Some local search algorithms for no-wait flow-shop problem with makespan criterion

This paper develops and compares different local search algorithms for the no-wait flow-shop problem with makespan criterion (C-max). We present several variants of descending search and tabu search algorithms. In the algorithms the multimoves are used that consist in performing several moves simultaneously in a single iteration of algorithm and allow us to accelerate the convergence to good solutions. Besides, in the tabu search algorithms a dynamic tabu list is proposed that assists additionally to avoid trapped at a local optimum. The proposed algorithms are empirically evaluated and found to be relatively more effective in finding better quality solutions than existing algorithms. The presented ideas can be applied in any local search procedures. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.