This unit covers model analysis for firm short-term resource usage. While aggregate planning looks at overall operations in the medium- and long-run in a manufacturing or service firm, scheduling models focus on day-to-day operations and management of physical and human resources.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.Scheduling is used to coordinate physical and human resources to optimize a manufacturing process. In an effort to bring balance to production, the ultimate goal is to maximize efficiency while reducing operational costs. This real-time information for businesses serves as a critical tool for managing the flow of inputs and outputs.
Read this section. It makes the case that production systems are similar to ant colonies because ants continue to learn from one another and find ways to become more efficient at their task at hand. As you read, pay special attention to some of the scheduling problems.
There are different types of manufacturing processes. These processes can be repetitive, discrete, done in batches, and can be continuously ongoing. Most modern companies use a combination of processes to make a single product.
Operational schedules are short-term resource planning tools and necessary to minimize production bottlenecks. Job sequencing minimizes production time by managing the item to make, by whom, and on what equipment. As issues come up with shifting due dates or processing times or other challenges, jobs can be prioritized and reprioritized.
Read these sections, which highlight key problems in production scheduling. How can job sequencing and priority rules help to alleviate the key problems? Can you identify the different rules that affect job sequencing and priority rules in operations management?
Resource inputs such as raw materials, parts, equipment, and labor are strategic pieces of production. The scheduling of labor requires many areas of consideration that can include the type of item to be produced, timeframes, and overall demand. By understanding the overall production, the company can better manage variable labor costs and eliminate production delays.
The most important resource of any project or production is the people. Personnel bridges the gaps that machines cannot complete, but the service industry in particular is where personnel are responsible for every stage. Furthermore, managing staff while they are on the job is another challenge due to diversity, personality, leadership, management, and team dynamics.
Read this article. The part on estimating resources is of interest because it highlights important considerations when scheduling staff for a particular activity. Can you also list some of the areas affecting interpersonal relationships while on the job?
Labor standards have evolved since the beginning of the industrial revolution to protect employees while on the job. Because of potentially dangerous machinery and tools, these policies were established to enhance safety measures. In addition, they protect employees against things such as discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The Fair Labor Standards Act established policies affording rights in the areas of compensation, recordkeeping, and youth employment that affect both full- and part-time workers in all industries. A firm's Human Resource department is not just responsible for ensuring compliance, but also enforcing policies related to employee labor. They serve to protect both the employees and the company.
Read this chapter. It highlights standards that are meant to ensure personnel are treated fairly from their first day on the job until the very last. In the piece on Laws Impacting Human Resource Management, what US Act do you think was most instrumental in bringing change to the labor standards?
Read this chapter. It addresses labor movements through unionization to further protect employees at local, national, and international levels. Can you think of how unions can both help and hinder economic development?
Employee scheduling can be tricky due to the fact that each individual has different needs and unique skills. This variability in staff can create scheduling conflicts but if done well can accommodate the needs of staff and still accomplish operational tasks. Specifically, scheduling challenges are magnified in the service industry because of its reliance on personnel to perform and produce.
Read this article, which addresses staffing optimization. What are some of the scheduling models associated with personnel scheduling? Compare and contrast each to flesh out the pros and cons.
This review video is an excellent way to review what you've learned so far and is presented by one of the professors who created the course.
Watch this as you work through the unit and prepare to take the final exam.
We also recommend that you review this Study Guide before taking the Unit 4 Assessment.
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.