Question 1
A machine needs to process 4 jobs. Processing times:
- Job C: 48 minutes
- Job A: 40 minutes
- Job D: 61 minutes
- Job B: 58 minutes
The machine breaks down at 87 minutes and takes 24 minutes to repair.
Jobs are scheduled using Shortest Processing Time (SPT) first rule.
What is the total completion time (makespan) after handling the breakdown?
Step-by-step solution (Breakdown Recovery):
1. Original SPT order: Job A → Job C → Job B → Job D
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job A: 0 → 40
- Job C: Starts at 40, breakdown at 87 (47 min completed), repair 24 min, resume 1 min → completes at 112
- Job B: 112 → 170
- Job D: 170 → 231
3. Total makespan: 231 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 24 minutes
Answer: 231 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.
1. Original SPT order: Job A → Job C → Job B → Job D
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job A: 0 → 40
- Job C: Starts at 40, breakdown at 87 (47 min completed), repair 24 min, resume 1 min → completes at 112
- Job B: 112 → 170
- Job D: 170 → 231
3. Total makespan: 231 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 24 minutes
Answer: 231 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.