2.3.6 Manpower Planning
Fluctuations in a labor force to meet variable demand over time can be achieved
through the process of hiring and firing, as demonstrated in Example 2.3-6. There are
situations in which the effect offluctuations in demand can be "absorbed" by adjusting
the start and end times of a work shift. For example, instead offollowing the traditional three 8-hour-shift start times at 8:00 A.M., 3:00 P.M., and 11:00 P.M., we can use overlapping 8-hourshifts in which the start time of each is made in response to increase or
decrease in demand.
TIle idea of redefining the start of a shift to accommodate fluctuation in demand
can be extended to other operating environments as well. Example 2.3-8 deals with the
determination of the minimum number of buses needed to meet rush-hour and offhour transportation needs.