Question 1
A machine needs to process 4 jobs. Processing times:
- Job C: 90 minutes
- Job E: 85 minutes
- Job A: 78 minutes
- Job B: 74 minutes
The machine breaks down at 75 minutes and takes 40 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 B → Job A → Job E → Job C
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job B: 0 → 74
- Job A: Starts at 74, breakdown at 75 (1 min completed), repair 40 min, resume 77 min → completes at 192
- Job E: 192 → 277
- Job C: 277 → 367
3. Total makespan: 367 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 40 minutes
Answer: 367 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.
1. Original SPT order: Job B → Job A → Job E → Job C
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job B: 0 → 74
- Job A: Starts at 74, breakdown at 75 (1 min completed), repair 40 min, resume 77 min → completes at 192
- Job E: 192 → 277
- Job C: 277 → 367
3. Total makespan: 367 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 40 minutes
Answer: 367 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.