An immune algorithm with stochastic aging and kullback entropy for the chromatic number problem

We present a new Immune Algorithm, IMMALG, that incorporates a Stochastic Aging operator and a simple local search procedure to improve the overall performances in tackling the chromatic number problem (CNP) instances. We characterize the algorithm and set its parameters in terms of Kullback Entropy. Experiments will show that the IA we propose is very competitive with the state-of-art evolutionary algorithms.     

On edge orienting methods for graph coloring

We consider the problem of orienting the edges of a graph so that the length of a longest path in the resulting digraph is minimum. As shown by Gallai, Roy and Vitaver, this edge orienting problem is equivalent to finding the chromatic number of a graph. We study various properties of edge orienting methods in the context of local search for graph coloring. We then exploit these properties to derive four tabu search algorithms, each based on a different neighborhood. We compare these algorithms numerically to determine which are the most promising and to give potential research directions.     

The wireless network jamming problem

In adversarial environments, disabling the communication capabilities of the enemy is a high priority. We introduce the problem of determining the optimal number and locations for a set of jamming devices in order to neutralize a wireless communication network. This problem is known as the wireless network jamming problem. We develop several mathematical programming formulations based on covering the communication nodes and limiting the connectivity index of the nodes. Two case studies are presented comparing the formulations with the addition of various percentile constraints. Finally, directions of further research are addressed.     

Die Entwicklung der Fehler- und Feedbackkultur durch Team-Coaching

The development of an error culture and feedback culture by team coachingTeams and departments can be relieved of a tremendous burden and collaborate far more efficiently by mutually reflecting on making mistakes, giving and receiving feedback, calling meetings, trying things out in real life situations and, by doing so, establishing new forms of a culture that embraces failure and feedback. This approach works in areas such as team coaching. The purpose of this paper is to present a practical method for developing a team-based culture of learning from failure and feedback. The paper is designed to encourage professional trainers not to leave company employees and management on their own with the issue of establishing such a culture but to make the introduced tools a part of staff training, management and other company development programs as well as team workshops or to develop one’s own formats for introducing a culture of learning from failure and feedback.     

Gedanken zur Gestaltung einer professionellen Beratungsausbildung

Considerations on the design of a professional education of counselorsSome of the recently published articles about supervision-professionalizing are reflecting only sociological or psychological conceptions in order to describe and analyze professionality. In this article the authors discuss some of the mostly neglected points of view out of pedagogic and microsociologic professionalization-research (professional self, researching attitude). The existing requests of competence for supervisors are examined in order to test their teaching ability. Furthermore the content designs and didactic strategies for future counselor’s education are considered.     

An interactive three-stage model for mutual funds portfolio selection

The aim of this work is to be a useful instrument for helping finance practitioners on the selection of suitable mutual fund portfolios. The portfolio selection problem is characterized by imprecision and/or vagueness inherent in the required data and more generally, in the context where investors have to make decisions. In order to mitigate these problems, a three stage model has been proposed based on a multi-index model and considering several market scenarios described in an imprecise way by an expert. The proposed fuzzy model allows the Decision Maker to select, by means of an outranking method, a suitable portfolio taking into account the uncertainty related to the market scenarios and the imprecision and/or vagueness associated with the model data.     

Gruppensupervision mit Betreuern — Eine empirische Fallstudie

Group supervision with carers — an empirical case studyGroup supervision with carers serves in expanding the attention range in the everyday working routine recapitulating action and endurance. In the reported endurance processes relevant aspects are made visible for care work by means of systematic observation. Through this, clarity in command and purpose emerges. As a consequence, problems may be localised more easily, hypotheses are raised and plans put into action. This sets off processes of change among all those supervised. Everyone picks out the creativity impulses significant for himself from the case historics for his own work as new intervention possibilitics. Therefore, over-focussing and paralysis are avoided and/or already existing ones corrected. Group supervision thus enables full use of spontaneity and creativity potential for everyone. It prevents burn-out just as much as indicating development of professional identity for the carers.