Abstract:

The present work is proposed to establish a comparative study between the exact method, namely, the Algorithm Branch and Bound, in respect of the artificial intelligence approaches (the genetic algorithms as well as the neural ones). The purpose is to highlight the artificial intelligence noticeable performance in solving the multi- product and multi- period model through the above-mentioned method, with the aim of providing a solution for the reverse logistics’ site-localization problem regarding end-of-life products. For the sake of reaching, a solution within a reasonable time, however, the genetic algorithm and neural network have displayed a remarkable ability to effectively solve the problem, as considered in relation to the assessment and sorting or separation procedure (branch and bound algorithm), constructed within a CPLEX shopping solver. In addition, a comparative study between the three methods is going to be established.