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The authors developed a self-organizing map-based optimization (SOMO) neurofuzzy classifier to deal with a practical expatriation willingness (EW) problem, which is associated with employees’ willingness to accept expatriate assignments. The proposed model also delivers more information about rule coverage and generates user-friendly outcomes. The authors adopt the SOMO algorithm to optimize the weights of neurons in the proposed hybrid neurofuzzy classifier. They evaluated the model’s feasibility using the databases from previous studies exploring employees’ EW. The results show that the proposed neurofuzzy classifier yields 11 determination rules whose accuracy rates are greater than 80 percent. The contribution to the body of knowledge lies in the significant improvement in accuracy rates and coverage for predicting EW rules, optimization for all the network parameters using a novel algorithm, and more friendly outputs for practical use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In this paper, a multi-layer perceptron based on 6 important features is proposed for predicting the time needed by our aircraft to approach enemy aircraft when they are in a combat situation. Then the prediction module is incorporated into a SOMO-based decision aid for solving multi-aircraft assignment problems. The problem of assigning our aircraft to meet head-on enemy aircraft in a combat situation is formulated as a constrained resource allocation problem. The objective function of the multi-aircraft assignment problem is a measure for computing the expected overall predominance value of aircraft over enemy aircraft based on four predominance factors. The SOMO algorithm which is an extension version of the SOM algorithm for optimization is executed to find an assignment such that the expected overall predominance value of aircraft can be maximized. Four hundred combat situations are simulated to test the effectiveness of the proposed SOMO-based decision aid. The simulation results demonstrate that the SOMO-based decision aid could provide appealing solutions within 0.5 s even for combat situations with a large number of aircraft. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In most hospitals, operating rooms are the most costly facilities and consume a large percentage of the hospital recourses. Therefore, an efficient and effective operating room scheduling system is highly demanded for hospitals. In this paper, a SOMO-based approach to solving the operating room scheduling problem is proposed. Computational experiments performed on 100 randomly generated simulations are conducted to test whether the proposed scheduling algorithm can provide appealing arrangements in a reasonable computation time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Optimization of construction time helps practitioners save time and money. In this study we compare two optimization methods — self organizing map based optimization (SOMO) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) — for minimizing the construction time of a secant pile wall. The comparison is based on data from 207 primary and secondary bored piles for a secant pile wall. The detailed construction time is measured in minutes and broken down into 16 work activities for each unit of the wall which is then used to yield the optimal construction sequence and time. Both optimization methods can be computed quickly but, SOMO yields a more efficient construction sequence with a shorter construction time. The comparison leads to several findings. Particles with randomly selected velocities and positions may lead to convergence at a local optimization. The PSO comparison mechanism for the yielding of optimization limits the process to the winner''s neighbors, which may also converge to a local optimization. The case study shows the superiority of SOMO and provides answers to the dilemmas using the smallest hyper-plane, the entire comparison mechanism to yield the optimization, and the mechanism for weight adjustment between the winner neuron and its neighbors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]