Randomization time for the overhand shuffle

This paper analyzes repeated shuffling of a deck ofN cards. The measure studied is a model for the popularoverhand shuffle introduced by Aldous and Diaconis. It is shown that convergence to the uniform distribution requires at least orderN ² shuffles, and that orderN ² log(N) shuffles suffice. For a 52-card deck, more than 1000 shuffles are needed.     

Sequencing jobs that require common resources on a single machine: A solvable case of the TSP

In this paper a one-machine scheduling model is analyzed wheren different jobs are classified intoK groups depending on which additional resource they require. The change-over time from one job to another consists of the removal time or of the set-up time of the two jobs. It is sequence-dependent in the sense that the change-over time is determined by whether or not the two jobs belong to the same group. The objective is to minimize the makespan. This problem can be modeled as an asymmetric Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) with a specially structured distance matrix. For this problem we give a polynomial time solution algorithm that runs in O(n logn) time. © 1998 The Mathematical Programming Society, Inc. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.     

A detailed workforce planning model including non-linear dependence of capacity on the size of the staff and cash management

This paper introduces an original planning model which integrates production, human resources and cash management decisions, taking into account the consequences that decisions in one area may have on other areas and allowing all these areas to be coordinated. The most relevant characteristics of the planning problem are: (1) production capacity is a non-linear function of the size of the staff; (2) firing costs may depend on the worker who is fired; (3) working time is managed under a working time account (WTA) scheme, so positive balances must be paid to workers who leave the company; (4) there is a learning period for hired workers; and (5) cash management is included. A mixed integer linear program is designed to solve the problem. Despite the size and complexity of the model, it can be solved in a reasonable time. A numerical example, the main results of a computational experiment and a sensibility analysis illustrate the performance and benefits of the model.