Job rotation using the multi-period assignment model

Abstract

This paper addresses the current gap in the literature on quantitative tools that enable a manager to build schedules which incorporate job rotation by employees. This is done within the framework of the well-known Assignment Model recast in a multi-period setting. In addition to the usual objective of minimizing the total cost of assignment, we also consider a requirement to minimize the boredom felt by employees due to continued repetition of the same task over consecutive periods. Depending on alternative definitions of ‘boredom’, different bi-objective optimization models are formulated and solved using polynomial time algorithms or simple heuristics. In the case of heuristics, their implementation is discussed and computational experience is also reported.

Keywords:

• Assignment model
• Repetitive tasks
• Job rotation
• Cyclic scheduling