Dual-based optimization of cyclic four-day workweek scheduling

Email: hesham{at}ccse.kfupm.edu.sa An optimization method is presented for the cyclic labour days-offscheduling problem, in which workers are given three consecutivedays off per week. This method does not include linear or integerprogramming, and it does not assume that the costs of differentdays-off work patterns are equal. The dual problem is firstsolved to determine the minimum workforce size. Then, the dualsolution is used to determine days-off assignments that minimizethe total labour cost. By requiring only simple manual calculations,the new method eliminates the need for linear or integer programmingsoftware.