Question 1
A machine needs to process 4 jobs. Processing times:
- Job C: 75 minutes
- Job A: 35 minutes
- Job B: 41 minutes
- Job E: 44 minutes
The machine breaks down at 114 minutes and takes 19 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 B → Job E → Job C
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job A: 0 → 35
- Job B: 35 → 76
- Job E: Starts at 76, breakdown at 114 (38 min completed), repair 19 min, resume 6 min → completes at 139
- Job C: 139 → 214
3. Total makespan: 214 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 19 minutes
Answer: 214 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.
1. Original SPT order: Job A → Job B → Job E → Job C
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job A: 0 → 35
- Job B: 35 → 76
- Job E: Starts at 76, breakdown at 114 (38 min completed), repair 19 min, resume 6 min → completes at 139
- Job C: 139 → 214
3. Total makespan: 214 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 19 minutes
Answer: 214 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.