A Multilevel Methodology for Analysing Metaheuristic Algorithms for the VRPTW

Abstract

Heuristic algorithms for the vehicle routing problem are commonly assessed by using a competitive evaluation methodology. This may give an indication of which algorithm obtains a better performance, it does not explain, however, why it is better. The appliance of a proper statistical methodology can provide researchers a better understanding of how performance is affected by the different algorithmic parameters and heuristic components and result in a more robust parameter setting and scientific basis for comparison.