Unit 4: Scheduling Model Analysis
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.Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- describe typical scheduling and control functions, such as determining the number of jobs to assign to a machine in manufacturing or scheduling daily and hourly work times in services personnel;
- explain how shop floor layout factors into scheduling processes and using resources efficiently;
- use priority rules to determine the optimum number of jobs and machines to schedule; and
- analyze service industries in terms of personnel scheduling and estimating daily demand.
4.1: The Role of Manufacturing Processes in Scheduling
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.
4.1.1: Types of Manufacturing Processes
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.
- This textbook gives an introduction to the various types of manufacturing processes. Read these chapters, for an overview of different processes, including computer numerical control (CNC) processes. What consumer items would be appropriate to be manufactured through CNC?
4.1.2: Job Sequencing and Priority Rules
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?
4.2: Labor Resource Scheduling
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.
- Read this chapter. Pay particular attention to the areas of labor cost and labor productivity. How can the service industry maintain or reduce labor costs while simultaneously boosting performance?
4.2.1: Analytical Approaches to Developing Personnel Schedules
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?
4.2.2: Labor Standards
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?
4.3: Scheduling Workers, Material, and Jobs
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.
Study Guide: Unit 4
We recommend reviewing this Study Guide before taking the Unit 4 Assessment.
Unit 4 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.