Journal article
Balancing flexibility and inventory in workforce planning with learning
International journal of production economics, Vol.183, pp.194-207
01/2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.10.026
Abstract
We examine the problem of assigning workers to tasks, seeking to maximize profits, while taking in consideration learning through experience and stochasticity in demand. As quantitative descriptions of human learning are non-linear, we employ a reformulation technique that uses binary and continuous variables and linear constraints and is mathematically equivalent in nearly all cases. Similarly, as demand is not assumed to be known with certainty, we embed this mixed integer representation of how experience translates to productivity in a stochastic workforce assignment model. With an extensive computational study and analysis of (near-)optimal solutions, we demonstrate that modeling both learning and uncertainty in demand leads to improved task assignments. Furthermore, we formulate and test hypotheses based on these solutions that yield insights into how best to manage practice, cross training, and inventory. We show that cross training increases as demand uncertainty increases, worker practice increases as inventory holding costs increase, and workers with less initial experience receive more practice than workers with higher initial experience.
•Model the use of inventory and cross training to buffer demand uncertainty.•Show cross training increases as demand uncertainty increases.•Demonstrate that worker practice increases as inventory holding costs increase.•Show that less experienced workers are assigned to practice.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Balancing flexibility and inventory in workforce planning with learning
- Creators
- Silviya Valeva - Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USAMike Hewitt - Information Systems and Operations Management, Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USABarrett W Thomas - Department of Management Sciences, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USAKenneth G Brown - Department of Management and Organizations, Tippie College of Business, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of production economics, Vol.183, pp.194-207
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.10.026
- ISSN
- 0925-5273
- eISSN
- 1873-7579
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/2017
- Academic Unit
- Management and Entrepreneurship ; Business Analytics; Bus Admin College; Bus Admin Undergrad; Educational Policy and Leadership Studies; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9984083203302771
Metrics
15 Record Views