Journal article
Optimal flow-line conditions with worker variability
International journal of production economics, Vol.141(2), pp.675-684
02/2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2012.10.008
Abstract
When classical scheduling theory is applied to task sequencing problems, human characteristics are often not the primary consideration and their impact is often assumed away. In this paper, we examine the workforce scheduling problem in sequential flow line systems. We investigate the impact of within-worker and between-worker variability and discuss the selection of scheduling policies between fixed and work-sharing systems. The methodology includes human performance modeling with the objective to maximize throughput with general results with respect to productivity model. We are interested in determining and characterizing the optimal switching time between workers in work-sharing systems. A closed form solution is established in the case of two and three tasks with two workers. For a general number of workers and tasks we establish the maximum number of changes between assignments. We also establish a bound on throughput. Results allow one to solve workforce scheduling problems reduced complexity given the current set of bounds and conditions.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Optimal flow-line conditions with worker variability
- Creators
- Frank Bentefouet - Pennsylvania State UniversityDavid A Nembhard - Pennsylvania State University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of production economics, Vol.141(2), pp.675-684
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.ijpe.2012.10.008
- ISSN
- 0925-5273
- eISSN
- 1873-7579
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 02/2013
- Academic Unit
- Business Analytics; Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984186685502771
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