The hybrid queuing and bi-objective integer programming model for scheduling frontline employees in a retail organisation

Authors: Melachrinoudis, Emanuel¹; Min, Hokey²

Source: International Journal of Services Technology and Management, Volume 9, Number 1, 24 January 2008 , pp. 33-50(18)

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

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Abstract:

This paper presents a computerised system for scheduling frontline employees of a retail store. It determines the minimum staff level at the front office that is required to maintain an acceptable level of customer service, although customers arrive randomly at check-out stations and their order sizes fluctuate over time. A bi-objective mathematical model for scheduling employees is developed that balances labour costs with employees' schedule preferences while assuring service quality. Data collected from the Point of Sale (POS) system are integrated into a PC-based spreadsheet model. The practicality and usefulness of the proposed model were validated through its application to actual cashier scheduling problems encountered by a supermarket store.

Keywords: COMPUTING JOURNALS; Information Systems and Technology; Internet and Web Services; MANAGEMENT JOURNALS; Operational Management, Marketing and Services; Policy and Organisational Management; PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION JOURNALS; Public Policy and Public Services

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJSTM.2008.016810

Affiliations: 1: Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA. 2: Department of Management, BAA 3008C, College of Business Administration, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43404, USA

Publication date: 2008-01-24

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