Question 1
A machine needs to process 4 jobs. Processing times:
- Job D: 30 minutes
- Job E: 53 minutes
- Job A: 30 minutes
- Job B: 85 minutes
The machine breaks down at 118 minutes and takes 38 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 D → Job A → Job E → Job B
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job D: 0 → 30
- Job A: 30 → 60
- Job E: 60 → 113
- Job B: Starts at 113, breakdown at 118 (5 min completed), repair 38 min, resume 80 min → completes at 236
3. Total makespan: 236 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 38 minutes
Answer: 236 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.
1. Original SPT order: Job D → Job A → Job E → Job B
2. Simulate processing with breakdown:
- Job D: 0 → 30
- Job A: 30 → 60
- Job E: 60 → 113
- Job B: Starts at 113, breakdown at 118 (5 min completed), repair 38 min, resume 80 min → completes at 236
3. Total makespan: 236 minutes
4. Delay caused by breakdown: 38 minutes
Answer: 236 minutes
Key Strategy: Simulate the timeline, account for breakdown during active job processing.