Harmony search algorithm (HS) cannot always avoid being trapped in local optima, and several local search algorithms have recently been used to overcome this limitation by searching the neighborhood of some solution for improved ones. However, how local search affects the performance of HS has...

In stochastic lot sizing subject to dynamic and random demand, the minimization of operational costs is not the only conceivable objective. Minimizing the tardiness in customer demand satisfaction is no less important. Furthermore, the decision maker is interested in production plan stability....