Handbook

An updated edition of the text that explores the core topics in scheduling theory The second edition of Principles of Sequencing and Scheduling has been revised and updated to provide comprehensive coverage of sequencing and scheduling topics as well as emerging developments in the field. The text offers balanced coverage of deterministic models and stochastic models and includes new developments in safe scheduling and project scheduling, including coverage of project analytics. These new topics help bridge the gap between classical scheduling and actual practice. The authors—noted experts in the field—present a coherent and detailed introduction to the basic models, problems, and methods of scheduling theory. This book offers an introduction and overview of sequencing and scheduling and covers such topics as single-machine and multi-machine models, deterministic and stochastic problem formulations, optimization and heuristic solution approaches, and generic and specialized software methods. This new edition adds coverage on topics of recent interest in shop scheduling and project scheduling. This important resource: Offers comprehensive coverage of deterministic models as well as recent approaches and developments for stochastic models Emphasizes the application of generic optimization software to basic sequencing problems and the use of spreadsheet-based optimization methods Includes updated coverage on safe scheduling, lognormal modeling, and job selection Provides basic coverage of robust scheduling as contrasted with safe scheduling Adds a new chapter on project analytics, which supports the PERT21 framework for project scheduling in a stochastic environment. Extends the coverage of PERT 21 to include hierarchical scheduling Provides end-of-chapter references and access to advanced Research Notes, to aid readers in the further exploration of advanced topics Written for upper-undergraduate and graduate level courses covering such topics as scheduling theory and applications, project scheduling, and operations scheduling, the second edition of Principles of Sequencing and Scheduling is a resource that covers scheduling techniques and contains the most current research and emerging topics.

Winner of the 2003 Shingo Prize! Reorganizing work processes into cells has helped many organizations streamline operations, shorten lead times, increase quality, and lower costs. Cellular manufacturing is a powerful concept that is simple to understand; however, its ultimate success depends on deciding where cells fit into your organization, and then applying the know-how to design, implement and operate them. Reorganizing the Factory presents a thoroughly researched and comprehensive "life cycle" approach to competing through cellular work organizations. It takes you from the basic cell concept and its benefits through the process of justifying, designing, implementing, operating, and improving this new type of work organization in offices and on the factory floor. The book discusses many important technical dimensions, such as factory analysis, cell design, planning and control systems, and principles for lead time and inventory reduction. However, unique to the literature, it also covers in depth the numerous managerial issues that accompany organizing work into cells. In most implementations, performance measurement, compensation, education and training, employee involvement, and change management are critically important. These issues are often overlooked in the planning process, yet they can occupy more of the implementation time than do the technical aspects of cells. Includes: Why do cells improve lead time, quality, and cost? Planning for cell implementation Justifying the move to cells, strategically and economically Designing efficient manufacturing and office cells Selecting and training cell employees Compensation system for cell employees Performance and cost measurement Planning and control of materials and capacity Managing the change to cells Problems in designing, implementing, and operating cells Improving and adapting existing cells Structured frameworks and checklists to help analysis and decision-making Numerous examples of cells in various industries

Generally speaking, scheduling is the procedure of mapping a set of tasks or jobs (studied objects) to a set of target resources efficiently. More specifically, as a part of a larger planning and scheduling process, production scheduling is essential for the proper functioning of a manufacturing enterprise. This book presents ten chapters divided into five sections. Section 1 discusses rescheduling strategies, policies, and methods for production scheduling. Section 2 presents two chapters about flow shop scheduling. Section 3 describes heuristic and metaheuristic methods for treating the scheduling problem in an efficient manner. In addition, two test cases are presented in Section 4. The first uses simulation, while the second shows a real implementation of a production scheduling system. Finally, Section 5 presents some modeling strategies for building production scheduling systems. This book will be of interest to those working in the decision-making branches of production, in various operational research areas, as well as computational methods design. People from a diverse background ranging from academia and research to those working in industry, can take advantage of this volume.

The new edition of Readings and Cases in International Human Resource Management examines the interactions between people, cultures, and human resource systems in a wide variety of regions throughout the world. Taking account of recent developments in the international human resources management (IHRM) field, the sixth edition will enable students to meet the international challenges they will face in the workforce, and sensitize them to the complexity of human resource issues in the era of globalization. Features include: New readings and case studies that account for recent changes in the field, positioned alongside "tried and true" material. An increased focus on cross-cultural diversity and tools to bridge "social distance" between team members. Supplemental material and teaching notes, available for download, to enhance instructors’ abilities to use the readings and cases with their students. With well-known contributors and field experts, this is the ideal accompaniment for any class in international human resource management, organizational studies, or international business.

Drawing on the enormous experience and expertise of the contributors, who are all renowned in their fields. The third edition has been reorganized according to the well-known quality concept of Plan-Do-Check-Act, reflecting the way in which businesses should, ideally, be working if they are to achieve quality excellence. The text has been developed from its original leaning towards engineering to make it applicable for businesses in general.Each chapter provides sufficient information to enable managers to gauge the importance and usefulness of the subjects covered. The additions have made the third edition of the Gower Handbook of Quality Management even more useful than its predecessors.