This paper proposes a hierarchical hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution (DE) based algorithm (HHPSODE) to deal with bi-level programming problem (BLPP). To overcome the shortcomings of basic PSO and basic DE, this paper improves PSO and DE, respectively by using a velocity and position modulation method in PSO and a modified mutation strategy in DE. HHPSODE employ...

There is a growing trend by established firms to use a multitude of External Corporate Venturing (ECV) mechanisms (alliances, partnerships, joint ventures, acquisitions, licensing agreements and investments in corporate venture capital) to acquire external innovations. In this paper, we develop a framework within which firms choose ECV mechanisms that are best aligned with characteristics of th...

The business environment is full of uncertainty. Allocating the wealth among various asset classes may lower the risk of overall portfolio and increase the potential for more benefit over the long term. In this paper, we propose a mixed singlestage R&D projects and multi-stage securities portfolio selection model. Specifically, we present a bi-objective mixed-integer stochastic programming mode...

Ernest Sosa has long defended bi-level virtue epistemology on the grounds that it offers the best overall treatment of epistemology’s central issues. A surprising number of problems “yield to” the approach (Sosa 1991: 9). Sosa applies bi-level virtue epistemology to diagnose and bypass ongoing disputes in contemporary epistemology, including the disputes between foundationalists and coherentist...

Bayesian inference (BI) of phylogenetic relationships uses the same probabilistic models of evolution as its precursor maximum likelihood (ML), so BI has generally been assumed to share ML's desirable statistical properties, such as largely unbiased inference of topology given an accurate model and increasingly reliable inferences as the amount of data increases. Here we show that BI, unlike ML...

  Uncertainty plays a major role in any project evaluation and management process. One of the trickiest parts of any production project work is its cost and time forecasting. Since in the initial phases of production projects uncertainty is at its highest level, a reliable method of project scheduling and cash flow generation is vital to help the managers reach successful implementation of the ...

We consider an open shop scheduling problem. At first, a bi-objective possibilistic mixed-integer programming formulation is developed. The inherent uncertainty in processing times and due dates as fuzzy parameters, machine-dependent setup times and removal times are the special features of this model. The considered bi-objectives are to minimize the weighted mean tardiness and weighted mean co...

This paper addresses a closed-loop supply chain network design problem, in which two different supply chains compete on retail prices by defining a price-dependent demand function. So, the model is formulated in a bi-level stochastic form to demonstrate the Stackelberg competition and associated uncertainties more precisely. Moreover, it is capable of considering random disruptions in the leade...