In the literature, lots of optimization models and algorithms have been presented to deal with the operation and control issues in various domains such as intelligent manufacturing, production scheduling, transportation routing, service arrangement, and space exploration. Extant related works have promoted the development of conventional optimization and control theories, and quite a few of them have been widely used in the real world.

With the emerging of recent information technologies including Wireless Sensing Networks, Internet of Things (IOT), Cloud Computing, and Distributed Computing, people can obtain and process far more than what they could, generally within shorter time and with fewer costs. In addition, the application of the information technologies has been bringing about new challenges. One growing challenge is the Big Data problem. Although the Big Data problems and the like may provide chances for people to explore new rules and laws of the universe, they will become catastrophes if not well dealt with.

Thus, people should find new ways and tools in various domains, to cope with the emerging challenges. Without exception, extant optimization models and algorithms need to be extended or reformulated for dealing with the reshaped operation and control issues by new information technologies.

This special issue is intended to present optimization models and algorithms for dealing with operation and control issues based on the emerging information technologies. It also aims at promoting the exchanges and interactions between investigators across different fields. We solicit high quality, original research articles as well as review articles focused on models and algorithms for operation and control issues with advanced information technologies.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced e-business applications for optimal operations with Big Data analysis
• Business process management and advanced information technologies
• Production optimization and control based on advanced information technologies
• Transportation optimization and control based on advanced information technologies
• Design of production and transportation based on IOT related technologies
• Operation and control based on IOT related technologies
• Mobile communication for advanced production and logistics control
• Optimization algorithms in cloud and/or distributed computing
• Traffic flow forecasting in cloud and/or distributed computing
• Engineering optimization and control in cloud and/or distributed computing
• Applied models and algorithms for smart operation of ubiquitous devices