An experimental model for investigating the sensitivity of job shop performance to job release time distribution parameters

Work flows in a job shop are influenced by the load per release and time interval between release factors. The authors focus on the latter factor, job release times. Building on Elvers’ work, this study evaluates the impact of different job release time distributions on shop performance. Using a computer simulation of a random job shop and a full factorial experiment design, the authors demonstrate that the type of distribution does affect performance-a finding consistent with results from job shops characterized by good shop floor control practices. These findings are explained by examining the shape and variance traits of the underlying job release time distributions.