Assigning tasks to resource pools: A fuzzy set approach

Abstract

In this paper we address the problem of assigning tasks to resource pools. Each task has certain resource requirements, but with the capacity to provide these resources varying from pool to pool. We represent each task as a finite fuzzy set whose support consists of the resources and whose memberships reflect the degree of importance of each resource in performing this specific task. The resource pools are also represented by finite fuzzy sets having the same support, but now the memberships reflect the capability of a specific pool to provide each of these resources. We next define a measure of compatibility between each task and each resource pool. This compatibility is itself a fuzzy set which we defuzzify via the center of area (COA) method. We then develop an algorithm that describes how to recursively assign tasks to resource pools until some prespecified compatibility criterion has been violated. Finally, we add an assessment of cost to our algorithm, thereby enhancing its potential for practical application.