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
Citation
YANG, Kum Khiong.
A Comparison of Cross Training Policies in Different Job Shops. (2007). International Journal of Production Research. 45, (6), 1279-1295.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/lkcsb_research/2704
Copyright Owner and License
Author
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207540600658039