Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

3-2007

Abstract

This research compares a set of cross-training policies represented by different numbers of cross-trained workers, additional skills per cross-trained worker, and additional machines. The policies are evaluated in job shops, represented by different efficiency losses, labour utilization, variability in processing times, and worker absenteeism. Our results show that adding one machine in each department and cross-training one or two workers from each department with one additional skill is generally sufficient to realize most of the benefits of cross-training. Cross-training is thus beneficial in most job shops, unless the cost of the minimal training and spare machines is high. Our results also show that the value of cross-training and adding machines depends very much on the environment, and it is better to spread cross-training over more workers than to train a few workers with more skills.

Keywords

Cross-training, Job shops, Computer simulation

Discipline

Human Resources Management | Operations and Supply Chain Management

Research Areas

Operations Management

Publication

International Journal of Production Research

Volume

45

Issue

6

First Page

1279

Last Page

1295

ISSN

0020-7543

Identifier

10.1080/00207540600658039

Publisher

Taylor & Francis (Routledge): SSH Titles

Copyright Owner and License

Author

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/00207540600658039

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