Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Najeeb Al-Matar Author-X-Name-First: Najeeb Author-X-Name-Last: Al-Matar Title: Non-convex queue time-bound optimal load balancing Abstract: Cloud computing offers numerous advantages and flexibility, but also presents challenges in scheduling and load balancing. These challenges are particularly significant in distributed computing paradigms, and the addition of cloud technology on top of distributed systems further complicates the problem. The performance of cloud computing is significantly influenced by these factors. To optimise scheduling and load balancing, the proposed work introduces non-convex queue time-bound optimal load balancing, a set of nonlinear metrics that can be applied to both convex and non-convex surfaces. The work involves mathematical modelling an objective function with bounded constraints using queuing theory, applying non-convex optimisation techniques to minimise metrics like cost, error, and bandwidth. The results are evaluated using cloudsim metrics and analysed to improve performance. This mathematically modelled system provides a reliable and cognitive approach to optimising the cloud environment. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 1-14 Issue: 1 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: non-convex cloud; nonlinear cloud; cloud optimisation; cloud load balancing; cloud resource management; cloud non-Markovian; cloud queue. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150782 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:1:p:1-14 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Parmeet Kaur Chahal Author-X-Name-First: Parmeet Kaur Author-X-Name-Last: Chahal Author-Name: Kamlesh Kumar Author-X-Name-First: Kamlesh Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Title: Queueing models of machine repair problems with control policies: a survey and analysis Abstract: This article offers a thorough review and analysis of the studies done on queueing models of machine repair problems (MRP) with various control policies. These policies govern the arrival of failed machines and the service mechanism in the queueing systems. Due to their many practical applications, queueing models of machine repair problems have drawn significant interest from researchers across the globe. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to investigating this area of research and the present article provides a mathematical framework for queueing models of machining systems, which incorporates various control policies. Furthermore, we explore the potential applications of machine repair queueing models that apply control policies and give a tabular summary of the research works listed while taking into account the models attributes and methodology used in particular investigations. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 68-127 Issue: 1 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: machine repair problem; MRP; standbys; N-policy; F-policy; threshold recovery policy; bi-level control policy; triadic control policy. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150783 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:1:p:68-127 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Broderick Oluyede Author-X-Name-First: Broderick Author-X-Name-Last: Oluyede Author-Name: Neo Dingalo Author-X-Name-First: Neo Author-X-Name-Last: Dingalo Author-Name: Fastel Chipepa Author-X-Name-First: Fastel Author-X-Name-Last: Chipepa Title: The Harris-odd Burr type X-G family of distributions with applications Abstract: This note introduces the new Harris-odd Burr type X-G (Harris-OBX-G) family of distributions and thoroughly investigates its statistical properties. These encompass essential features such as the quantile function, moments, moment generating function, the distribution of order statistics, and the Rényi entropy. To estimate the model parameters, we employ the maximum likelihood estimation technique, and we assess the reliability of these estimates through simulation studies. Furthermore, the versatility and practicality of the Harris-OBX-G family of distributions are demonstrated through its application to analyse two distinct real-world datasets from diverse fields. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 40-67 Issue: 1 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: Harris-G distribution; odd Burr type X-G distribution; simulations. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150789 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:1:p:40-67 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: P. Vijaya Laxmi Author-X-Name-First: P. Vijaya Author-X-Name-Last: Laxmi Author-Name: Hasan Abdulkader Qrewi Author-X-Name-First: Hasan Abdulkader Author-X-Name-Last: Qrewi Author-Name: Andwilile Abrahamu George Author-X-Name-First: Andwilile Abrahamu Author-X-Name-Last: George Title: Analysis of batch arrival general service queue with feedback, balking, general delay time and second optional service Abstract: This paper aims to analyse the steady-state behaviour of a bulk input general service queue with second optional service (SOS), balking, feedback, random system breakdowns, delay time, and repair time. After arriving at the queue, the customer has to decide whether to join or refuse to join the queue (balking). After completing the first essential service (FES), if a customer is not satisfied with it, he may choose to rejoin the system (feedback) or opt for SOS or depart from the system with a certain probability. From time to time, the server may face random breakdowns during FES and SOS, and we assume there is a delay time before the server starts the repair process. Moreover, the service times (FES and SOS), delay time, and repair time have a general distribution, while the breakdown time follows an exponential distribution. The steady-state probabilities are computed using the probability-generating function (PGF). Finally, numerical illustrations of performance measures are provided. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 15-39 Issue: 1 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: batch arrival; non-Markovian; feedback; balking; first essential service; second optional service; breakdown; queue. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=150797 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:1:p:15-39 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Manojkumar V. Dalvi Author-X-Name-First: Manojkumar V. Author-X-Name-Last: Dalvi Author-Name: Vishal A. Bhosale Author-X-Name-First: Vishal A. Author-X-Name-Last: Bhosale Author-Name: Anjali S. More Author-X-Name-First: Anjali S. Author-X-Name-Last: More Title: Selection of suppliers for supplier development: an integrated FD-FIS approach Abstract: The objective of this study is to evaluate and rank a group of suppliers for the execution of supplier development activities (SDAs) based on identified supplier development (SD) criteria. An exhaustive literature analysis revealed a total of 14 SD criteria, which were then divided into five major criteria in consultation with decision-making authorities (DMAs). Fuzzy Delphi (FD) is used to determine the weights of significant SD criteria, and the fuzzy inference system (FIS) is used for the evaluation and ranking of suppliers. Based on the opinions of DMAs, the significance of SD criteria and sub-criteria is finalised. This study unveils that 'supplier's past performance' and 'strategic benefits' emerged as the foremost major criteria when evaluating and selecting suppliers for the implementation of SDAs. For the first time, an integrated FD-FIS approach is proposed to rank a set of suppliers based on the weights of SD criteria and sub-criteria. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 129-156 Issue: 2 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: supplier development; SD activities; fuzzy Delphi; fuzzy inference system; FIS; supplier development activities; SDAs; decision-making authorities; DMAs. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151740 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:2:p:129-156 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nirakar Sahoo Author-X-Name-First: Nirakar Author-X-Name-Last: Sahoo Author-Name: Rupaj Kumar Nayak Author-X-Name-First: Rupaj Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Nayak Title: A first augmented Lagrangian method for binary QCQP problems based on a class of continuous functions Abstract: This paper addresses the solution of a non-convex 0-1 QCQP using two faster convergent augmented Lagrangian methods (ALM) based on a class of continuous functions and a parameter free convexification method. The binary constraints are converted into a class of continuous functions and the non-convex constraints are convexified by a parameter free method. The proposed algorithm is then tested on a set of QCQP problems available in the research of Zheng and co-workers. We also present the comparison results among relaxed versions of SDPs and some state-of-the-art ALMs and obtained an advantage over their counterparts. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 175-196 Issue: 2 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: augmented Lagrangian method; ALM; quadratically constrained quadratic programming; QCQP; semi-definite relaxation; global optimal solution; SDPNAL. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151741 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:2:p:175-196 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Bakhtiar Ostadi Author-X-Name-First: Bakhtiar Author-X-Name-Last: Ostadi Author-Name: Ali Abdollahi Author-X-Name-First: Ali Author-X-Name-Last: Abdollahi Author-Name: Ali Husseinzadeh Kashan Author-X-Name-First: Ali Husseinzadeh Author-X-Name-Last: Kashan Title: A nonlinear mathematical model for optimal discount pricing strategies to maximise the stakeholders-perceived value: mapping in Taguchi loss function concept Abstract: Customer-perceived value (CPV) is the difference between the prospective customer's evaluation of all the benefits and costs of an offering and the perceived alternatives. In this paper, we introduce a new nonlinear mathematical model for developing optimal discount pricing strategies using the Taguchi loss function and the concept of customer lifetime value (CLV). model aims to maximise the stakeholders-perceived value (SPV), which is calculated based on the customer's mentality towards the price before making a purchase decision. If the customer's mentality is greater than the amount paid, the perceived value for the chain store is used as the basis for SPV calculation; otherwise, the perceived value for customers is used. application of our model shown in a chain store. Using Taguchi pricing and discount model, managers can calculate product portfolio discounts and adjust their marketing strategies according to the specific strategies of the store and product portfolio for customer segments. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 157-174 Issue: 2 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: customer-perceived value; CPV; discount pricing; customer lifetime value; CLV; Taguchi loss function; discount pricing strategies. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151742 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:2:p:157-174 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Arindam Garai Author-X-Name-First: Arindam Author-X-Name-Last: Garai Author-Name: Santanu Saha Author-X-Name-First: Santanu Author-X-Name-Last: Saha Author-Name: Kajal De Author-X-Name-First: Kajal Author-X-Name-Last: De Title: Improved managerial decisions for fuzzy stochastic bi-objective linear programming models: a trade-off ratio-based autonomised approach Abstract: Industry-derived fuzzy stochastic bi-objective linear programming (FSBOLP) models typically focus on a single major objective function. However, mathematical analysis based classical minmax method fails to distinguish between two competing objectives. This sometimes causes Pareto optimal solutions failing to meet with managerial goals. Additionally, to assume that both objectives in a FSBOLP shall attain the same highest standard is unrealistic. To overcome these limitations, the proposed amended minmax model uses the absolute difference operator. This pushes intermediate non-dominated points closer to predefined reference levels, generating more desirable Pareto optimal solutions. Then this study frames one trade-off ratio-based autonomised optimisation algorithm, updating reference levels throughout iterations and reducing the need for frequent manager interactions. A numerical case study validates the effectiveness of proposed approach. This way, this study provides an improved framework for FSBOLP models, addressing the shortcomings of the traditional method and providing better decision-making support for industry managers. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 247-275 Issue: 2 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: fuzzy stochastic bi-objective linear programming; FSBOLP; preferred Pareto optimal solution; interactive optimisation; autonomised reference membership level; trade-off ratio; minmax method. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151743 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:2:p:247-275 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: S.M. Qasim Author-X-Name-First: S.M. Author-X-Name-Last: Qasim Author-Name: Jamal A. Farooquie Author-X-Name-First: Jamal A. Author-X-Name-Last: Farooquie Title: Performance analysis and optimisation of secondary queue: a study of railway passenger reservation system Abstract: Every day, millions of people travel by rail in India. Even still, tens of thousands of waitlisted tickets are cancelled because there is no room on the chosen train on a given day. Such cancellations leave waitlisted ticket holders disgruntled and uncomfortable, costing the Indian Railways' passenger sector revenue. A secondary queue of waitlisted ticket holders occurs when the number of berths in demand is fewer than the number available in the requested accommodation class on a particular train on a specific day. The few customers from this line are served using confirmed tickets that have been relinquished by the person having confirmed tickets from the main line (primary queue). To validate the real queuing model, the study employs field data from the Centre of Railways Information System to establish the secondary queue's statistical distribution of arrivals and services. Furthermore, it analyses the secondary queue's performance characteristics using G/G/c/K queuing science and optimises the secondary queue design. This facilitates sensitivity analysis (changing values). Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 197-220 Issue: 2 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: queuing in service operations; primary queue; secondary queue; queuing science; optimal design; Indian railways. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151746 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:2:p:197-220 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jayasankari Chandramohan Author-X-Name-First: Jayasankari Author-X-Name-Last: Chandramohan Author-Name: Uthayakumar Ramasamy Author-X-Name-First: Uthayakumar Author-X-Name-Last: Ramasamy Title: Inventory model for non-instantaneous deteriorating items with hybrid price and stock dependent demand in the view of delay in payments, inflation and customer returns Abstract: This study creates an inventory model for a product that deteriorates gradually over time, with a hybrid price and stock-dependent demand that is affected by inflation and customer returns. We know from experience that demand is not necessarily constant, linear, or nonlinear; it is uncertain. The selling price, stock, and time value of money all influence demand. Shortages are allowed and partially backlogged. Customer returns are thought to rise in direct proportion to the portion vended and the product cost. The principle goal is to find the ideal cost structure, the time when there is no supply shortage, the appropriate restocking cycle, and the order amount all at the same time. The actual value of total profit is maximised over an indefinite time horizon. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 221-246 Issue: 2 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: hybrid-price-stock dependent demand; inflation; customer returns; non-instantaneous deterioration; delay-in-payments. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=151747 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:2:p:221-246 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Prem Prakash Mishra Author-X-Name-First: Prem Prakash Author-X-Name-Last: Mishra Author-Name: Chipem Zimik Author-X-Name-First: Chipem Author-X-Name-Last: Zimik Title: Dividend decision-making algorithm among multi-firms of available and required capacity within constrained horizontal coalitions Abstract: In this paper, our extended algorithm is used to achieve an optimum horizontal coalition among multi-firms of available and required capacity space. And also it calculates the Shapley values for profit distribution of all participating firms in the coalition. In this coalition, only suppliers are players and form subgames to manage the capacity space to achieve optimum profit. We establish the relationship between the core and the Shapley values of these subgames along with their geometrical interpretation. The numerical illustration is also shown for a better understanding of our model. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 307-329 Issue: 3 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: cooperative game; subgame; capacity space; horizontal cooperation; optimal coalitions. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152293 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:3:p:307-329 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Manoj Kumar Sharma Author-X-Name-First: Manoj Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Sharma Author-Name: Mukesh Kumar Author-X-Name-First: Mukesh Author-X-Name-Last: Kumar Author-Name: Satya Jeet Singh Author-X-Name-First: Satya Jeet Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Author-Name: Divya Mandal Author-X-Name-First: Divya Author-X-Name-Last: Mandal Title: The effect of preservation technology investment on inventory model with quadratic demand rate and time dependent holding cost under two-level trade-credit policy Abstract: In this paper, we developed a deterministic inventory model that includes some genuine parameters, such as items that deteriorate over time, so we implemented a Weibull distribution rate that gives it a broader application scope. After that, preservation technology to reduce the rate of decaying items, and two levels of credit policy were applied to increase the demand rate. Also, we considered a quadratic demand rate, which is a function of time and time dependent holding cost. These parameters are reliable in economic terms. The model has also been verified via a numerical example (for all cases). The solution procedure and the sensitivity analysis have been discussed for each situation. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 277-306 Issue: 3 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: quadratic demand; preservation technology; two-levels trade credit policies; time-dependent holding cost. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152294 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:3:p:277-306 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Shamsuddeen Ahmad Sabo Author-X-Name-First: Shamsuddeen Ahmad Author-X-Name-Last: Sabo Author-Name: Nitesh Kumar Adichwal Author-X-Name-First: Nitesh Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Adichwal Author-Name: Ibrahim Zakariyya Musa Author-X-Name-First: Ibrahim Zakariyya Author-X-Name-Last: Musa Author-Name: Yakubu Isyaku Kibiya Author-X-Name-First: Yakubu Isyaku Author-X-Name-Last: Kibiya Author-Name: Badamasi Abba Author-X-Name-First: Badamasi Author-X-Name-Last: Abba Author-Name: Syed Aqib Jalil Author-X-Name-First: Syed Aqib Author-X-Name-Last: Jalil Author-Name: Akhil Damodaran Author-X-Name-First: Akhil Author-X-Name-Last: Damodaran Title: A Markov model for prediction of academic manpower system in Nigerian colleges of education Abstract: This research employed a Markov model to assess the progression of the academic staff workforce in Nigerian colleges of education, using Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano as a case study. The objective was to underscore the importance of effective workforce planning in mitigating staff shortages or surpluses. By analysing transition probabilities derived from college planning department data, the study constructed a transition probability matrix depicting staff flow over time. The Markov model's findings projected an estimated 568 academic staff members for the college in the 2024/2025 session, distributed across academic ranks. Notably, the forecasted staff structure skewed towards higher ranks. Furthermore, the study offered insights into new staff members' anticipated years of service at different academic ranks. The research underscores the pivotal role of workforce planning in educational institutions, highlighting the Markov model's value in guiding staffing and workforce management decisions. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 362-379 Issue: 3 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: Markov model; prediction; workforce; stationarity; transition probability. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152295 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:3:p:362-379 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: S. Mani Kuchibhatla Author-X-Name-First: S. Mani Author-X-Name-Last: Kuchibhatla Author-Name: D. Padmavathi Author-X-Name-First: D. Author-X-Name-Last: Padmavathi Author-Name: R. Srinivasa Rao Author-X-Name-First: R. Srinivasa Author-X-Name-Last: Rao Title: An improved Bombus-Terrestris bee optimisation algorithm implementation for enhancement of PQ in smart grid environment with hybrid renewable energy sources Abstract: The escalating demand for distributed generating systems has driven the adoption of grid-connected hybrid renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and fuel cells. However, their integration into modern smart grid systems induces significant voltage fluctuations, impacting power quality and grid stability. This study proposes a hybrid optimal compensation scheme to enhance power quality in hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) within smart grids. Employing a modified termite alate optimisation (MTAO) algorithm improves system performance. Addressing total harmonic distortion (THD) through suitable filtration techniques and assessing harmonic reduction efficiency, the study tackles THD issues in industrial distribution networks penetrated by renewable energy using a static switched filter compensation (SSFC) scheme. This approach aims to regulate voltage, curtail power loss, and minimise THD, thereby bolstering the overall performance and stability of hybrid renewable energy systems in smart grids. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 330-361 Issue: 3 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: hybrid renewable energy system; HRES; power quality; total harmonic distortion; THD; static switched filter compensation; SSFC. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152296 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:3:p:330-361 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ghazal Shah Abadi Author-X-Name-First: Ghazal Shah Author-X-Name-Last: Abadi Author-Name: Sarah M. Ryan Author-X-Name-First: Sarah M. Author-X-Name-Last: Ryan Title: Scenario reliability assessment for CVaR minimisation in two-stage stochastic programs Abstract: Reliable scenarios are needed to obtain a high-quality solution to a stochastic program. Considering sets of scenarios and corresponding observed values of the uncertain parameters over a collection of historical instances, reliability is defined loosely as goodness of the scenarios' fit to the observations. For two-stage, risk-neutral models, a statistical tool was developed previously to assess the reliability of any given scenario generation method. This tool can diagnose over- or under-dispersion and/or bias in the scenario sets. For risk-averse decision makers who aim to minimise conditional value-at-risk (CVaR), only the scenarios that define the upper tail of the optimal cost distribution at the optimal solution are important. We develop a tool to assess the reliability of these so-called effective scenarios for CVaR minimisation. Simulation studies of a financial investment problem demonstrate the ability of the tool to detect mismatches in mean, variance, or kurtosis between scenarios and the corresponding observations. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 380-398 Issue: 3 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: risk-averse stochastic programming; conditional value-at-risk; CVaR; scenario reliability assessment; goodness of fit. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152297 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:3:p:380-398 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Efrain Solares Author-X-Name-First: Efrain Author-X-Name-Last: Solares Author-Name: Eduardo Fernández Author-X-Name-First: Eduardo Author-X-Name-Last: Fernández Author-Name: Abril Flores Author-X-Name-First: Abril Author-X-Name-Last: Flores Author-Name: Reimundo Moreno-Cepeda Author-X-Name-First: Reimundo Author-X-Name-Last: Moreno-Cepeda Author-Name: Raymundo Díaz Author-X-Name-First: Raymundo Author-X-Name-Last: Díaz Author-Name: Edy López Cervantes Author-X-Name-First: Edy López Author-X-Name-Last: Cervantes Title: Enhancing project selection: elicitation of parameter values for effective multiple criteria project sorting Abstract: Effective decision-making is crucial to the success of an organisation's project selection problem as it involves addressing complex challenges. One such challenge, known as multiple criteria sorting, is to assign projects into ordered classes considering the preferences of a decision maker (DM). The authors recently proposed a comprehensive method to address highly complex problems based on the outranking approach. However, it is widely acknowledged that determining parameter values for methods based on the outranking approach can be difficult. This difficulty stems from the large number of parameters involved and the DM's limited familiarity with them. Here, we focus on two aspects: 1) how to obtain the parameter values for the method; 2) how to incorporate imperfect knowledge during the sorting process. We adopt the preference disaggregation paradigm and employ evolutionary algorithms. Our proposed approach demonstrates excellent performance in a wide range of computational experiments. Journal: Int. J. of Operational Research Pages: 399-428 Issue: 3 Volume: 55 Year: 2026 Keywords: project selection; multiple criteria classification; parameter elicitation; evolutionary algorithms; outranking methods. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=152298 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijores:v:55:y:2026:i:3:p:399-428