Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition

CASE: Scheduling at Red, White, and Blue Fireworks Company

Joan Bennett, the production manager at the Red, White, and Blue Fireworks Company (RWBFC), has decided to change the work schedule for her manufacturing employees. Because of high product demand and an inability to expand at the current facility, RWBFC needs to operate ten hours each day, seven days each week. In order to avoid the use of overtime and to keep her employees fresh, Joan decided to have employees work four ten-hour shifts each week. She insists that every employee must have three consecutive days off. The work week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. The manufacturing process requires a minimum of 20 employees. Joan has asked you to develop a staffing plan that will determine the exact number of full-time employees needed, as well as the schedule each employee will need to work. Remember, each employee must have three consecutive days off.

Joan also has asked you to determine which other factors you consider relevant in making the transition to the new schedule. In particular, she is very interested in a method for determining which employees work which schedule and how to implement the new schedule with minimal dissatisfaction.

(a) Develop a staffing plan for RWBFC in accordance with the constraints stated above.

(b) Explain the method used in developing your plan.

(c) Explain how employees should be assigned to the different schedules.

(d) Discuss any concerns you have with the new staffing plan.