Essay, Research Paper: Computer Scheduling

Computer Scheduling

Scheduling can be defined as the plan to bring together people, materials
and curriculum at a designated time and place of the purpose of instruction.
Its basic purpose is to coordinate the requirements laid down by previously
reached decisions regarding curriculum, instructions, grouping and
staffing.

There are several approaches to achieving a good schedule.
One of the most popular used today in both businesses and schools
is the computer scheduling. Computer-assisted scheduling
procedures can save hours of clerical time by electronically
loading employees into a manually planned master schedule.
Although there is alot of software available that will actually
construct a master schedule, a particular advantage of using only
computer loading is the opportunity for the scheduler to maintain
greater control over the schedule design.

trial runs can be processed with computer printouts
indicating any problem with employee requests that cannot be
scheduled. These conflicts can now be reviewed with the schedule
designer and result in additional scheduling modifications to
avoid previously overlooked conflicts. All schedule
modifications at this time are to the master schedule only.
Until the master schedule is perfect, no individual employees'
schedules should be changed.

A good master schedule should result in required schedule
changes on an individual basis for no more than about 2 percent
of the employees. The computer specialist, if used frequently,
will offer additional suggestions as to how the schedule can be
improved. Any number of simulated runs of the schedule can be made with additional
schedule modifications each time. This will
finally confirm its soundness and minimum conflict level before
all other forms are printed out.

The computer scheduling has proven to be especially effective
in schools, or in manufacturing companies of a few
hundred employees. Any other size of company or corporation
may need to look into the programs effectiveness before attempting
to build their own or purchase a program. Many programs can hold a
certain amount of workers. Overall, computer scheduling is the best
and newest way to keep track of hours and other important data that other
wise may be lost by hand work.