CPIM Practice Exam

Which method prioritizes jobs with the shortest processing times?

1. Critical ratio (CR)

2. Earliest operation due date (ODD)

3. Shortest process time (SPT)

4. Earliest job due date (EDD)

The correct answer is: Shortest process time (SPT)

The method that prioritizes jobs with the shortest processing times is Shortest Process Time (SPT). This approach is based on the principle that by addressing jobs that require less time to complete first, overall flow time through the system can be reduced. Essentially, SPT minimizes the average flow time and can lead to a decrease in work-in-process inventory, as quicker jobs are completed and removed from the queue, allowing for smoother operation and better efficiency. In manufacturing and operations management, prioritizing jobs based on short processing times helps to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and can decrease lead times. It is particularly beneficial in environments where speed is critical, as it allows for the rapid completion of tasks. Other methods like Critical Ratio (CR), Earliest Operation Due Date (ODD), and Earliest Job Due Date (EDD) focus on different aspects of job scheduling. CR, for instance, considers urgency and the ratio of remaining time until a job is due versus the time required to perform it, therefore focusing more on deadlines than processing time. ODD and EDD similarly emphasize due dates rather than processing times alone, aiming to meet deadlines effectively rather than optimizing throughput based on processing duration.