics in manufacturing systems 
* Metaheuristic methods and applications for manufacturing system problem 
* Single objective metaheuristic algorithms 
* Single objective metaheuristic approaches for assembly line problems under deterministic and/or stochastic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Single objective metaheuristic approaches for inventory management under deterministic and/or stochastic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Single objective metaheuristic approaches for scheduling problems in manufacturing systems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Single objective metaheuristic approaches for worker assignment problems in manufacturing systems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Single objective metaheuristic approaches for manufacturing system design problems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Single objective metaheuristic approaches for facility layout problems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* A literature survey on single objective metaheuristics in manufacturing systems 
* Multi-objective metaheuristic algorithms 
* Multi-objective metaheuristic approaches for assembly line problems under deterministic and/or stochastic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Multi-objective metaheuristic approaches for inventory management under deterministic and/or stochastic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Multi-objective metaheuristic approaches for scheduling problems in manufacturing systems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Multi-objective metaheuristic approaches for worker assignment problems in manufacturing systems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Multi-objective metaheuristic approaches for manufacturing system design problems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* Multi-objective metaheuristic approaches for facility layout problems under stochastic and/or deterministic and/or fuzzy environments 
* A literature survey on multi-objective metaheuristics in manufacturing systems 
* Metaheuristics for production systems 
* Scheduling and sequencing 
* Lean manufacturing 
* Inventory management 
* Supply chain management optimization 
* Gradient-based optimization 
* Constrained and unconstrained optimization 
* Multiobjective optimization 
* Optimal control theory 
* Applied simulation modeling 

Both researchers and practitioners are invited to submit a chapter proposal of no more than three pages (including some potential References) clearly explaining the mission and concerns of their proposed chapter by July 15, 2016. Submissions should be made through the weblink at the bottom of this page. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by October 15, 2016. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for the research handbook.

This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), publisher of the "Information Science Reference" (formerly Idea Group Reference), "Medical Information Science Reference," "Business Science Reference," and "Engineering Science Reference" imprints. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2017.

Phase 1: 
Proposal Submission Deadline: July 15, 2016 
Full chapter Submission: October 15, 2016 

Phase 2: 
Review Process: October 15 to November 30, 2016 
Review Results to Chapter Authors: December 30, 2016 

Phase 3: 
Revised Chapter Submission from Chapter Authors: January 30, 2017 
Final Acceptance Notifications to Chapter Authors: February 28, 2017 
Submission of Final Chapters to Editor: March 30, 2017

Please send any inquiries to Bryan Christiansen at [log in to unmask].