The modified critical ratio: towards sequencing with a continuous decision domain

Abstract

This research introduces a new sequencing rule, known as the modified critical ratio rule that is an improvement of the classic critical ratio rule. Traditionally, the selection of the best sequencing rule depends on the structure of system parameters and the performance criteria of interest. The modified critical ratio has two advantages. First, it converts the decision domain from a discrete one to a continuous one. A change in system parameters (e.g. utilization) will result in a proportionate change in a rule parameter, rather than changing the rule itself. The second advantage is that the modified critical ratio yields a better performance when compared with other sequencing rules.