A Comparison of Due Date Setting,Resource Assignment,and Job Preemption Heuristics for the Multiproject Scheduling Problem*

This research examines a heuristic, rule-based approach for setting due dates in a multiproject, multijob, or assembly shop. Due date estimation is a challenging problem because the operating environment is capacitated, involves the allocation of multiple resources, and allows for the preemption of resources from one project or job to another. The dynamic, continuous arrival of new jobs or orders frequently results in the preemption of resources through the application of managerially determined priority policies. These preemption policies have a significant impact on the ultimate completion time of a job or a project. A three-factor, full-factorial computer simulation experiment is used to assess the relative effectiveness of combinations of four due date setting heuristics, five resource assignment heuristics, and three resource preemption heuristics. Recommendations are made for the selection of due date and resource assignment heuristic combinations under the three preemption policies examined.     

Rationing Capacity Between Two Product Classes*

In this paper, we study the capacity allocation problem faced by make-to-order manufacturing firms encountering expected total demand in excess of available capacity. Specifically, we focus on firms' manufacturing short-life-cycle or seasonal products such as high fashion apparel. Using a decision-theory-based approach, we develop a capacity allocation policy that allows such firms to discriminate between two classes of products (one yielding a higher profit contribution per unit of capacity allocated to it than the other), resulting in selective rejection of orders for the class with the lower unit contribution. The effectiveness of capacity rationing is investigated under a wide array of conditions characterized by variations in factors such as the ratio of unit profit contributions of the two product classes, the ratio of total available capacity to expected total demand, the ratio of expected demands between the two classes, and the variability in demand for each product class. The results indicate that capacity rationing is very effective in increasing the total profit, and could therefore serve as a valuable decision tool for managers in such firms.     

A Mixed-Methods Approach to Refining and Measuring the Construct of Positive Risk-Taking in Adolescence

Adolescence is a peak period for risk-taking, but research has largely overlooked positive manifestations of adolescent risk-taking due to ambiguity regarding operationalization and measurement of positive risk-taking. We address this limitation using a mixed-methods approach. We elicited free responses from contemporary college students (N = 74, M_age = 20.1 years) describing a time they took a risk. Qualitative analysis informed the construction of a self-report positive risk-taking scale, which was administered to a population-based sample of adolescents (N = 1,249, M_age = 16 years) for quantitative validation and examination of associations with normative and impulsive personality. Sensation seeking predicted negative and positive risk-taking, whereas extraversion and openness were predominantly related to positive risk-taking. Results provide promising evidence for a valid measure of adolescents' engagement in positive risks.