Scheduling
Scheduling
  
3 2 1
j
C
52 
Scheduling Objectives 
 As it may be observed from Examples 1 and 2, different 
schedule may be better with respect to different criterion 
(scheduling objective). 
 So, its very important to set up a suitable scheduling 
objective in order to get a suitable schedule. 
 There are many scheduling objectives and different 
situation calls for a different objective. 
 The next slide provides a brief list of scheduling objectives 
divided into four groups. 
 See Section 8.5, pp. 423-424 for a discussion on how 
different situation requires a different schedule. 
53 
Scheduling Objectives 
 Conformance to prescribed deadlines 
 Meet customer due dates, minimize job lateness, 
minimize maximum lateness, minimize number of tardy 
jobs 
 Response time or lead time 
 Minimize mean completion time, minimize average 
time in the system 
 Efficient utilization of resources 
 Maximize machine or labor utilization, minimize idle 
time, maximize throughput, minimize the length of time 
the shop is open, minimize utilities and wages 
 Costs 
 Minimize work-in-process inventory, minimize overtime 
READING AND EXERCISES  
Lesson 13 
 
Reading:  
 Sections 8.2-8.3, pp. 416-419 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 406-
409 (5
th
 Ed.) 
 Section 8.5, pp. 423-424 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 412-414 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
 
Exercises:  
 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 (parts c, d, e) pp. 424-425 (4
th
 Ed.), p. 
413 (5
th
 Ed.) 
LESSON 14: SCHEDULING WITH  
PRIORITY SEQUENCING RULES 
Outline 
 
 Sequencing 
 Sequencing Rules 
 Sequencing Rule Example 
 Remarks 
Sequencing 
 As it is discussed in Lesson 1, scheduling and 
sequencing are similar terms. Scheduling provides a 
detail plan over time. Sequencing does not refer to 
time at all.  
 Sometimes, a unique schedule follows from a given 
sequence. In such a case, its enough to solve the 
sequencing problem and not worry about the detail 
scheduling problem. For example, in Lesson 2, 
Example 1, Schedule 1 follows from sequencing Job 
1 before Job 2 and Schedule 2 follows from 
sequencing Job 2 before Job 1.   
Sequencing Rules 
 The first sequencing rule, that comes naturally to 
everyones mind is the first-come first-served (FCFS) 
rule. We observe this rule several times a day when 
we visit a bank for a tellers service, wait in a grocery 
store check-out, or cross the Ambassador bridge. 
The rule is simple, but not always the best. 
 Its certainly not desirable that a customer who has to 
pay for just one bag of bread must wait in a queue 
behind another customer with a cart full of groceries. 
So, the express lines are established. This is some 
sort of implementation of the shortest processing time 
(SPT) rule. 
Sequencing Rules 
 You get the most value of money if you pay the bills 
on the due dates. The simplest rule that comes to 
mind in presence of due dates is the earliest due date 
(EDD) rule which requires that the jobs be done in 
the order in which the jobs are due.  
 Often in manufacturing, items are put in a stack. The 
last item arriving is put on the top and processed first. 
The last-come first-served (LCFS) rule is also 
observed in elevators. The person arriving last must 
step out first. 
 The critical ratio (CR) rule combines SPT and EDD 
rule. The CR rule is explained on the next slide. 
Sequencing Rules: Critical Ratio 
 CR = time remaining / work remaining 
 
 
 
 Each time a job is scheduled, CR is recalculated for 
every unscheduled job. 
 CR selection criteria 
 Jobs with the smallest CR are run first. 
 Jobs with negative CR are scheduled first. 
 If there is more than one job with negative CR, 
then those jobs are sequenced in SPT order. 
due date - todays date  
remaining processing time 
= 
Sequencing Rule Example 
  A  5  10 
  B  10  15 
    C  2  5 
  D  8  12 
    E  6  8 
    Processing  Due     
  Job  Time  Date 
Suppose that 5 jobs will be 
processed on a single 
machine. The jobs are ready 
for processing at time         . 
The other job characteristics 
are as shown in the table on 
left. 
0 = t
61 
 First, see how many alternatives are there. If there is 
one job, there is just 1 (=1!) alternative sequence. 
 If there are two jobs 1 and 2, there are 2 (=2!) 
alternative sequences,  
1, 2 and  
2, 1 
 If there are three jobs 1, 2 and 3, there are 6 (=3!) 
alternative sequences, 
1,2,3    1,3,2     
2,1,3    2,3,1 
3,1,2    3,2,1 
Sequencing Rule Example 
62 
 In general, if there are n jobs, then there are n! 
sequences.  
 So, for example, for 5 jobs, there are 5! = 120 
sequences. 
 The sequencing rules such as FCFS, SPT, EDD, 
LCFS and CR provide a specific sequence. Often, 
these simple rules provide good and useful results. 
 The sequencing rules FCFS, SPT, EDD, LCFS and 
CR will now be applied and various measures will be 
computed. 
Sequencing Rule Example 
First-Come First-Served 
  A    5    10   
  B    10    15   
  C    2    5   
  D    8    12   
  E    6    8   
Average           
 
                Start  Processing    Completion     Due 
SequenceTime  Time                Time        Date       Tardiness 
64 
Shortest Processing Time 
  C    2    5   
  A    5    10   
  E    6    8   
  D    8    12   
  B    10    15   
Average       
                Start  Processing    Completion     Due 
SequenceTime  Time                Time        Date       Tardiness 
Earliest Due Date 
  C    2    5   
  E    6    8   
  A    5    10   
  D    8    12   
  B    10    15   
Average       
                Start  Processing    Completion     Due 
SequenceTime  Time                Time        Date       Tardiness 
Last-Come First-Served 
  E  0  6  6  8  0 
  D  6  8  14  12  2 
  C  14  2  16  5  11 
  B  16  10  26  15  11 
  A  26  5  31  10  21   
Average      18.60    9 
                Start  Processing    Completion     Due 
Sequence Time  Time                Time        Date       Tardiness 
LCFS rule: The jobs are arranged in last-come first-served 
order. 
67 
 Unlike FCFS, SPT, EDD and LCFS, the CR 
sequence is obtained by using an iterative procedure. 
Then, various measures are computed using the CR 
sequence. 
 The CR rule is applied in two phases 
 Phase I:  
 Find the CR sequence using an iterative 
procedure. In each iteration, one job is 
assigned to a position. First a job is assigned to 
the first position, then to the second position, 
and so on.  
Critical Ratio 
68 
 Initially, the current time is set to zero. In each 
iteration the current time is augmented by the 
processing time of the job assigned in the previous 
iteration.  
 Then, CR is computed for every unassigned job. 
See Slide 5 for the CR formula.  
 The CR rule is applied to select the job that will be 
assigned. See Slide 5 the CR selection criteria. 
 Phase II: 
 Various performance measures are computed 
using the CR sequence obtained in Phase I. 
Critical Ratio 
69 
Critical Ratio 
Iteration 1 
Phase I 
Current 
Time 
       
Job  Processing 
Time 
Due 
Date 
Critical 
Ratio 
Assign? 
A  5  10     
B  10  15     
C  2  5     
D  8  12     
E  6  8     
 
70 
Critical Ratio 
Iteration 2 
Phase I 
Current 
Time 
       
Job  Processing 
Time 
Due 
Date 
Critical 
Ratio 
Assign? 
A  5  10     
B  10  15     
C  2  5     
D  8  12     
E  6  8     
 
71 
Critical Ratio 
Iteration 3 
Phase I 
Current 
Time 
       
Job  Processing 
Time 
Due 
Date 
Critical 
Ratio 
Assign? 
A  5  10     
B  10  15     
C  2  5     
D  8  12     
E  6  8     
 
72 
Critical Ratio 
Iteration 4 
Phase I 
Current 
Time 
       
Job  Processing 
Time 
Due 
Date 
Critical 
Ratio 
Assign? 
A  5  10     
B  10  15     
C  2  5     
D  8  12     
E  6  8     
 
Critical Ratio 
  E    6    8   
  C    2    5   
  A    5    10   
  D    8    12   
  B    10    15   
Average       
                Start  Processing    Completion     Due 
SequenceTime  Time                Time        Date       Tardiness 
CR rule: The jobs are arranged in order obtained by the 
iterative procedure shown on Slides 27-32. 
Phase II 
Summary 
FCFS      18.60                   9.6               3*  23 
SPT                 14.80*                 6.0               3*  16* 
EDD                15.00                   5.6*              3*  16* 
LCFS              18.60                    9.0               4               21 
CR                  15.80                    6.2               4              16* 
 
* Best values 
Guaranteed best values are shown in bold 
  Average  Average  No. of   Maximum 
Rule  Completion Time  Tardiness  Jobs Tardy  Tardiness 
Remarks 
 Observe that the makespan is the same for every 
schedule. This is expected for a single machine 
problem if ready times are all zero (static scheduling). 
For a multi-machine problem, makespan may be 
different from one schedule to another. 
 Total completion time and mean completion time are 
equivalent objectives. Since mean completion time is 
obtained from the total completion time by dividing 
the total completion time by the number of jobs, 
 if a schedule minimizes total completion time, it 
also minimizes mean completion time. 
 
Remarks 
 Similarly, total flow time and mean flow time are 
equivalent objectives. If a schedule minimizes total 
flow time, it also minimizes mean flow time. 
 In case of static scheduling, completion time of a job is 
the same as its flow time. So, the following objectives 
are equivalent (if a schedule minimizes one, it also 
minimizes all other) 
 Total completion time 
 Mean completion time 
 Total flow time 
 Mean flow time 
Remarks 
 The objective of minimizing inventory carrying costs 
such as parking fees in Lesson 2, Example 2, is 
equivalent to minimizing total completion time. At this 
point, revisit this example on slides 9-10 of Lesson 2. 
Check that the total completion time is 1+4=5 for 
Schedule 3 and 3+4=7 for Schedule 4. Thus, 
Schedule 3 minimizes not only parking fees, but also 
total completion time. This holds in general. 
Minimizing inventory carrying costs is equivalent to 
minimizing total completion time, mean completion 
time, total flow time and mean flow time. 
Remarks 
 Lateness and tardiness are closely related terms. If a 
schedule minimizes maximum lateness, the schedule 
also minimizes maximum tardiness. However, the 
converse is not true. If a schedule minimizes maximum 
tardiness, the schedule does not necessarily minimize 
maximum lateness. Thus, maximum lateness and 
maximum tardiness are not equivalent. Plus, its more 
interesting to minimize maximum lateness because if 
maximum lateness is minimized, maximum tardiness is 
also minimized. 
 The Earliest Due Date (EDD) rule minimizes maximum 
lateness and maximum tardiness (for the single machine 
static scheduling problem). 
Remarks 
 Total tardiness and mean tardiness are equivalent objectives.  
 Total lateness and mean lateness are equivalent objectives. 
 However, total lateness and total tardiness are different. 
 Total lateness is total completion time minus the sum of the 
due dates. Since sum of the due dates is a constant (same 
for all schedules), minimizing total lateness is equivalent to 
minimizing total completion time. 
 So, the equivalence list grows: 
 
Remarks 
 The following objectives are equivalent: 
 Total completion time 
 Mean completion time 
 Total flow time (if ready times are all zero) 
 Mean flow time (if ready times are all zero) 
 Total lateness 
 Mean lateness 
 Inventory carrying costs 
 Shortest processing time (SPT) rule minimizes all of the 
above objectives (for the single machine static scheduling 
problem). 
Remarks 
 Priority rules are not available for minimizing number 
of tardy jobs. The next lesson will discuss a 
procedure for minimizing number of tardy jobs. 
 Minimizing total tardiness is difficult and not covered. 
 
82 
READING AND EXERCISES  
Lesson 14 
 
Reading:  
 Section 8.4, pp. 419-423 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 409-412 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
 
Exercises:  
 8.4, 8.5, pp. 424-425 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 413-414 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
83 
LESSON 15: SINGLE MACHINE 
SCHEDULING 
Outline 
 
 Total Completion time 
 Maximum Lateness 
 Number of Tardy Jobs 
 Forward and Backward Scheduling 
 Precedence Constraints 
84 
Single Machine Scheduling 
 This lesson discusses the single machine scheduling 
problem. We assume that several jobs must be 
processed by a single machine. The jobs are all 
available for processing when the facility starts 
operation (static scheduling) 
 We discuss the problem of minimizing various 
objective functions such as total completion time, 
maximum lateness and number of tardy jobs.  
85 
Single Machine Scheduling 
 Minimizing makespan is not included in this lesson. 
Because in case of our single machine problem, the 
makespan is constant over all sequences. However, 
minimizing makespan is important and will be 
discussed for two or more machines. Because, 
various costs are directly proportional to makespan. 
This includes workers wages, utilities, overheads etc. 
 The last topic of the lesson is a procedure which is 
applied when there are some precedence 
constraints. 
86 
Total Completion Time 
 Different schedule provides different values of total 
completion time. Minimizing total completion time 
means finding a schedule that provides minimum 
total completion time.  
 Why is it important to minimize total completion time? 
 See Lesson 3, Slide 40 for some equivalences 
 Less total completion time means a job stays in 
the system (waiting time + processing time) for a 
shorter duration.  
87 
Total Completion Time 
 So, manufacturing lead time (the time between 
order placement and order delivery) is less. 
 If the system minimizes total flow time (a related 
objective), the individual customers are likely to 
experience a faster service (waiting time + service 
time). 
 Since the jobs stay in the system for a shorter 
duration, the inventory carrying costs are less. To 
see an example, revisit Example 2, Lesson 2, 
Slides 9-10. 
88 
Total Completion Time 
 Sequence the jobs in the Shortest Processing Time 
(SPT) order if there is a single machine and the 
objective is to minimize 
 Total (or, mean) completion time (or, flow time) 
 Total (or, mean) waiting time 
 Total (or, mean) lateness 
 Inventory carrying costs 
 Revisit Example 2, Lesson 2, Slides 9-10. There are 
two cars. Car 1 has a processing time of 1 hour and 
Car 2 has a processing time of 3 hours. 
89 
Total Completion Time 
 Since Car 1 has a smaller processing time than Car 
2, the SPT rule requires that Car 1 be processed 
before Car 2. This is done by Schedule 3.  
 So, Schedule 3 is a SPT schedule and it has a total 
completion time = 1+4 = 5 hours.  
 Schedule 4 is a non-SPT schedule and it has a total 
completion time = 3+4 = 7.  
 Thus, the SPT schedule, Schedule 3 minimizes total 
completion time. 
90 
Maximum Lateness 
 Different schedule provides different values of 
maximum lateness. Minimizing maximum lateness 
means finding a schedule that provides minimum 
maximum lateness.  
 Why is it important to minimize maximum lateness? 
 Its a balanced approach. The production 
department likes to minimize costs which are 
related to minimizing makespan and total 
completion time. However, the marketing 
department likes to provide faster service and set 
earlier due dates. Minimizing maximum lateness 
provides a balance. 
91 
Maximum Lateness 
 By minimizing maximum lateness one gets some 
insight if the due dates are realistic (if the due 
dates can be met using the given resources).  
 If the minimum maximum lateness is positive, 
the due dates are not realistic. So, the 
marketing department should promise longer 
lead times and the production department 
should be allocated more resources.  
 If the minimum maximum lateness is negative, 
the marketing department can promise shorter 
lead times and carry out some promotional 
activities to generate more demand. 
 
92 
Maximum Lateness 
 Sequence the jobs in the Earliest Due Date (EDD) 
order if there is a single machine and the objective is 
to minimize  
 maximum lateness 
 maximum tardiness 
 Revisit Example 1, Lesson 2, Slides 5-8. There are 
two jobs. Job 1 is a due after 4 hours and Job 2 is 
due after 2 hours. 
 
93 
Maximum Lateness 
 Since Job 2 is due before Job 1, the EDD rule 
requires that Job 2 is done before Job 1. This is done 
by Schedule 2. 
 So, Schedule 2 is an EDD schedule and it has a 
maximum lateness of zero (both job is completed 
right when its due). 
 Schedule 1 is a non-EDD schedule and it has a 
maximum lateness of 2 hours (Job 1 has a lateness 
of 2 hours and Job 1 has a lateness of 1 hour I.e., 
Job 1 is early by 1 hour). 
 Thus, the EDD schedule, Schedule 2 minimizes 
maximum lateness. 
94 
Number of Tardy Jobs 
 Different schedule provides different number of tardy 
jobs (jobs with a positive lateness). Minimizing 
number of tardy jobs means finding a schedule that 
meets as many due dates as possible. 
 Why is it important to minimize number of tardy jobs? 
 Sometimes, a product is useless if its completed 
after its due date. For example, convocation 
gowns, wedding dresses and birthday cakes must 
be delivered before their due dates. Space 
shuttles must leave on-time, else the mission will 
not be successful. 
95 
Number of Tardy Jobs 
Steps 
1. Arrange the jobs in the Earliest Due Date (EDD) 
order. 
2. Repeat the following as long as there is any tardy job: 
    If the          job is the first tardy job, consider the first    
jobs and remove the one with the largest processing 
time.  
3. Append all the tardy jobs, if any, in the end in any 
order. 
th  i
i
96 
          A                    7                                     9 
          B                    8                                   17 
          C                    4                                   18 
          D                    6                                   19 
          E                    6                                    21 
Number of Tardy Jobs: Example 
                       Processing   Completion     Due                                                                                                                    
      Job               Time               Time         Date 
97 
Number of Tardy Jobs: Example 
Step 1 
                       Processing   Completion     Due                                                                                                                    
      Job               Time               Time         Date 
Arrange the jobs in the EDD order and find if any is tardy 
          A                    7                                     9 
          B                    8                                   17 
          C                    4                                   18 
          D                    6                                   19 
          E                    6                                    21 
98 
Number of Tardy Jobs: Example 
                       Processing   Completion     Due                                                                                                                    
      Job               Time               Time         Date 
Step 2-1 
Eliminate the longest job before the first one tardy and  
arrange the others in the EDD order. 
          A                    7                                     9 
          B                    8                                   17 
          C                    4                                   18 
          D                    6                                   19 
          E                    6                                    21 
99 
Number of Tardy Jobs: Example 
                       Processing   Completion     Due                                                                                                                    
      Job               Time               Time         Date 
Step 2-2 
Eliminate the longest job before the first one tardy and  
arrange the others in the EDD order. 
          A                    7                                     9 
          B                    8                                   17 
          C                    4                                   18 
          D                    6                                   19 
          E                    6                                    21 
100 
Number of Tardy Jobs: Example 
                       Processing   Completion     Due                                                                                                                    
      Job               Time               Time         Date 
Step 2-3 
Eliminate the longest job before the first one tardy and  
arrange the others in the EDD order. 
          A                    7                                     9 
          B                    8                                   17 
          C                    4                                   18 
          D                    6                                   19 
          E                    6                                    21 
101 
Number of Tardy Jobs: Example 
                       Processing   Completion     Due                                                                                                                    
      Job               Time               Time         Date 
Step 2-4 
Eliminate the longest job before the first one tardy and  
arrange the others in the EDD order. 
          A                    7                                     9 
          B                    8                                   17 
          C                    4                                   18 
          D                    6                                   19 
          E                    6                                    21 
102 
Number of Tardy Jobs: Example 
                       Processing   Completion     Due                                                                                                                    
      Job               Time               Time         Date 
Append the previously eliminated A, B in the end and stop. 
Step 3 
103 
 Note: The optimal schedule may change if all the 
processing times increase by the same amount.  
 Preprocessing: if every job requires some 
setup/delivery time, add the set setup/delivery time to 
all jobs before applying the algorithm. 
 Such preprocessing is not necessary for scheduling 
jobs if the objective is to minimizing makespan, mean 
flow time, maximum lateness, etc. 
Number of Tardy Jobs: A Note 
104 
 The procedure discussed for minimizing the number 
of tardy jobs assigns jobs to position 1 first, then to 
position 2, and so on. In a forward scheduling 
procedure the assignment starts from position 1 and 
continues in the forward direction 
 The procedure which will be discussed next, 
schedules in the opposite direction starting from the 
last position. In a backward scheduling procedure the 
assignment starts from the last position and 
continues in the backward direction. 
 
Forward and Backward Scheduling 
105 
Lawlers Algorithm for Precedence Constraints 
 The algorithm is applicable for single machine 
problems with the objective of minimizing 
 Makespan 
 Maximum lateness 
 Maximum tardiness 
 
106 
 Consider a single machine problem with precedence 
constraints and minimizing maximum lateness 
objective (other objectives previously stated may be 
minimized similarly) 
 
Lawlers Algorithm for Precedence Constraints 
107 
 General scheme: The algorithm first assigns a job to 
the last position, then a job to the position next to 
last, and so on. 
 
 Candidate job for a position: Due to precedence 
constraints, not all the jobs are candidates for a 
position. For example, if a job has a successor, the 
job cannot be assigned to the last position. Hence, 
candidates for the last position are the ones without 
any successor.  
Lawlers Algorithm for Precedence Constraints 
108 
 Which job to assign?  
 
1. Eliminate all the jobs which are previously assigned 
(to later positions) 
2. Identify the candidates - jobs that have no successor 
or have successors all previously assigned (to later 
positions) 
3. Among all the candidates, schedule the one with the 
minimum lateness. 
Lawlers Algorithm for Precedence Constraints 
109 
          A             7              9 
          B             8            17 
          C             4            18 
          D             6            19 
          E             6            21 
              Processing   Due                             Lateness                                                                                                              
      Job        Time       Date    Candidate?    If scheduled 
A B
D
C
E
Completion time if scheduled  
= 7+8+4+6+6=31 
110 
A B
D
C
          A             7              9 
          B             8            17 
          C             4            18                        
          D             6            19 
           
              Processing   Due                             Lateness                                                                                                              
      Job        Time       Date    Candidate?    If scheduled 
Completion time if scheduled  
= 7+8+4+6=25 
E 
111 
          A             7              9 
          B             8            17 
 
          D             6            19 
           
              Processing   Due                             Lateness                                                                                                              
      Job        Time       Date    Candidate?    If scheduled 
Completion time if scheduled  
= 7+8+6=21 
E 
C 
A B
D
112 
          A             7              9 
          B             8            17 
 
                     
              Processing   Due                             Lateness                                                                                                              
      Job        Time       Date    Candidate?    If scheduled 
Completion time if scheduled  
= 7+8=15 
E 
C  D 
A B
113 
          A             7              9            Yes             7-9=-2 
              Processing   Due                             Lateness                                                                                                              
      Job        Time       Date    Candidate?    If scheduled 
Completion time if scheduled  
= 7 
E 
C  D 
A
B 
114 
Lawlers Algorithm for Precedence Constraints 
 The algorithm is described in the context of 
minimizing maximum lateness. To get the algorithm 
for minimizing  
 maximum tardiness, replace lateness by 
tardiness 
115 
READING AND EXERCISES  
Lesson 15 
 
Reading:  
 Section 8.6, pp. 425-431 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 414-419 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
 
Exercises:  
 8.6, 8.7, p. 431 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 419-420 (5
th
 Ed.) 
LESSON 16:  
MULTIPLE MACHINE SCHEDULING 
Outline 
 
 Planning and Monitoring with Gantt Chart 
 Two-Machine Flow Shop 
 Extension To A Three-Machine Flow Shop 
117 
 Planning and Monitoring with Gantt chart 
 Gantt chart is introduced in Lesson 1 in Slides 11-14.  
 Recall that the facilities are shown on the y-axis, time on 
the x-axis and operations by rectangles proportional to the 
processing time. 
 Gantt chart is an excellent tool used not only to represent a 
planned schedule but also to monitor the schedules. For 
example, see the next slide. For each job, the black color 
represents completed part and the white color incomplete. 
Suppose that today is day 7. The chart shows that Job A12 
is completed less than scheduled, Job B23  more and Job 
C34 just as scheduled. 
Planning and Monitoring with Gantt Chart 
Planning and Monitoring with Gantt Chart 
Gantt Chart shows both scheduled and completed activities 
against a time scale 
Grinding machine
Milling machine
Job A12
Job B23
2 4 6 8 10 12
Days
14
Turning machine Job C34
Today's date
Completed
Activity
Scheduled
Activity
Behind schedule
Ahead of schedule
On schedule
119 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
 Flow shop is introduced in Lesson 1, in Slides 18-19. 
 Recall that a flow shop is suitable for a make-to-stock 
or assemble-to-stock production system where 
standard products are produced in high volume. 
 Here, we discuss the special cases of two-and three-
machine systems. 
M1 M2
Enter Exit
A Conceptual View of
A Two-Machine Flow Shop
120 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
 The main characteristic of a two-machine flow shop 
system is that every job first visits Machine 1 and 
then Machine 2. 
 Examples: 
 Customizing and painting  
 Machining and polishing 
 Moulding and baking 
 Repair and testing  
 Typing and proofing (of chapters of a book) 
 Review and data entry (of claims) 
 Checkups by a nurse and a doctor (of patients) 
121 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
 We continue to assume that  
 every machine can process one job at a time.  
 every job can be processed by one machine at a 
time and 
 So, in terms of a Gantt chart every job will appear 
twice: once on Machine 1 and again on Machine 2 
 No two rectangles can overlap (every machine 
processes one job at a time) 
 If a vertical line is drawn, the line must not 
intersect two rectangles corresponding to the 
same job  (every job can be processed by one 
machine at a time) 
122 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
 See the example on the next slide 
 If a vertical line is drawn through the rectangle 
representing Job B23 on the Lathe machine, 
the line must not intersect the rectangle 
representing Job B23 on the Grinding machine 
 Since, every job visits Machine 1 before Machine 
2, a rectangle corresponding to a job on Machine 
1 must be on the left side of the rectangle 
corresponding to that job on Machine 2 
 The rectangle representing Job A12 on the 
Lathe machine is on the left side of that of Job 
A12 on the Grinding machine (same for Job 
B23). 
123 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
Grinding machine
2 4 6 8 10 12
Days
14
Lathe machine Job A12
Job A12
Job B23
Job B23
16
124 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
 For most objectives listed in Lesson 2, the same 
order on both machines is optimal. So, if Machine 1 
processes Job 1 before Job 2, then Machine 2 will 
also process Job 1 before Job 2. When the job-order 
is the same on all machines, the schedule is called a 
permutation schedule 
 See the Gantt chart on the previous slide: 
 Lathe machine processes Job A12 before Job 
B23. Grinding machine also processes Job A12 
before Job B23. Thats a permutation schedule. 
 If Job A12 were started at time 16 on Grinding 
machine (instead of time 4), it would still be a flow 
shop but not a permutation schedule. 
125 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
 Its better to keep track of starting, processing and 
finishing times of every job on every machine. 
Consider an example. 
 Example 1: Each of the two jobs A and B must be 
processed on Machine 1 before Machine 2. The 
processing times are shown below: 
  A  16  5 
  B  9  17 
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
126 
 Schedule1: Suppose that each machine processes 
Job A before Job B. Then, the starting, processing, 
and finishing times are as follows: 
 
 
 
 
 Processing starts at time 0 (Job A on Machine 1). 
Finishing time = Starting time + Processing time. So, 
Job A finishes at time 0+16 = 16 on Machine 1.  
 Job A can start on Machine 2 only after time 16, when 
its completed on Machine 1.  
Two Machine Flow Shop 
Job  Start  Process  Finish  Start  Process  Finish 
A 
B 
Machine 1  Machine 2 
16 
9 
5 
17 
127 
 Job B can start on Machine 1 only after time 16, 
when Machine 1 becomes idle. 
 The starting time of Job B on Machine 2 is the 
maximum of finishing times of Job A on Machine 2 
(Machine 2 becomes idle) and Job B on Machine 1 
(Job becomes free). 
 So, Starting time of Job B on Machine 2 = max 
(finishing time of Job A on Machine 2, finishing time 
of Job B on Machine 1) = max (21, 25) = 25. 
 Starting time of every job, except the first one, on 
Machine 2 is a maximum of two numbers. 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
128 
 The finishing time of the last job (Job B) on the last 
machine (Machine 2) is the makespan. So, here 
makespan = 42. 
 We shall discuss Johnsons rule, which can minimize 
makespan (repetitive application of the rule yields a 
schedule with least makespan) 
 First, observe that a different sequence provides a 
different makespan. 
 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
129 
 Schedule 2: Suppose that each machine processes 
Job B before Job A.  
 
 
 
 
 The process starts at time 0 (Job B on Machine 1).  
 Starting time of Job A on Machine 2 = max (26, 25) = 
26. 
 Makespan = Finishing time of Job A (the last job) on 
Machine 2 (the last machine) = 31 (improved!!!) 
 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
Job  Start  Process  Finish  Start  Process  Finish 
B  9  17 
A  16  5 
Machine 1  Machine 2 
130 
 Johnsons rule explains why makespan is improved 
by Schedule 2. Notice that the minimum processing 
time = 5 is given by Job A on Machine 2. 
 The main idea of Johnsons rule: If the minimum 
processing time is on Machine 1 (or Machine 2), 
then schedule the job with the minimum time in the 
beginning (or end). Apply the rule repeatedly until all 
jobs are scheduled. Break ties arbitrarily. 
 Here, the minimum processing time = min (9, 17, 16, 
5) = 5 is given by Job A on Machine 2. So, Job A is 
scheduled in the end. The details of Johnsons rule 
and an example will now follow. 
Two Machine Flow Shop 
131 
1. List time required to process each job at each machine. 
Set up a one-dimensional matrix to represent desired 
sequence with # of slots equal to # of jobs. 
2. Select smallest processing time at either machine.   
 If that time is on machine 1, put the job as near to 
beginning of sequence as possible. 
 If smallest time occurs on machine 2, put the job as 
near to the end of the sequence as possible. 
3. Remove the job from the list. 
4. Repeat steps 2-3 until all slots in matrix are filled & all jobs 
are sequenced. 
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule 
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
  A  5  6 
  B  16  5 
  C  8  2 
  D  9  17 
  E  4  6 
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
The minimum processing time, 2, is given by Job C on 
Machine 2. So, Schedule Job C in the end. 
133 
  A  5  6 
  B  16  5 
   
  D  9  17 
  E  4  6 
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
C 
After removing job C, the minimum processing time, 4, is 
given by Job E on Machine 1. So, Schedule Job E in the 
beginning. 
134 
  A  5  6 
  B  16  5 
   
  D  9  17 
   
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
C  E 
Job E is removed. Now, there is a tie. Minimum processing 
time is given by Jobs A and B. Break ties arbitrarily. 
Schedule one of Job A or Job B. 
135 
   
  B  16  5 
   
  D  9  17 
   
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
C  A  E 
Job A is chosen arbitrarily. Job A is scheduled in the 
beginning, because its minimum time is given on Machine 1. 
Beginning means position 2 because position 1 is taken. 
136 
   
   
   
  D  9  17 
   
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
C  B  A  E 
Next, Job B is scheduled. Its scheduled in the end, because 
its minimum processing time is given on Machine 2.  
137 
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
C  B  D  A  E 
The sequencing is complete after assigning the remaining 
Job D to the remaining position. Next, the makespan is 
computed. 
138 
  E   
  A                     
  D   
  B                   
  C   
C  B  D  A  E 
Each triplet above shows the starting, processing, and finishing 
times of an operation. Johnsons rule guarantees that the above 
schedule gives the best value (44) of makespan. 
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
     Machine    Machine  
  Job  Center 1    Center 2 
   
139 
Two-Machine Flow Shop 
Johnsons Rule Example 
M2 
6  12  18  24  36 
Time 
42 
48 
M1 
30 
The Gantt chart corresponding to the optimal sequence,           
E-A-D-B-C obtained using the Johnsons rule 
 An extension of Johnsons rule minimizes makespan 
in some three machine flow shops (repetitive 
application of the rule yields a schedule with least 
makespan) 
 First, recall that in a three machine flow shop, every 
job is processed first on Machine 1, then on Machine 
2 and then on Machine 3. 
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
M1 M2
Enter Exit
A Conceptual View of
A Three-Machine Flow Shop
M3
141 
 The extension of Johnsons rule does not guarantee an 
optimal makespan for all three-machine flow shop cases. 
However, the extension guarantees an optimal makespan  
 if the largest processing time on the second machine is 
not larger than the smallest processing times on  
1. Machine 1 or 
2. Machine 3 or  
3. Both 
 In Case 1 Machine 1 dominates Machine 2,  
 In Case 2 Machine 3 dominates Machine 2 and  
 In Case 3 both Machines 1 and 3 dominate Machine 2 
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
142 
 Some examples when the rule applies are given in the 
next slide: 
 Example (a): The largest processing time on Machine 2 
= max (5, 3, 4, 2, 3) = 5 s 5 = min (6, 9, 5, 8, 7) = 
smallest processing time on Machine 1. So, Machine 1 
dominates Machine 2 and the extension of Johnsons 
rule applies. 
 Example (b): The largest processing time on Machine 2 
= max (6, 3, 2, 4, 5) = 6 s 6 = min (7, 8, 6, 9, 8) = 
smallest processing time on Machine 3. So, Machine 3 
dominates Machine 2 and the extension of Johnsons 
rule applies. 
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
143 
Johnsons rule applies in each of the above cases 
Job 1 2 3 Job 1 2 3 Job 1 2 3
1 6 5 7 1 6 6 7 1 9 5 6
2 9 3 3 2 9 3 8 2 5 3 5
3 5 4 8 3 4 2 6 3 7 4 8
4 8 2 4 4 5 4 9 4 6 2 7
5 7 3 5 5 3 5 8 5 7 3 5
Machine
(c)
Machine
(a)
Machine
(b)
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
144 
 Example (c): The extension of Johnsons rule applies 
because both Machine 1 and 3 dominate Machine 2 
(check). 
 Whenever the rule applies, the following is done: 
 Step 1: Create a fictitious two-machine flow shop problem 
with two fictitious machines M1 and M2. Every job is 
assigned processing times on these two fictitious 
machines in the following way: 
 M1: Processing time of a job on fictitious machine M1 
is the sum of the processing times of that job on the 
original machines M1 and M2. 
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
145 
 M2: Processing time of a job on fictitious machine M2 
is the sum of the processing times of that job on the 
original machines M2 and M3. 
 Step 2: Apply Johnsons rule on the fictitious two-machine 
problem with machines M1 and M2. 
 Step 3: Sequence the jobs on the original three machines 
using the optimal sequence obtained from Step 2. 
 
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
146 
An optimal (not unique) sequence is  
Next, compute makespan using the original 3 machines. 
Job 1 2 3
1 6 5 7
2 9 3 3
3 5 4 8
4 8 2 4
5 7 3 5
Three-Machine Problem
Machine
Job  1  2 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
Machine 
Fictitious Two-Machine Problem 
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
147 
       
Each triplet above shows the starting, processing, and finishing 
times of an operation. Johnsons rule guarantees that the above 
schedule gives the best value (41) of makespan. 
       Machine              Machine     Machine 
Job      Center 1               Center 2    Center 3 
   
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
148 
 More on the previous slide: 
 Starting time of every job, except the first one, on 
Machine 2 is a maximum of two numbers. 
 Example: Starting time of Job 1 on Machine 2 = max 
(finishing time of Job 3 on Machine 2, finishing time of 
Job 1 on Machine 1) = max (9, 11) = 11. 
 Starting time of every job, except the first one, on 
Machine 3 is a maximum of two numbers. 
 Example: Starting time of Job 1 on Machine 3 = max 
(finishing time of Job 3 on Machine 3, finishing time of 
Job 1 on Machine 2) = max (17, 16) = 17. 
 
Extension of Johnsons Rule  
To A Three Machine Flow Shop 
149 
 Using the starting and finishing times of each operation,  
we can draw a Gantt chart. Recall that time is shown on 
the x-axis, facilities such as machines are shown on the 
y-axis and each operation is shown by a rectangle 
proportional to the processing time f the operation. 
 For example, since Job 3 starts on M1 at time 0 and 
finishes at time 5, the Gantt chart on the next slide 
contains a box labelled 3 from time 0 to time 5. 
 Similarly, since Job 3 starts on M2 at time 5 and finishes 
at time 9, the Gantt chart contains another box labelled 
3 from time 5 to time 9. 
Gantt Chart 
150 
The Gantt chart corresponding to the optimal sequence,  
obtained using the extension of Johnsons rule. 
M3 
6  12  18  24  36 
Time 
42 
M2 
30 
M1 
Gantt Chart 
151 
 Note that since a job cannot be processed on more than 
one machine at the same time, a vertical line (indicating a 
time) must not cut through more than one box 
corresponding to the same job. For example, there are 
three boxes corresponding to Job 3 one for M1, one for 
M2 and the other for M3. However, these 3 boxes 
represent 3 operations which are processed in 3 distinct 
time periods. As a result, the boxes do not share any 
vertical line 
 Similarly, since a machine cannot process more than on 
job at the same time, the boxes do not overlap. 
Gantt Chart 
152 
READING AND EXERCISES  
Lesson 16 
 
Reading:  
 Section 8.7, pp. 432-437 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 421-425 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
 
Exercise:  
 8.13, 8.14, p. 441 (4
th
 Ed.), p. 428 (5
th
 Ed.) 
153 
LESSON 17: TWO-JOB  
JOB SHOP AND FLOW SHOP SCHEDULING 
Outline 
 
 Two-Job Job Shop and Flow Shop Problem 
 Steps of the Solution Procedure 
 Interpretation 
 Gantt Chart 
154 
Two-Job Job Shop and Flow shop Problem  
 So far, we have discussed scheduling problems with 
a limited number of machines. In this lesson, we 
discuss a solution procedure for a scheduling 
problem with an unlimited number of machines. 
 We assume that two jobs requires processing by 
some m machines. For each job, the sequence of 
machines is known. Its not assumed that each job 
must visit the machines in the same order. So, the 
procedure is applicable to job shop. However, the 
procedure is same for the flow shop when each job 
must visit the machines in the same order. 
 
155 
Two-Job Job Shop and Flow shop Problem  
 The procedure is best described by an Example: 
 Example 1: A engineering faculty requires a 
refundable deposit from each student. To get the 
deposit back at the end of the term, every student 
must obtain a clearance from each lab used. Peter 
and Patricia needs clearance from Machine lab (A) 
and Computer lab (B). Peter wants to visit Machine 
lab first and Patricia Computer lab. After getting 
certificates, each will visit an administrative assistant 
(C) who will issue a no claim certificate. Then, each 
will visit the cashier (D) who will return the deposit. 
 
156 
Two-Job Job Shop and Flow shop Problem  
 Peter and Patricia estimate the following processing 
times 
 
  Peter        Patricia 
Activity  Time    Activity  Time 
    A      10         B       5 
    B        5         A       5 
    C      25         C      20 
    D      10         D       5 
 
157 
Two-Job Job Shop and Flow shop Problem  
 We shall solve this problem using a graphical 
procedure, that has the following steps: 
 Step 1: Set up a cartesian coordiante system with 
Peters time on one axis and Patricias on the other. 
Each process A, B, C and D will be shown on the 
graph by a rectangle. 
 Step 2: Find Peters and Patricias start and end 
times for each activity 
 Step 3: Identify coordinates of corners of rectangles 
A, B, C and D. Each rectangle represents an activity. 
 Step 4: Draw rectangles A, B, C and D  
158 
Two-Job Job Shop and Flow shop Problem  
 Step 5: Using only three special types of line 
segments, and not crossing the rectangles, identify a 
path from (0,0) to the upper right corner (a, b), where 
a = total time on x-axis and b = total time on y-axis. 
 Step 6: Compute clock times along the path. The 
length of the path is the clock time at the upper right 
corner (a, b). 
 Step 7: Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for other paths 
 Step 8: Find out the shortest path, interpret the 
shortest path and list activities over time. 
 Step 9: Draw a Gantt chart.  
159 
10 
20 
30 
10  20  30  40  50 
Step 1: Set Up A  
Cartesian Coordinate System 
160 
Step 2: Find Peters and Patricias  
Start and End Times 
 The start and end times are computed below separately for 
Peter and Patricia. Each starts at time zero. Notice that the 
times are not clock times, but Peters and Patricias 
cumulative times. The clock times will be computed later.  
              Peters Time               Patricias Time   
Activity  Start  Process  End    Activity  Start  Process  End 
    A               B   
    B                 A   
    C              C   
    D              D   
Note a = 50, b = 35 according to the notations on slide 6. 
161 
Step 3: Identify Coordinates of Corners of 
Rectangles Representing Activities 
 For each activity, a rectangle will be drawn on the graph 
shown in Step 1. For each rectangle, the lower, left corner 
represents start of the activity and the upper right corner 
end of the activity. So, one corner is obtained from Peter 
and Patricias start time of that activity and another corner is 
obtained from Peter and Patricias end times of that activity. 
 For example, lower left corner of rectangle C is (15,10) 
because Peter starts activity C at time 15 and Patricia starts 
activity C at time 10. Upper left corner of rectangle C is 
(40,30) because Peter ends C at time 40 and Patricia ends 
C at time 30. 
162 
Step 3: Identify Coordinates of Corners of 
Rectangles Representing Activities 
 Using the same reasoning, we find the following coordinates 
of the corners of A, B, C and D. 
 
Rectangle    Lower Left Corner  Upper Right Corner 
  A         
  B         
  C         
  D         
163 
10 
20 
30 
10  20  30  40  50 
Peter's Time 
P
a
t
r
i
c
i
a
'
s
 
T
i
m
e
 
Step 4: Draw Rectangles 
164 
Step 5: Using only Three Special Types of 
Line Segments and Not Crossing the  
Rectangles Find A Path From (0,0) To (a,b) 
 Use only the following three types of line segments 
 Horizontal line: representing a time interval when only 
Peter is busy, Patricia is idle 
 Vertical line: representing a time interval when only 
Patricia is busy, Peter is idle 
 45-degree line (same rise as run): representing a time 
interval when both Peter and Patricia are busy  
Horizontal
Line
Vertical
Line
45-Degree
Line
165 
Step 5: Using only Three Special Types of 
Line Segments and Not Crossing the  
Rectangles Find A Path From (0,0) To (a,b) 
 a = total time on the x-axis = Peters total time = 50 
 b = total time on the y-axis = Patricias total time = 35 
 Find a path from (0,0) to (a,b) = (50,35) 
 Using horizontal, vertical and 45-degree lines and  
 Not crossing the rectangles 
 
166 
Step 5: Using only Three Special Types of 
Line Segments and Not Crossing the  
Rectangles Find A Path From (0,0) To (a,b) 
 Such a path is shown on the next slide. The path  
 starts from (0,0) in the 45-degree direction (it could also 
start horizontally or vertically; 45-degree lines are 
preferred as they keep the length shorter) 
 starts moving horizontally when blocked by rectangle A, 
changes to 45 degree at (10,5) 
 starts moving horizontally when blocked by rectangle C 
(could also start vertically at (10,5)), changes to 45 degree 
at (40,10) 
 Starts vertically when reaches a boundary at x=a=50 (the 
other boundary is (y=b=35) 
167 
Step 5: Using only Three Special Types of 
Line Segments and Not Crossing the  
Rectangles Find A Path From (0,0) To (a,b) 
10 
20 
30 
10  20  30  40  50 
Peter's Time 
P
a
t
r
i
c
i
a
'
s
 
T
i
m
e
 
A 
B 
C 
D 
(  a ,  b ) 
(0,0) 
168 
Step 6: Compute  
Clock Times Along the Path 
 The length of the path is the clock time at (a,b)=(50,35). 
 The clock time is set to 0 at (0,0). 
 Clock times are computed at other break points as follows: 
 For a 45-degree line, advance clock time by the lines 
projection on the x-axis (or, equivalently, the projection on 
the y-axis).  
 For example, there is a 45-degree line between (0,0) and 
(5,5). Its projection on the horizontal axis is 5 units and the 
same is its projection on the vertical axis.  
169 
Step 6: Compute  
Clock Times Along the Path 
 The line represents that both Peter and Patricia are busy 
for 5 units of time. So, it moves 5 units horizontally and 5 
units vertically. So, clock time advances by 5 units. 
 Thus, the clock time at (5,5)  
= clock time at (0,0)+5 
= 0 + 5 
= 5 
 
170 
Step 6: Compute  
Clock Times Along the Path 
 For each horizontal or vertical line, advance clock time 
by the length of the line segment. For example, there is 
a horizontal line between (5,5) and (10,5). The length 
of the line is 5. So, the clock time at (10,5) 
= clock time at (5,5)+5 
= 5 + 5 
= 10 
 The next few slides shows clock times at all break 
points till (a,b) = (50, 35). The length of the path is the 
clock time at (a,b). 
171 
Step 6: Compute  
Clock Times Along the Path 
Length of the vertical line = 5, clock time = 60 + 5 = 65 
10 
20 
30 
10  20  30  40  50 
Peter's Time 
P
a
t
r
i
c
i
a
'
s
 
T
i
m
e
 
A 
B 
C 
D 
(  a ,  b ) 
(0,0) 
172 
10 
20 
30 
10  20  30  40  50 
Peter's Time 
P
a
t
r
i
c
i
a
'
s
 
T
i
m
e
 
A 
B 
C 
D 
(  a ,  b ) 
(0,0) 
5 
10 
15 
35 
40 
70 
Check the clock times and length of the path. 
Step 7: Another Path 
173 
Step 8: Interpretation 
 The shortest path is the one shown on Slide 25 as its 
length is 65, less than 70 which is the length of the other 
path shown on Slide 26. 
 The interpretation of a line segment is done as follows: 
 Horizontal line segment: Only Peter is busy and 
Patricia idle. Peters activity is the one on the above or 
below the line segment. 
 Vertical line segment: Only Patricia is busy and Peter 
idle. Patricias activity is the one on the left or right of 
the line segment. 
 
174 
Step 8: Interpretation 
 45-degree line segment: Both are busy.  
 Peters activity is one on the above or below the 
line segment.  
 Patricias activity is the one on the left or right of 
the line segment. 
 Using the above guidelines, the shortest path shown 
on Slide 25 is interpreted on the next slide. Observe 
that every line segment is interpreted separately. 
 
 
 
175 
Step 8: Interpretation 
     Start       End   Line Segment    Peters  Patricias 
Clock Time  Clock Time    Type       Activity  Activity 
     0           5         
     5          10        
    10         15   
    15          40        
    40          50        
    50          60         
    60          65   
176 
Step 9: The Gantt Chart 
10  20  30  40  50  60 
Gantt Chart 
A 
B 
C 
D 
177 
READING AND EXERCISES  
Lesson 17 
 
Reading:  
 Section 8.7, pp. 437-440 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 425-427 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
 
Exercise:  
 8.15, 8.16, pp. 441-442 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 428-429 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
LESSON 18: STOCHASTIC SCHEDULING 
Outline 
 
 A Review on Probability Distributions 
 Stochastic Scheduling 
 Static Analysis: Single Machine 
 Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
 Static Analysis: Two-Machine Flow Shop 
 Dynamic Analysis: Selection of Disciplines 
 Dynamic Analysis: The c rule 
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 First, we shall review what is meant by a probability 
distribution. Its easier to understand probability distributions 
when there is a finite number of events. For example, when 
a coin is tossed, there are only two possible events a head 
or a tail. When a coin is tossed twice, there can be following 
events 
 both heads (2H) 
 one head and one tail (1H1T) 
 the first one head and the second one tail or  
 the first one tail and the second one head 
 two tails (2T) 
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 A discrete probability distribution is a table, a formula, or a 
graph that lists all possible events and probabilities a 
discrete random variable can assume.  
 If a coin is tossed twice, the events and corresponding 
probabilities are as follows:   
    Event                Probability 
  Two heads        1/4 
  First one head, second one tail     1/4 
  First one tail, second one head     1/4 
  Two tails            1/4 
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 So,  we get the following probability values: 
  Event          Probability 
  2H            1/4 = 0.25 
  1H1T          1/4+1/4=0.50 
  2T            1/4 = 0.25 
 The above probability values are shown on a graph in the 
next slide. This graph is a discrete probability distribution.    
A Review on Probability Distributions  
Probability Distribution 
0 
0.25 
0.5 
0.75 
2H  1H1T  2T 
Event 
P
r
o
b
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
 
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 The probability distribution in case of a coin tossing 
example is discrete. The number of events is finite. Some 
random numbers such as the ones for processing times, 
arrival times, etc.  assume an infinite number of values. 
The probability distributions of such random numbers are 
continuous.  
 A continuous probability distribution is similar to a discrete 
probability distribution. In the following, some differences 
are discussed. Coin tossing will be used as an example of 
a discrete distribution and processing time of a 
continuous distribution.  
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 While the number of heads in the coin tossing example 
may assume a finite number of values, a processing time 
may assume an infinite number of values. So, its not 
possible to list all the values that the processing time may 
assume. 
 While the number of heads in the coin tossing example 
may assume a particular value, the probability that a 
processing time will assume a particular value is zero. For 
example, there is almost zero probability that a job will be 
done in exactly 3 minutes, not a fraction of a second more 
or less than 3 minutes. However, probability that a 
processing time will lie in a given range may be non-zero. 
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 A graphical description of a probability distribution of 
processing time gives the probability values in terms of 
the area under the curve.  
         
        Area = probability  
 
 For example, The probability that the processing time will 
lie between 2 and 8 minutes is the area under the curve 
from processing time = 2 to processing time = 8 (see the 
next slide).  
 The total area under the curve = 1.00 
186 
A Review on Probability Distributions  
f
(
t
)
Processing Time, t
2 0 4 6 8 10
Probability(2sts8)
= Shaded area
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 The processing times, arrival times, etc. are often 
assumed to follow either a normal distribution or an 
exponential distribution.  
 Normal Distribution: Consider the time required by 
Harveys to serve a customer. A customer visits Harveys 
during lunch hours. On each visit, he measures the length 
of the time between order placement and delivery. He 
observes that the time is more or less 3 minutes. 
Sometimes, its more than 3 minutes. Almost the same 
number of times its less than 3 minutes. Sometimes, its 
more than 4 minutes. Almost the same number of times 
its less than 2 minutes, and so on. 
188 
A Review on Probability Distributions  
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
-4 -2 0 2 4
z
f
(
z
)
Normal
Distribution
A Review on Probability Distributions  
 Exponential Distribution: Consider the time required to 
get a taxi cab. A hotel manager calls a taxi cab for the 
guests. She measures the length of time between phone 
call and arrival of the taxi cab. She is impressed with the 
service. Most of the times its very quick, within a minute 
or two, because the cab is parked near the hotel. Often, 
its between two to four minutes, because the cab arrives 
from a distance. Occasionally, however, it takes 10, 20 or 
30 minutes because of a high demand, traffic congestion, 
etc.  The manager computes the average, which turns out 
to be 3 minutes.  
A Review on Probability Distributions  
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0 5 10 15 20
Time, t
f
(
t
)
Exponential distribution 
with mean = 3
Stochastic Scheduling 
 Up to Lesson 6, we have assumed that all arrival 
times, processing times and due dates are known 
with certainty. However, often processing times may 
be unknown or uncertain.  
 In this lesson, we shall assume that the processing 
times follow some probability distributions which are 
known. The probability distributions may be obtained 
from historical data. We shall assume that the jobs 
are different from one another. So, the processing 
times are independent of one another. 
Stochastic Scheduling 
 The arrival times may also be uncertain. We discuss 
two cases with two different assumptions regarding 
arrival times: 
 Static Analysis: All jobs are available from the 
beginning. An example is the delivery problem for 
which orders are taken 24 hours on-line and 
delivered once in the morning. So, the orders are 
available before the delivery process starts. 
 Dynamic Analysis: Jobs arrive randomly over time, 
and sequencing decisions are made as the jobs 
arrive. An example is the customers arriving to a 
bank. 
193 
Static Analysis: Single Machine 
 Assume that there is a single machine that must 
process some n jobs. The exact processing times of 
jobs are not known. Each job processing time is a 
random variable with a known distribution function. 
 Two objectives are easy to minimize with rules 
extended from deterministic scheduling  
 To minimize the expected mean flow time, apply the 
shortest expected processing time rule (As 
discussed in Lesson 4, Slides 4-7, the total 
completion time or mean flow time is minimized by 
the shortest processing time rule) 
194 
Static Analysis: Single Machine 
 To minimize the maximum probability that a job is 
late, apply the earliest expected due date rule (As 
discussed in Lesson 4, Slides 8-11, the maximum 
lateness is minimized by the earliest due date 
rule) 
 
195 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
 Consider two identical 
parallel machines. The jobs 
are assigned to the first 
available machine. As soon 
as a machine is  free, a job 
is assigned to that machine. 
The jobs must be 
sequenced. 
 Assume that the processing 
times are exponentially 
distributed. 
M1 M2
Enter
Exit
Jobs
Machines
196 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
 Consider the problem of minimizing the expected 
makespan, the expected completion time of the last job 
processed. A counter-intuitive rule works. The 
expected makespan is minimized by processing the 
jobs with the Longest Expected Processing Time 
(LEPT) rule. 
 The deterministic scheduling problems often provide 
insight into the stochastic scheduling problems. For 
example, to understand why the LEPT rule may 
minimize the expected makespan, it may be helpful to 
review the deterministic version of the problem first.  
197 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines  
Back To Deterministic Scheduling 
Example 1: Consider two identical machines and four 
jobs with the deterministic processing times: 4, 8, 2, 6 
minutes for Jobs 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Group the 
jobs on two machines in order to minimize 
makespan. What is makespan? What is the idle time 
of the machine that is stopped first? 
198 
 If a different grouping is chosen 
 
 
 
 
 Check that 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines  
Back To Deterministic Scheduling 
2
time idle times processing of Sum
Makespan
  +
=
199 
 From the relationship between makespan and idle 
time, makepsan is minimized by minimizing the idle 
time of the first stopped machine (the other quantities 
on the right hand side of the equation (sum of 
processing times and the number 2) are constants 
over all schedules). 
 Example 2 demonstrates that its not always possible 
to find a grouping that provides the same work-load 
to every machine. So, often the best solution will 
have some non-zero idle time on the first stopped 
machine. 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines  
Back To Deterministic Scheduling 
200 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines  
Back To Deterministic Scheduling 
Example 2: Consider two identical machines and four 
jobs with the deterministic processing times: 4, 8, 4, 6 
minutes for Jobs 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Group the 
jobs on two machines in order to minimize 
makespan. What is makepsan? What is the idle time 
of the machine that is stopped first? 
 
201 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
 Minimizing expected makespan on two parallel 
machines is equivalent to (see last 4 slides) 
 minimizing expected idle time of the first stopped 
machine which is equivalent to 
 minimizing the expected processing time of the 
last job completed 
 The above arguments provide an intuitive reasoning 
why the expected makespan is minimized by the 
 Longest Expected Processing Time (LEPT) rule, 
which assigns the longest expected jobs in the 
beginning and the shortest expected jobs in the end.  
202 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
Example 3: A computer center has two identical 
computers for batch processing. Job times are 
exponentially distributed with the following 
expected values (expressed in minutes):  
    Job                   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8 
    Expected time  4    8    1    50  1    30  20  6 
a. In what sequence should the jobs be processed in 
order to minimize the expected makespan? 
 
203 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
b. Assume that computer A is occupied with a job that 
has exactly two minutes of processing time remaining 
and computer B is idle. If job times are deterministic, 
show the start and end times of each job on each 
computer using the sequence derived in Part a. 
 
  The answer is shown next. At time 0, B is available. 
So, the longest job, Job 4 is assigned to B. At time 2, A 
is available. So, the next longest job, Job 6 is assigned 
to A. At time 32, A is available again. So, Job 7 is 
assigned to A. At time 50, B is available. So, Job 2 is 
204 
    assigned to B. At time 52, A is available. So, Job 8 is 
assigned to A. At time 58, there is a tie, both A and B 
are available.  Computer A is chosen arbitrarily. Job 1 
is assigned to A and Job 3 to B. Notice that Job 5 
could be assigned before Job 3. All ties are broken 
arbitrarily. Job 5 is assigned to B at time 59.  
 
  The makespan is 62 minutes. Computer B is idle in the 
last two minutes. 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
205 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
Job  Computer A     Job  Computer B 
  Start  End       Start  End 
The rows are arranged in the ascending order of start times. 
206 
Static Analysis: Parallel Machines 
B 
6  12  18  24  36 
Time 
42 
48 
A 
30  54 
60  66 
207 
 We are back to two-machine flow shop. However, this 
time we shall discuss the stochastic version. Recall from 
Lesson 5, Slides 18-26, that Johnsons rule minimizes 
makespan for the deterministic two-machine flow shop 
problem. The stochastic version is solved by a different 
procedure which will be discussed in this lesson. 
Static Analysis: Two Machine Flow Shop 
M1 M2
Enter Exit
A Conceptual View of
A Two-Machine Flow Shop
208 
 Suppose that the processing times are exponentially 
distributed.  
 Let 
               =     the processing rate of job j on machine 1 
               =     the processing rate of job j on machine 2 
 Expected makespan is minimized by processing the jobs 
in the descending (high to low) order of   
Static Analysis: Two Machine Flow Shop 
j
a
j
b
j j
b a 
209 
 Notice that the rule is described in terms of rates which 
must be computed first from the given processing times. 
 
 
 
 Where, 
               =     the processing time of job j on machine 1 
               =     the processing time of job j on machine 2 
              
 
Static Analysis: Two Machine Flow Shop 
j j
A a / 1 =
j j
B b / 1 =
j
A
j
B
210 
Static Analysis: Two Machine Flow Shop 
Example 4: Joe has now been released from his 
government job. Based on his excellent performance, he 
was able to land a job as a production scheduler in a 
brand-new custom refinishing auto service shop located 
near the border. The sequence is customizing first, 
followed by repainting. The processing times are 
independent exponentially distributed random variables 
with the mean times as stated below. Find a schedule that 
minimizes expected makespan.  
Car  Customizing Time (Hours)    Painting (Hours) 
  1    4.0          2.0   
  2    2.5          1.0   
  3    3.5          1.5 
211 
First, computes the rates and their differences: 
Car  Customizing Rate   Painting Rate  Differences  
           (Number/Hour)  (Number/Hour) 
   j    a
j
      b
j
    a
j
-b
j
 
  1   
  2   
  3   
 
  Sequence the jobs in the descending (high to low) order 
of the differences a
j
-b
j 
 i.e.,                                                
to minimize the expected makespan.  
 
Be careful not to use Johnsons rule! 
The processing times are exponentially distributed!!
 
Static Analysis: Two Machine Flow Shop 
212 
Dynamic Analysis: Selection of Disciplines 
 Next, we consider the dynamic scheduling problem, 
We assume that the jobs arrive randomly over time 
and the job processing times are known as soon as 
the jobs arrive. 
 The objective is to determine a good sequencing rule. 
 When compared to FCFS, SPT rule can significantly 
reduce the size of the queue. 
 As the traffic intensity increases, the advantage of the 
SPT rule at reducing the mean flow time improves 
(but the variance of flow time increases). This is 
shown in the next figure (Text, 8-13, p. 451). 
213 
Dynamic Analysis: Selection of Disciplines 
 The next figure (Text, 8-13, p. 451): 
 Assumes an M/M/1 queue i.e., a single machine 
environment in which inter-arrival times and 
service times are exponentially distributed. 
 Assumes that job processing times are realized 
when a job joins the queue. 
 Shows traffic intensity,   
 
 
on the horizontal axis 
rate Service
rate Arrival
= = =
 r
214 
 The next figure (Text, 8-13, p. 451): 
 Shows the relative flow time 
 
 
on the vertical axis 
 Demonstrates that the SPT schedule improves the 
expected flow time (or, the expected number in the 
system) over the FCFS schedule and that the 
improvement and rate of improvement increase 
more when the traffic intensity increases. 
Dynamic Analysis: Selection of Disciplines 
Time) (Flow
Time) (Flow
FCFS
SPT
E
E
215 
Dynamic Analysis: Selection of Disciplines 
216 
Dynamic Analysis: Selection of Disciplines 
 However, the SPT variance is much worse than the 
FCFS variance when the traffic intensity is high, 
although the SPT variance is slightly better than the 
FCFS variance when the traffic intensity is low. 
 Hence, it may be concluded that SPT achieves 
efficiency in the expected flow time at the cost of 
variance. 
217 
Dynamic Analysis: The             Rule 
Suppose that 
 Jobs arrive randomly with exponential service rates. 
 Job j has a service rate     . The service rate               
where,     = processing time of job j.   
 A job-dependent return       is available if job j is 
completed by some pre-specified due date     which 
is the same for all jobs. 
 The best scheduling policy that maximizes total 
earnings is to choose the job with the largest value of  
 
 
 c
t
j
c
j
j j
c 
j j
t / 1 = 
j
t
218 
Dynamic Analysis: The             Rule 
 c
Example 5: Suppose that there are two types jobs, 
Type I has a return of $0.25 per job and  Type II 
$0.75 per job. Type I service rate is 60 jobs per hour 
Type II 10 jobs per hour. The service rates are 
exponentially distributed. All the jobs must be 
completed before the end of week. Which type of job 
will have priority? Within a given type of job, which 
one will have priority? 
 
 
219 
 Example 5 is simple, because it considers only two 
types of jobs, the rule is applicable to any number of 
types of jobs. 
 If the returns are all the same, i.e., if all the jobs are 
equally important, then the rule is equivalent to the 
SPT rule. 
Dynamic Analysis: The             Rule 
 c
220 
READING AND EXERCISES  
Lesson 18 
 
Reading:  
  Section 8.8 pp. 442-446 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 429- 432 (5
th
 Ed.) 
  Section 8.9 (partial) pp. 450-452 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 436-438 
(5
th
 Ed.) 
 
Exercises:  
  8.18, 8.19 (done in the note), 8.21, p. 446 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 
432-433 (5
th
 Ed.) and 8.25a p. 453 (4
th
 Ed.), p. 439 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
221 
LESSON 19: ASSEMBLY LINE BALANCING 
Outline 
 
 Assembly Line 
 Assembly Line Balancing 
 The Precedence Diagram 
 Assignment of Work Elements to Workstations 
 A Line Balancing Heuristic 
222 
Assembly Line 
 Moving assembly line was introduced by Ford 
automobiles in 1913 
 The time required to produce an auto chassis was 
reduced from 12 hours and 28 minutes to 1 hour 
and 33 minutes 
 The result was  
 mass production and  
 A drastically reduced price which the common 
people could afford 
 
223 
Assembly Line 
 If the demand of a standard product is sufficiently 
high and stable over a long period of time (as it is in a 
make-to-stock or assemble-to-stock production 
system), its usually cost effective to rearrange 
resources in the order in which the resources are 
used. Such a layout is called a product layout. 
 Two types of product layouts are fabrication lines and 
assembly lines  
 The fabrication line builds components such as 
automobile tires, metal parts, etc. (make-to-stock 
production system). 
224 
Assembly Line 
 The assembly line puts the fabricated parts 
together (assemble-to-stock production system).  
 The range of products produced by assembly 
lines includes toys, autos appliances, electronic 
items, garden equipment, etc. 
 Assembly line activities ranges from 
hammering, wrenching, parts insertion, 
soldering, welding, painting, testing, packaging, 
etc. 
 Both workers and machines may be (some 
lines use both) employed in an assembly line.  
 
225 
Assembly Line 
 Both the fabrication line and assembly line are 
repetitive processes.  
 The job is split into many work elements. The work 
elements are so small that each element or a group 
of elements can be performed by one workstation (an 
workstation is an area along the line that requires at 
least one worker or one machine).  
 The line balancing problem is to equalize work at 
each workstation. So, the solution procedure 
attempts to evenly distribute the work elements to the 
workstations. 
 
226 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 Some definitions: 
 Throughput time: The overall time it takes to complete 
an individual product from start to finish is called the 
throughput time (a.k.a. product duration time) 
 Cycle time: The interval between two successive 
products produced at a workstation is called the cycle 
time (a.k.a. product interval time and takt time (takt is a 
Swedish word meaning cycle)) 
 Example 1: Suppose that a product requires a total of 
50 minutes. The job is split into 25 workstations of 2 
minutes each.  
   The throughput time is 
   The cycle time is 
227 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 The line balancing problem is difficult. The large number of 
work elements partly contributes to the difficulty. The 
problem gets more complicated because of the 
precedence constraints.  
 The precedence constraints are physical restrictions on 
the order in which the work elements must be done on 
the line. For example, welding must precede painting, 
testing must be done before packaging, etc. 
 The precedence diagram is a network with work elements 
represented by circles or nodes and the precedence 
relationships represented by arcs (lines with arrows 
showing directions) connecting the nodes. 
228 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 The precedence diagram is demonstrated with an 
example later in this lesson. The Activity-on-Node 
(AON) method (work elements represented by nodes 
and precedences by arcs) is used throughout this 
lesson. In Chapter 9, Lessons 9-11, Activity-on-Arc 
(AOA) method is used. 
 The assembly lines are often flexible. When the 
demand is high, the job is split into more workstations 
achieving a shorter cycle time (although the throughput 
time does not change). When the demand is low, a 
longer longer cycle time is maintained using fewer 
workstations. 
229 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 The required cycle time and demand are related as 
follows: 
 
 
 Example 2: Suppose that a single shift of 8 hours is 
used and the demand is 32 units per day, then 
 
 
 Note that in such a case, every work element must 
require less than 15 minutes and workload distributed to 
every workstation must be less than 15 minutes. 
day per Demand
day per time Production
time cycle Required   =
= time cycle Required
230 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 Once we know the total time required by all elements 
and the required cycle time, we may be tempted to 
compute the required number of workstations as 
 
 
 However, the above ratio does not always provide the 
correct number of workstations. One reason is that the 
above ratio may not be an integer. To eliminate this 
problem we can round up the result (e.g., if the ratio is 
2.1 convert it to 3). Still, it may not be correct.  
time cycle Required
elements all by  required time Total
231 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 Example 3: Suppose that work elements 1, 2 and 3 
require 12, 10 and 8 minutes respectively and the 
required cycle time is 15 minutes.   
 
 
 But, there is no way to distribute the elements to 2 
workstations such that the workload to each workstation 
is less than 15 minutes. If a workstation is assigned  
 elements 1 and 2, the total time = 12+10 = 22>15.  
 elements 1 and 3, the total time = 12+8 = 20>15.  
 elements 2 and 3, the total time = 10+8 = 18>15.  
=
time cycle Required
elements all by  required time Total
232 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 In Example 3, three elements must be assigned to three 
separate workstations to keep the cycle time less than 
15 minutes. 
 The ratio, however, is important because when its 
rounded up, we get a minimum number of workstations. 
The theoretical minimum number of workstations  
 
 
 
 The notation        implies rounding up. For example,  
(
(
(
=
time cycle Required
elements all by  required time Total
 (
   (
3 1 . 2   =
233 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 So, in Example 3, the theoretical minimum number of 
workstations is 2. But, the actual required number of  
workstations is 3. 
 The actual cycle time can be different from the required 
cycle time.  
        
       The actual cycle time is the maximum workload assigned to 
a workstation.  
 
 Example 4: Suppose that the workloads assigned to 
three workstations are 12, 10 and 8 minutes.  
  The actual cycle time = 
234 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 Recall from Lesson 2 that one of the scheduling goals is 
the efficient utilization of resources. An uneven 
distribution of workloads causes idle time in some 
workstations and results in an inefficient utilization of 
resources. Efficiency of an assembly line 
 
 
 
 
 Example 5: Efficiency =  
 
 Note: in case of an even distribution, efficiency=100% 
(no idle time) 
100 
=
time cycle Actual ons workstati of Number
elements all by  required time Total
235 
Assembly Line Balancing 
 The line balancing problem is difficult. Optimization 
procedure is not available. The problem is solved by 
heuristic procedures that do not guarantee optimality. 
 The line balancing steps: 
Step 1: Split the job into work elements 
Step 2: Establish precedence relationships 
Step 3: Determine the required cycle time 
Step 4: Using a heuristic procedure, assign work 
elements to workstations so that  
 workload of no workstation is more than the 
required cycle time and  
 all precedence relationships are maintained. 
236 
Assembly Line Balancing 
Step 5: Compare the heuristic solution to the 
theoretical minimum number of workstations and 
compute efficiency. 
 If the heuristic procedure provides number of 
workstations exactly equal to the theoretical 
minimum number of workstations, then the 
solution is optimal.  
 If the optimality of the solution cannot be so 
determined, and the efficiency of the solution is 
unsatisfactory, a different heuristic procedure 
may be applied. 
237 
Example 6: Real Fruit Snack Strips are made from a 
mixture of dried fruit, food coloring, preservatives, and 
glucose. The mixture is pressed out into a thin sheet, 
imprinted with various shapes, rolled, and packaged. 
Draw a precedence diagram from the information given 
below: 
Work Time Immediate
Element Description (Sec) Predecessor(s)
A Press out sheet of fruit 6 -
B Cut into Strips 12 A
C Outline fun shapes 24 A
D Roll up and package 18 B,C
The Precedence Diagram 
238 
The Precedence Diagram 
239 
A 
B 
C 
D  6 
12 
24 
18 
Work 
station 1 
Work 
station 2 
Work 
station 3 
Assignment of Work 
Elements to Workstations 
       Find a feasible 
line balancing 
solution if the 
required cycle 
time is 24 sec 
240 
Assignment of Work Elements to 
Workstations 
 If a solution violates a precedence constraint, the 
solution is infeasible.  
 For example, if A and D are assigned to one station 
and B and C to another, then precedence constraint 
is violated. So, the following solution is infeasible: 
 Station 1: {A,D}, Station 2: {B,C}  
 The following solution is feasible:  
 Station 1: {A,C}, Station 2: {B,D} 
 Check: If the required cycle time is 30 sec, the 
theoretical minimum number of workstations is 2 and 
the solution {A,C}, {B,D} is optimum. 
241 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
 Step 1 
 For each work element, determine  
   the positional weight = the time required to perform 
the work element and all its successors 
 Step 2 
 Rank the work elements in order of decreasing 
positional weights 
 Step 3 
 Assign the work elements sequentially to 
workstations in the order of the ranking 
242 
Example 7: Professional Image Briefcases is an 
exclusive producer of handcrafted, stylish cases. 
Priding itself on its earlier reputation, the company 
assembles each case with care and attention to 
detail. This laborious process requires the completion 
of six primary work elements listed next. 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
243 
    If the demand is 60 cases per 40-hour week, compute the 
required cycle time. How would you balance the the 
assembly line? 
Work Time Immediate
Element Description (min) Predecessor(s)
A Tan leather 30 -
B Dye leather 15 A
C Shape case 5 B
D Mold hinges and fixtures 15 -
E Install hinges and fixtures 10 C,D
F Assemble case 10 E
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
244 
First, compute the required cycle time. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Next, apply the heuristic. 
=
=
=
 week per Demand
 week per time Production
time cycle Required
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
245 
Step 1: The positional weights are shown on the next slide. 
Sample computation follow: 
 Positional weight of D 
  = Sum of times of D and its successors E and F  
  = 15+10+10 = 35 
 Positional weight of B 
  = Sum of times of B and its successors C, E, and F (not D)  
  = 15+5+10+10 = 40 
Step 2: A has the highest weight. So. Its rank is 1. Next, B has 
a rank of 2. D has more weight than C. So, rank of D is 3 
and that of C is 4, etc. 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
246 
A 
B 
C  E 
F  D 
30 
15 
5 
15 
10 
10 
Work 
Element 
Positional 
Weight 
Rank 
A 
B 
C 
D 
E 
F 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
247 
 Step 3 is to assign work elements to workstations. For 
this step, both the ranks and precedence diagram shown 
on the last slide are useful. 
 The assignment starts from the lowest rank. First A is 
assigned to a workstation, then B, then D, then C, etc. 
 The first assignment is made to workstation 1. So, A is 
assigned to workstation 1.  
 For each of the other work elements, first an attempt is 
made to assign the element to workstation 1. If the total 
workload exceeds the required cycle time, or a 
precedence constraint is violated, next attempt is to 
assign the element to workstation 2, and so on. 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
248 
Rank 1: Work element A (30)  
 
 
 
 
Rank 2: Work element B (15) 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
249 
Rank 3: Work element D (15)  
 
 
 
 
Rank 4: Work element C (5) 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
250 
Rank 5: Work element E (10)  
 
 
 
 
Rank 6: Work element F (10)  
 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
251 
Final Solution: 
 Station 1:  
 Station 2:  
 Station 3:  
 Actual cycle time = 
A Line Balancing Heuristic 
Positional Weight Method 
252 
READING AND EXERCISES  
Lesson 19 
 
Reading:  
 Section 8.10 pp. 453-458 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 439-443 (5
th
 
Ed.) 
 
Exercises:  
 8.27, 8.29 p. 458-460 (4
th
 Ed.), pp. 443-446