2. A single test operator staffs the SCM Corporation’s three testing machines in its quality control lab. Only one machine is run at a time.

SCM uses two scheduling rules: one for sequencing jobs at individual machines and another for assigning labor to machines. As of 8 a.m. today (on day 10), jobs waiting to be processed at each of the three machines are as follows:

a. Assuming SCM uses the shortest processing time rule to sequence orders at each testing machine, determine to which machine the test operator should be assigned and which job will be processed when each of the following labor assignment decision rules is used (assume the operator has just completed his or her last job):
1. The shortest job.
2. The job that has been in the laboratory the longest.
3. The most jobs in the queue.

b. Suppose SCM uses the slack time rule to sequence jobs at each testing machine. To which machine should the test operator be assigned and which job will be processed when each of the following labor assignment decision rules is used? (Again it is 8 a.m.
and the test operator is available for assignment.)
1. The shortest job.
2. The job that has been in the laboratory the longest.
3. The most jobs in the queue.

c. Would you recommend any other labor assignment decision rule under the conditions in part b?

Transcribed Image Text:

Processing Arrival Job Due Date* Time Date* Test 1 Machine A 5 18 28 12 1 9 6 8 Test 2 14 3 6 Machine B 3 16 4 7 6 14 6 6 Test 4 13 4 5 Machine C * = Day number. = In days.