Optimal due-date assignment in a job shop†

SUMMARY This paper presents an analytical model for determining the optimal processing-time and number of operations multiples for the TWK and TWK + NOP due-date assignment methods in a dynamic job shop subject to restrictive assumptions on queue discipline and processing time distribution. The analytical results are compared with the experimental results obtained from simulation of a hypothetical job shop under various shop conditions. The close agreement of the results reveals the validity of the analytical model. In addition, the results show that the TWK + NOP method is more effective in minimizing the missed due-date cost in a job shop.