Optimal Specialization and Allocation of Maintenance Manpower.

摘要

This thesis develops an analytical method for determining an optimal level of specialization and optimal task allocation for a maintenance manpower force. The method assumes that maintenance tasks are generated by a system of identical machines which experience random malfunctions and require periodic service. The impact of alternative manpower structures on system performance is evaluated using a queuing network model. Markov decision analysis is employed to determine an optimal assignment of manpower resources to pending tasks as the network status varies over time. A linear programming algorithm is derived to enable simultaneous optimization of specific assignment decisions and the overall manpower structure. The optimization method is developed and demonstrated through a simple example, but the dimensionality issues associated with larger system models are also addressed.