CPIM Practice Exam

Which method may be most efficient for completing the maximum number of jobs regardless of due dates?

1. Earliest job due date (EDD)

2. First come, first served (FCFS)

3. Shortest process time (SPT)

4. Earliest operation due date (ODD)

The correct answer is: Shortest process time (SPT)

The method that is typically considered most efficient for completing the maximum number of jobs, regardless of their due dates, is the Shortest Processing Time (SPT) rule. This approach prioritizes jobs based on the shortest processing time required to complete them. By focusing on jobs that require less time, SPT minimizes the time spent on each job, allowing for more jobs to be completed in a given timeframe. This results in a higher throughput and leads to a more efficient use of resources, as shorter jobs clear the queue quickly and reduce the overall work-in-progress inventory. In contrast, methods like Earliest Job Due Date (EDD) and Earliest Operation Due Date (ODD) prioritize jobs based on due dates, which may not align with completion efficiency in terms of total jobs finished. The First Come, First Served (FCFS) approach treats jobs in the order they arrive, which can lead to longer wait times for subsequent jobs if earlier jobs take a significant amount of time to complete, thereby reducing the overall number of jobs finished. Thus, choosing the Shortest Processing Time method facilitates a focus on completing as many jobs as possible within a given period, making it the most efficient choice for maximizing job completion.