File:OPTIMIZATION OF CUSTOMER PRIORITIES AND PERSONNEL PREFERENCES IN SCHEDULING RANGE OPERATIONS AT NUWC KEYPORT (IA optimizationofcu1094560451).pdf

This thesis examines the use of integer linear programming with binary decision variables to maximize customer priorities for in-water range events at NUWC Keyport, ensure adequate craft manning, and optimize employee schedule preferences. The research presents an algorithm that balances customer demands with employee preferences by solving an integer linear program, referred to as the optimization model, in a preemptive manner (i.e., the customer priority objective is first met and once the optimal operational schedule is solved, then the optimal employee work schedule is found that will execute the operational schedule). If a feasible solution is found for both objectives, this preemptive method is guaranteed to find a Pareto optimal solution, meaning another solution cannot be found without making one or both objectives worse off. The employee preferences are constrained such that crew members are rostered together for that operational period. The program maximizes customer priorities and optimizes employee schedules for a variety of likely scenarios. It is a useful tool for better linking the operational schedule to employee availability.

Subjects: integer linear programming; optimization; crew rostering; crew scheduling; NUWC Keyport; range operations; pre-emptive solutions