A Comparison of Consistent Versus Inconsistent Scheduling Rules in a Flow Shop Environment

Author

Nicola Gismondi

Date of Award

9-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Jacob Simons Jr., PhD

Abstract

A consistent scheduling rule is one which will ensure a job's priority (relative to all other job's) will remain constant as it moves from queue to queue in a production system. Previous research concerning flow shop priority scheduling rules focused on comparison of either consistent or inconsistent rules. Conversely, this study sought to provide additional insight by comprising consistent and inconsistent rules in a flow shop environment The Air Force uses both types of rules in maintenance and logistics scheduling. Time and money can be saved if the scheduling managers can better understand the effect of consistency on a system. In order to try to provide some insight on this matter, a simulation study was conducted using The Pritsker Corporation's FACTOR-AIM simulation software. A 2x2 full factorial experimental design was used. The two factors were the level of consistency and type of operating characteristic used. The consistent and inconsistent forms of arrival based and due date based rules made up the 2x2 matrix. A third level of operating characteristic was also tested and discussed. A processing time based rule was tested but could not be included in the matrix because of the failure of the data to meet the assumptions of the required statistical test. Several common performance measures were used to provide a broad range of overall performance comparison. The data was statistically analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA, Duncan's Multiple Range Test, and a paired t-test to determine whether differences were present. Results indicate that there were statistical differences that may provide some valuable information to scheduling managers.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAL-LAC-95S-3

DTIC Accession Number

ADA300661

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Logistics and Acquisition Management of the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Recommended Citation

Gismondi, Nicola, "A Comparison of Consistent Versus Inconsistent Scheduling Rules in a Flow Shop Environment" (1995). Theses and Dissertations. 6498.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/6498