Human performance in industrial scheduling: A framework for understanding

✍ Scribed by B.L. MacCarthy; J.R. Wilson; S. Crawford

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2001
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 144 KB
• Volume: 11
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1090-8471
• DOI: 10.1002/hfm.1016

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Planning and scheduling activities have a significant impact on the performance of manufacturing enterprises. Throughout the 1980s there was a belief that computer‐led solutions would “solve” complex industrial planning and scheduling problems. However, in most manufacturing organizations, planning and scheduling still require significant human support to ensure effective performance. Although the contribution of these human resources is often highly valued, we are only beginning to develop a coherent body of knowledge that can contribute toward the successful integration of human and computer‐based planning and scheduling systems. Here we examine the state of knowledge in this domain and identify the need for field investigations. We present a framework to facilitate research in human and organizational issues in planning and scheduling in manufacturing. A structured and detailed set of research questions is developed to underpin field studies. The framework focuses on understanding the scheduling environment, the process of scheduling, and related performance issues. The application of the framework is illustrated using our own field studies, where a number of specific research questions of practical importance have been identified: what scheduling is, who carries it out, what influences scheduling practice and performance, how schedulers actually schedule, what makes a good scheduler and schedule, and what support is needed. The framework makes a valuable contribution to advancing knowledge in an area of real practical benefit to contemporary manufacturing industry. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.