Priority Rule Race — Build the best schedule for a single machine

Tip: choose Manual to drag rows into any order. Metrics update live.

Job Proc. Time Due Date Slack / CR
Learning goals: see how FCFS, SPT, EDD, STR, CR change flow time, lateness, and WIP. Then try your own sequence.

Total Flow Time

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Avg Flow Time

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Avg Lateness

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Flow time of a job = completion − release (t₀). Lateness = completion − due date (can be negative = early). Try minimizing average flow time or lateness by picking the right rule for your situation.

Instructor notes (open)
  • SPT minimizes average flow time; EDD is strong for due-date performance; STR & CR respond to due-date pressure.
  • Have students screenshot their best schedule for a target (min avg lateness) and explain the trade-offs they made.
  • Click Randomize to create fresh instances; ask pairs to race for the best schedule under different metrics.