Modeling and solving a real-life multi-skill shift design problem

Alex Bonutti (), Sara Ceschia (), Fabio De Cesco (), Nysret Musliu () and Andrea Schaerf ()
Additional contact information
Alex Bonutti: EasyStaff s.r.l.
Sara Ceschia: University of Udine
Fabio De Cesco: EasyStaff s.r.l.
Nysret Musliu: Technische Universität
Andrea Schaerf: University of Udine

Annals of Operations Research, 2017, vol. 252, issue 2, No 8, 365-382

Abstract: Abstract In this work, we consider the shift design problem and we define a novel, complex formulation arising from practical cases. In addition, we propose a new search method based on a fast Simulated Annealing, that, differently from previous approaches, solves the overall problem as a single-stage procedure. The core of the method is a composite neighborhood that includes at the same time changes in the staffing of shifts, the shape of shifts, and the position of breaks. Finally, we present a statistically-principled experimental analysis on a set of instances obtained from real cases. Both instances and results are available on the web for future comparisons.

Keywords: Shift design; Workforce scheduling; Simulated annealing; Local search (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10479-016-2175-7

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