Minimization of utilization time for specially structured n × 3 scheduling model with jobs in a string of disjoint job blocks

Abstract

The present paper investigates n×3 specially structured flow shop scheduling model with processing of jobs on given machines in a string of disjoint job blocks and with probabilities associated to the processing times of jobs. The objective is to minimize utilization time of second and third machine and also minimize the total elapsed time for processing the jobs for n×3 specially structured flow shop scheduling problem. The algorithm developed in this paper is quite straightforward and easy to understand and also present an essential way out to the decision maker for attaining an optimal sequence of jobs. The algorithm developed in this paper is validated by a numerical illustration.