The multiple traveling salesperson problem (MTSP) involves scheduling m 1 salespersons to visit a set of n m locations. Thus, the n locations must be divided into m groups and arranged so that each salesperson has an ordered set of cities to visit. The grouping genetic algorithm (GGA) is a...

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to provide a conceptual foundation to enhance the body of knowledge related to supplier selection in light of global supply chain disruptions and risk. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed tool is based on a multi‐criteria optimization framework,...

The U.S. hardwood sawmilling industry has experienced significant changes over the past decade. A slowing housing industry, competition from imported products, higher transportation costs, and high stumpage prices have changed the business of manufacturing and marketing hardwood lumber. Also,...

According to the Energy Information Administration two fifths of the energy used by US wood products manufacturers comes from electricity and natural gas, the costs of which have pointedly increased over the last decade. Empirical indications exist that higher energy prices affect the...

The United States forest products industry faces many challenges that threaten its competitiveness as it enters the 21st century such as opposing the emergence of Asian imports, increased demands for non-wood alternatives and environmental pressures and constraints. Such pressures clearly show...