A framework for decision support systems for scheduling problems

Considering a decision support system as a tool where executive's judgment can be included along with the mathematical tool kit of the management scientist, this paper shows the need to include problem management as an integral component of the decision support system for scheduling problems. A methodology based on the resolution of conflicts among various constraints in scheduling problems is proposed to implement the problem management system in a decision support system for these problems. The paper concludes with some guidelines to create a workable framework for providing effective. decision support to solve scheduling problems and the identification of some fruitful directions for future research. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.