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Integer and Combinatorial Optimization

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Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science

Introduction

Integer optimization problems are concerned with the efficient allocation of limited resources to meet a desired objective when some of the resources in question can only be divided into discrete parts. In such cases, the divisibility constraints on these resources, which may be people, machines, or other discrete inputs, may restrict the possible alternatives to a finite set. Nevertheless, there are usually too many alternatives to make complete enumeration a viable option for instances of realistic size. For example, an airline may need to determine crew schedules that minimize the total operating cost, an automotive manufacturer may want to determine the optimal mix of models to produce in order to maximize profit, or a flexible manufacturing facility may want to schedule production for a plant without knowing precisely what parts will be needed in future periods. In today’s changing and competitive industrial environment, the difference between ad hoc planning methods...

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Hoffman, K.L., Ralphs, T.K. (2013). Integer and Combinatorial Optimization. In: Gass, S.I., Fu, M.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1153-7_129

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