A simultaneous consideration of machine and worker
based on the worker skill through a multi-objective
mathematical model was proposed in 1993 [3]. The
optimal manpower assignment in manufacturing cells was
attempted using mixed integer programming and then
integer programming in 1996 [4]. It is a two-step
hierarchical method. Likewise, the integer programming
model was applied to assign workers to the manufacturing
cells and later another integer programming model was
utilized to schedule appropriate training program for these
workers in 1997 [5]. Similarly, another mixed integer
programming model was presented to verify that a
manufacturing cell was improved when worker skill is
taken into account for worker assignment and training
purpose in 2002 [6]. Another application of mixed
integer programming was used to assign workers to the
cell with an aim to minimize total intra-cell workforce
transfers in 2005 [7]. A goal programming model was
also implemented to design a cell and then assign workers
to these cells [8]. Again, an integer programming model
was designed to select workers for cross-training in the
cell [9]. A simulation model was also used to analyze
factors influencing the flexibility of cellular
manufacturing system [10]. It was found that cross trained
operators play an important role in the flexibility of the
cell. The similar result was obtained by another research
paper using decision rules together with simulation model
[11]. A Markov decision process was used to analyze the
performance of the manufacturing cells and revealed that
capacity balance and variability buffering can improve
performance of the cells [12]. Utilizing workload balance
as the main factor for assigning workers in the cell was
another application by the simulation model [13].