Journal of Smart Computing ISSN 2979-8752 · Biannual
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Research Article · Vol. 1, No. 1 (2025)

Smart Computing and Its Applications in Operations Research: A Survey

Payam Nakhaei*

Department of Industrial Engineering, South-Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran

* Corresponding author: St_p_nakhaie@azad.ac.ir

Abstract Smart computing, encompassing machine learning, deep reinforcement learning, and the Internet of Things, is rapidly transforming the landscape of operations research (OR). This paper presents a comprehensive survey of recent advances at the intersection of these disciplines, examining how intelligent computational techniques are reshaping classical OR problems in supply chain management, scheduling, inventory control, combinatorial optimization, and smart city operations. Drawing on 15 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2023, this review synthesizes methodological developments, highlights key application domains, identifies recurring challenges such as scalability and generalization, and maps promising directions for future research. The findings confirm that the integration of data-driven prediction with optimization—exemplified by prescriptive analytics and predict-then-optimize frameworks—represents a defining trend in modern OR, with deep reinforcement learning emerging as a powerful tool for sequential decision-making under uncertainty. This paper is intended as a structured reference for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand and leverage the growing synergies between smart computing and operations research.

Keywords: Smart computing, Operations research, Machine learning, Deep reinforcement learning, Combinatorial optimization

DOI
10.5281/zenodo.22853848
Pages
39-47
Published
28 Sep 2025
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To cite this article: Nakhaei, P. (2025). Smart Computing and Its Applications in Operations Research: A Survey. Journal of Smart Computing , 1(1) , 39-47. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22853848

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