Normal Processing Times Research Articles

A Truncated Sum of Processing‐Times–Based Learning Model for a Two‐Machine Flowshop Scheduling Problem

AbstractScheduling with learning effects has gained increasing attention in recent years. A well‐known learning model is called “sum‐of‐processing‐times‐based learning” in which the actual processing time of a job is a nonincreasing function of the jobs already processed. However, the actual processing time of a given job drops to zero precipitously when the normal job processing times are large. Moreover, the concept of learning process is relatively unexplored in a flowshop environment. Motivated by these observations, this article addresses a two‐machine flowshop problem with a truncated learning effect. The objective is to find an optimal schedule to minimize the total completion time. First, a branch‐and‐bound algorithm incorporating with a dominance property and four lower bounds is developed to derive the optimal solution. Then three simulated annealing algorithms are also proposed for near‐optimal solution. The experimental results indicated that the branch‐and‐bound algorithm can solve instances up to 18 jobs, and the proposed simulated annealing algorithm performs well in item of CPU time and error percentage. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Worst-case and numerical analysis of heuristic algorithms for flowshop scheduling problems with a time-dependent learning effect

In this paper, we investigate a time-dependent learning effect in a flowshop scheduling problem. We assume that the time-dependent learning effect of a job was a function of the total normal processing time of jobs scheduled before the job. The following objective functions are explored: the makespan, the total flowtime, the sum of weighted completion times, the sum of the kth power of completion times, and the maximum lateness. Some heuristic algorithms with worst-case analysis for the objective functions are given. Moreover, a polynomial algorithm is proposed for the special case with identical processing time on each machine and that with an increasing series of dominating machines, respectively. Finally, the computational results to evaluate the performance of the heuristics are provided.

Single machine scheduling with a general exponential learning effect

In this paper we consider the scheduling problem with a general exponential learning effect and past-sequence-dependent (p-s-d) setup times. By the general exponential learning effect, we mean that the processing time of a job is defined by an exponent function of the total weighted normal processing time of the already processed jobs and its position in a sequence, where the weight is a position-dependent weight. The setup times are proportional to the length of the already processed jobs. We consider the following objective functions: the makespan, the total completion time, the sum of the δ ⩾ 0th power of completion times, the total weighted completion time and the maximum lateness. We show that the makespan minimization problem, the total completion time minimization problem and the sum of the quadratic job completion times minimization problem can be solved by the smallest (normal) processing time first (SPT) rule, respectively. We also show that the total weighted completion time minimization problem and the maximum lateness minimization problem can be solved in polynomial time under certain conditions.

Some single-machine scheduling problems with the extended sum-of-processing-time-based aging effect

In this paper, we analyze some single machine scheduling problems with the aging effect. We extend the sum-of-processing-time-based aging model such that the fatigue caused by each job to the machine is equal to a non-increasing function dependent on the normal processing time of a job and the aging effect is job dependent. Although the proposed model is more general and describes more precisely the real-life settings, we show that the special cases of the maximum completion time and the maximum lateness minimization problems with this model are still polynomially solvable. However, we prove the maximum completion time minimization problem with the sum-of-processing-time-based aging model is strongly NP-hard if some jobs have deadlines and constant processing times. On this basis, we show that the maximum lateness minimization problem with this aging model is also strongly NP-hard.

Single-machine makespan minimization scheduling with nonlinear shortening processing times

In this paper, we consider the single-machine makespan minimization scheduling problem with nonlinear shortening processing times. By the nonlinear shortening processing times, we mean that the processing times of jobs are non-increasing nonlinear functions of their starting times. The computational complexity of the general problem remains an open problem, but we show that even with the introduction of nonlinear shortening processing times to job processing times, some special cases remain polynomially solvable. We also show that an optimal schedule of the general makespan minimization problem is V-shaped with respect to job normal processing times. A heuristic algorithm which utilize the V-shaped property is proposed, and computational experiments show that it is effective and efficient in obtaining near-optimal solutions.

Some single-machine scheduling problems with a truncation learning effect

Scheduling with learning effects has received growing attention nowadays. A well-known learning model is called “sum-of processing-times-based learning” in which the actual processing time of a job is a non-increasing function of the jobs already processed. However, the actual processing time of a given job drops to zero precipitously when the normal job processing times are large. Motivated by this observation, we propose a truncation learning model where the actual job processing time is a function which depends not only on the processing times of the jobs already processed but also on a control parameter. The use of the truncated function is to model the phenomenon that the learning of a human activity is limited. Under the proposed learning model, we show that some single-machine scheduling problems can be solved in polynomial time. In addition, we further provide the worst-case error bounds for the problems to minimize the maximum lateness and total weighted completion time.

Single-machine scheduling problems with time and position dependent processing times

We consider single-machine scheduling problems with time and position dependent job processing times. In many industrial settings, the processing time of a job changes due to either job deterioration over time or machine/worker’s learning through experiences. In the models we study, each job has its normal processing time. However, a job’s actual processing time depends on when its processing starts and how many jobs have completed before its start. We prove that the classical SPT (Shortest Processing Time) rule remains optimal when we minimize the makespan or the total completion time. For problems of minimizing the total weighted completion time, the maximum lateness, and the discounted total weighted completion time, we present heuristic sequencing rules and analyze the worst-case bounds for performance ratios. We also show that these heuristic rules can be optimal under some agreeable conditions between the normal processing times and job due dates or weights.

Scheduling jobs with general learning functions

This paper deals with single-machine scheduling problems with a more general learning effect based on sum-of-processing-time. In this study, sum-of-processing-time-based learning effect means that the processing time of a job is defined by a decreasing function of the total normal processing time of jobs that come before it in the sequence. Results show that even with the introduction of the sum-of-processing-time-based learning effect to job processing times, single-machine makespan minimization problems remain polynomially solvable. The curves of the optimal schedule of a total completion time minimization problem are V-shaped with respect to job normal processing times.

Single-machine scheduling simultaneous with position-based and sum-of-processing-times-based learning considerations under group technology assumption

This paper considers the problems of scheduling with the effect of learning on a single-machine under group technology assumption. We propose a new learning model where the job actual processing time is linear combinations of the scheduled position of the job and the sum of the normal processing time of jobs already processed. We show that the makespan minimization problem is polynomially solvable. We also prove that the total completion time minimization problem with the group availability assumption remains polynomially solvable under agreeable conditions.

Minimizing the total completion time in a single-machine scheduling problem with a learning effect

This paper introduces a new time-dependent learning effect model into a single-machine scheduling problem. The time-dependent learning effect means that the processing time of a job is assumed to be a function of total normal processing time of jobs scheduled in front of it. In most related studies, the actual job processing time is assumed to be a function of its scheduled position when the learning effect is considered in the scheduling problem. In this paper, the actual processing time of a job is assumed to be proportionate to the length and position of the already scheduled jobs. It shows that the addressed problem remains polynomially solvable for the objectives, i.e., minimization of the total completion time and minimization of the total weighted completion time. It also shows that the shortest processing time (SPT) rule provides the optimum sequence for the addressed problem.

Single-machine scheduling with nonlinear deterioration

In this paper, we consider the single-machine scheduling problems with nonlinear deterioration. By the nonlinear deterioration effect, we mean that the processing times of jobs are nonlinear functions of their starting times. We show that even with the introduction of nonlinear deterioration to job processing times, single machine makespan minimization problem remains polynomially solvable. We also show that an optimal schedule of the total completion time minimization problem is V-shaped with respect to job normal processing times. A heuristic algorithm utilizing the V-shaped property is proposed, and computational experiments show that it performs effectively and efficiently in obtaining near-optimal solutions.

Single-machine scheduling with general sum-of-processing-time-based and position-based learning effects

In this paper, we propose a new learning effect model in which the actual job processing time is a general function of the normal processing time of jobs already processed and its scheduled position. This model has the advantage that different learning curves can be constructed easily, such as the plateau function. It is found that most of the models in the literature are special cases of our proposed model. The optimal sequences for some single-machine problems are then provided.

Single-machine total completion time scheduling with a time-dependent deterioration

In this paper, we consider the single-machine scheduling problems with a time-dependent deterioration. By the time-dependent deterioration, we mean that the processing time of a job is defined by an increasing function of total normal processing time of jobs in front of it in the sequence. The objective is to minimize the total completion time. We develop a mixed integer programming formulation for the problem. The complexity status of this problem remains open. Hence, we use the smallest normal processing time (SPT) first rule as a heuristic algorithm for the general cases and analyze its worst-case error bound. Two heuristic algorithms utilize the V-shaped property are also proposed to solve the problem. Computational results are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithms.

Single machine past-sequence-dependent setup times scheduling with general position-dependent and time-dependent learning effects

In this paper we consider the single machine past-sequence-dependent (p-s-d) setup times scheduling problems with general position-dependent and time-dependent learning effects. By the general position-dependent and time-dependent learning effects, we mean that the actual processing time of a job is not only a function of the total normal processing times of the jobs already processed, but also a function of the job’s scheduled position. The setup times are proportional to the length of the already processed jobs. We consider the following objective functions: the makespan, the total completion time, the sum of the θth ( θ ⩾ 0) power of job completion times, the total lateness, the total weighted completion time, the maximum lateness, the maximum tardiness and the number of tardy jobs. We show that the problems of makespan, the total completion time, the sum of the θth ( θ ⩾ 0) power of job completion times and the total lateness can be solved by the smallest (normal) processing time first (SPT) rule, respectively. We also show that the total weighted completion time minimization problem, the maximum lateness minimization problem, maximum tardiness minimization problem and the number of tardy jobs minimization problem can be solved in polynomial time under certain conditions.

Parallel-machine scheduling with setup and removal times under consideration of the learning effect

This article aims to study the problems related to identical parallel-machine scheduling with setup, processing, and removal times under consideration of the learning effect. The objectives are to minimize the total completion time, total load, and total absolute deviation of job completion times (TADC) on all the machines. We show that these problems can be solved in time if the jobs satisfy an agreeable condition, i.e. implies that and for any two jobs Ji and Jj , , where n denotes the number of jobs, m denotes the number of machines, and Pi , si , and ri , respectively, denote the normal processing, setup, and removal times of job Ji . For the case where all jobs have a common learning factor for job processing, setup, and removal times, we prove that these problems can also be solved in time. In addition, we extend the problem under study to an unrelated parallel-machine environment and show that all the problems studied can be formulated as assignment problems and hence can be solved in time.

Minimizing total completion time on a batching machine with job processing time compatibilities

Abstract The problem of scheduling n jobs on an unbounded batching machine to minimize the total completion time is studied. The machine can process any number of jobs simultaneously in a batch, subject to an additional constraint that, in the same batch, the job processing times are compatible. There are given normal job processing times. An actual job processing time can exceed its normal value up to a certain percent. This percent is the same for all jobs. Thus, there are processing time intervals for the jobs. The job processing times are compatible if the corresponding processing time intervals intersect. The processing time of a batch is given by the longest processing time of the tasks in the batch and it correspnds to the left endpoint of the intersection of the job processing time intervals in this batch. For the total completion time a dynamic programming algorithm is provided.

Single-machine scheduling with a nonlinear deterioration function

In deteriorating job scheduling problems, most of the researchers assume that the actual job processing time is a function of its starting time. In this paper, we propose a new deterioration model in which the actual job processing time is a general function of the normal processing time of jobs already processed and its scheduled position at the same time. We show that some single-machine scheduling problems remain polynomially solvable.

A note to due-window assignment and single machine scheduling with deteriorating jobs and a rate-modifying activity

This note considers a single machine scheduling and due-window assignment problem, in which the processing time of a job is a linear function of its starting time and the job-independent deterioration rates are identical for all jobs. We allow an option for performing a rate-modifying activity for changing the normal processing times of the jobs following this activity. The objective is to schedule the jobs, the due-window and the rate-modifying activity so as to minimize the sum of earliness, tardiness and due-window starting time and due-window size costs. We introduce a polynomial solution for the problem.

Note on “A note on single-machine group scheduling problems with position-based learning effect”

In a recent paper, Lee and Wu [W.-C. Lee, C.-C. Wu, A note on single-machine group scheduling problems with position-based learning effect, Appl. Math. Model. 33 (2009) 2159–2163] proposed a new group scheduling learning model where the learning effect not only depends on the job position, but also depends on the group position. They investigate the makespan and the total completion time minimization problems on a single-machine. As for the total completion time minimization problem, they assumed that the numbers of jobs in each group are the same and the group normal setup and the job normal processing times are agreeable. Under the assumption conditions, they showed that the total completion time minimization problem can be optimally solved in polynomial time solution. However, the assumption conditions for the total completion time minimization problem do not reflect actual practice in many manufacturing processes. Hence, in this note, we propose other agreeable conditions and show that the total completion time minimization problem remains polynomially solvable under the agreeable conditions.

Some scheduling problems with past sequence dependent setup times under the effects of nonlinear deterioration and time-dependent learning

This paper studies scheduling problems which include a combination of nonlinear job deterioration and a time-dependent learning effect. We use past sequence dependent (p-s-d) setup times, which is first introduced by Koulamas and Kyparisis [ Eur. J. Oper. Res. 187 (2008) 1045–1049]. They considered a new form of setup times which depend on all already scheduled jobs from the current batch. Job deterioration and learning co-exist in various real life scheduling settings. By the effects of learning and deterioration, we mean that the processing time of a job is defined by increasing function of its execution start time and a function of the total normal processing time of jobs scheduled prior to it. The following objectives are considered: single machine makespan and sum of completion times (square) and the maximum lateness. For the single-machine case, we derive polynomial-time optimal solutions.