Abstract
This preliminary study investigates how scientific paper components influence end-users' metaheuristic algorithms (MAs) implementation. Focusing on two papers presenting the Monkey King Evolution (MKE) and Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), we examined a sample of 22 Computer Science engineers tasked with implementing these MAs based on the papers and supplementary resources. Through questionnaires and statistical analysis, we assessed the impact of pseudo-code, Figures, Tables, and overall presentation on comprehension and implementation success. The findings indicate that coherent pseudo-code and visual aids, such as Figures illustrating solution movements, are critical for end-users, while inaccuracies or complex descriptions hinder implementation. The SCA paper, rated significantly higher than the MKE paper, facilitated faster and more accurate implementations. Despite access to the MATLAB source code, challenges persisted in adapting the implementations to Java, highlighting the need for platform-agnostic resources. We propose guidelines for MA papers, including detailed pseudo-code, diverse implementations, and additional implementation instructions. Although limited by a small sample, these insights justify further research into improving scientific papers for practical MA adoption.
Paper Type
Short Paper
DOI
10.62036/ISD.2025.43
End-User Challenges in Implementing Metaheuristic Algorithms from Scientific Papers
This preliminary study investigates how scientific paper components influence end-users' metaheuristic algorithms (MAs) implementation. Focusing on two papers presenting the Monkey King Evolution (MKE) and Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), we examined a sample of 22 Computer Science engineers tasked with implementing these MAs based on the papers and supplementary resources. Through questionnaires and statistical analysis, we assessed the impact of pseudo-code, Figures, Tables, and overall presentation on comprehension and implementation success. The findings indicate that coherent pseudo-code and visual aids, such as Figures illustrating solution movements, are critical for end-users, while inaccuracies or complex descriptions hinder implementation. The SCA paper, rated significantly higher than the MKE paper, facilitated faster and more accurate implementations. Despite access to the MATLAB source code, challenges persisted in adapting the implementations to Java, highlighting the need for platform-agnostic resources. We propose guidelines for MA papers, including detailed pseudo-code, diverse implementations, and additional implementation instructions. Although limited by a small sample, these insights justify further research into improving scientific papers for practical MA adoption.
Recommended Citation
Črepinšek, M., Mernik, M., Moravec, M., Šmid, M. & Ravber, M. (2025). End-User Challenges in Implementing Metaheuristic Algorithms from Scientific PapersIn I. Luković, S. Bjeladinović, B. Delibašić, D. Barać, N. Iivari, E. Insfran, M. Lang, H. Linger, & C. Schneider (Eds.), Empowering the Interdisciplinary Role of ISD in Addressing Contemporary Issues in Digital Transformation: How Data Science and Generative AI Contributes to ISD (ISD2025 Proceedings). Belgrade, Serbia: University of Gdańsk, Department of Business Informatics & University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences. ISBN: 978-83-972632-1-5. https://doi.org/10.62036/ISD.2025.43