Preparation Sequencing Situations and Related Games

Abstract

In this paper preparation sequencing situations are introduced. This new type of one-machine sequencing situations assumes that before a job can start, some preparation depending on its predecessor is required. Preparation sequencing situations are first analyzed from an operations research perspective: optimality conditions are provided and an algorithm is provided to obtain an optimal order. Secondly, we analyze the allocation problem of the minimal joint cost from a game theoretic perspective. A corresponding preparation sequencing game is defined and the focus is on the core and nucleolus of such games.

Keywords: preparation times, sequencing situations, cooperative game theory, core, nucleolus

JEL Classification: C71