ABSTRACT
Scheduling is a decision-making process that is used on a regular basis in manufacturing and service industries. For example, scheduling plays an important role in the production of microelectronics manufacturing, in operator shift scheduling in call centers, and in the coordination of health care activities in hospitals. Scheduling processes in manufacturing industries tend to be different from scheduling processes in service industries. Scheduling processes in manufacturing industries are often more structured and better understood than those in service industries. The mathematical models that have led to the many scheduling algorithms that are applicable in manufacturing often fit very well within an established and well-organized framework. Scheduling in manufacturing industries may at times be referred to as machine scheduling, assembly line sequencing, or resource - constrained project scheduling. Scheduling processes in service industries vary in nature and may be more industry dependent. The service industries in which scheduling plays an important role include the transportation industries, the health care industry, the hospitality industries, and the entertainment industry. A scheduling process in any given service industry typically has its own peculiarities and idiosyncrasies.
