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The effect of non-linear delay costs on workforce mix

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  • D E Simmons

    (University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA)

Abstract

This paper formulates a simple model to examine the appropriate mix of dedicated and flexible maintenance technicians (servers) required when total delay cost is a non-linear function of mean delay time. The primary decision variable is the number of flexible servers needed to minimize system-related costs. Non-linear delay costs appear to significantly increase the level of cross-training required compared with previous research using a linear cost function, which showed that a small proportion of flexible servers was sufficient. This has important implications for service system designers in regard to the amount of cross-training that might be appropriate.

Suggested Citation

  • D E Simmons, 2013. "The effect of non-linear delay costs on workforce mix," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 64(11), pages 1622-1629, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:64:y:2013:i:11:p:1622-1629
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