Examination of flexibility acquisition policies in dual resource constrained job shops with simultaneous worker learning and forgetting effects

This study investigates worker training related issues in dual resource con strained (DRC) job shop environments with the simultaneous presence of lear ning, forgetting (which causes relearning) and worker attrition effects. Le arning and forgetting occurs as workers are trained in different department s on the shop floor. A recent survey of job shops based in the US indicates that firms are concerned about the relearning losses that accompany worker transfers, and are using a variety of strategies to reduce the effects of relearning. This study uses the learn-forget-learn (LFL) model to capture d ifferent learning and forgetting environments in order to understand whethe r up-front training can be used to reduce relearning and realize the benefi ts of worker flexibility. Results show that the existing forgetting rate ha s a significant impact on inventory and customer service performance. Exten sive up-front training helps reduce relearning, however, it does not always help improve performance.