Question 1
A machine needs to process 4 jobs. Processing times:
- Job E: 63 minutes
- Job D: 74 minutes
- Job C: 33 minutes
- Job A: 38 minutes
The machine breaks down at 67 minutes and takes 28 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 C → Job A → Job E → Job D
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job C: 0 → 33
- Job A: Starts at 33, breakdown at 67 (34 min completed), repair 28 min, resume 4 min → completes at 99
- Job E: 99 → 162
- Job D: 162 → 236
3. Total makespan: 236 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 28 minutes
Answer: 236 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.
1. Original SPT order: Job C → Job A → Job E → Job D
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job C: 0 → 33
- Job A: Starts at 33, breakdown at 67 (34 min completed), repair 28 min, resume 4 min → completes at 99
- Job E: 99 → 162
- Job D: 162 → 236
3. Total makespan: 236 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 28 minutes
Answer: 236 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.