R. Bryan Kethley

Single machine scheduling to minimize total weighted late work: a comparison of scheduling rules and search algorithms

In this research the problem of scheduling n jobs to minimize the Total Weighted Late Work (TWLW) is evaluated within the single machine context. As the problem complexity increases, so does the solution complexity, and often the objective is to identify a heuristic or algorithm that may return a near optimal solution. Various scheduling rules, heuristics and algorithms, including the weighted shortest processing rule, a variation of the modified due date rule, a genetic algorithm, neighborhood job search, and space smoothing with neighborhood job search; are empirically evaluated using different parameters to determine the utility of each approach.

Organizations' Relative Degree of Exposure to Selection Discrimination Litigation

This study examined nearly 400 federal court cases in which substantive, or primary, selection devices were legally challenged as being discriminatory. The findings indicated that the relative frequency of occurrence of discrimination charges varied for different types of organizations. Some industry sectors and some job types were associated with a much greater risk of exposure to litigation than others. For example, the government sector appeared to have a relatively high degree of exposure to selection discrimination litigation. The findings also indicated that the outcomes of the federal court cases (whether the ruling was for the defendant/employer or for the plaintiff) varied by industry type, job type, and type of discrimination charge. Specific recommendations are offered to organizations that operate in high risk industry sectors, and that have high risk job types, with an eye toward reducing the possibility of litigation.

The Nature of Litigation Surrounding Five Screening Devices

This paper reviews the extent of use, reliability, validity, and potential problems of five selection screening devices — reference checks, background investigations, medical exams, drug tests, and polygraph tests. Additionally, federal court cases involving the five devices from 1978 to the present were identified and content analyzed. Data is reported on: 1) the relative frequency of legal challenges associated with the five screening devices, 2) the outcomes of the legal challenges, 3) the types of charges (e. g., race, sex, age, national origin, or handicap) involved in the cases, and 4) the job types and organization types associated with the legal challenges. The results of the study suggest that the use of background investigations and reference checks may be legally risky. Also, protective service positions and city government organizations seem to be relatively more prone to litigation.

An Analysis of Litigation Associated with the Use of the Application Form in the Selection Process

This study provides empirical data on the actual degree of litigation associated with the use of the application form in the employee selection process. More than 300 federal court cases involving the use of the application form were identified and analyzed. Data is presented that shows the relative frequency of litigation associated with different types of application form questions and inquiries. Data is also provided on the court case outcomes associated with the different types of application form inquiries. Additionally, data is presented that shows that certain job and industry types are at greater risk of litigation than others. The findings of this study can be used by organizations that are interested in reducing their risk of exposure to future litigation. Some general recommendations are offered for developing application forms that are both effective and legally sound.

Single machine scheduling to minimize a modified total late work function with multiple due dates

In this paper, the problem of scheduling n jobs on a single machine is evaluated. We introduce a Modified Total Late Work function that allows a declining piecewise linear penalty over time. Multiple due dates for each job are identified and at each due date, the penalty is reassessed. Many instances occur when delivery urgency leads to progress metrics or dates being added to a contract. Over the life of the contract, a loss of incentives or a price decrease can occur at each of the negotiated due dates. After the final due date, the product is valueless and the penalty ceases to accrue. The number and placement of contract due dates are part of the initial negotiations. Two metaheuristics, Simulated Annealing and the Noising Method, are empirically evaluated to determine their performance when measured by this new loss function.