ABSTRACT
Combinatorial optimization involves determining how best to arrange (or group, sequence, or assign) the controllable elements in large complex systems to achieve a specified objective or goal. Combinatorial optimization models have been used to describe problems as diverse as vehicle routing, workforce scheduling, manufacturing plant layout, portfolio selection, production scheduling, and computer CPU job scheduling. Combinatorial problems are ubiquitous, arising commonly in engineering, financial, industrial, computing, and social and human services applications.
