Cross Training for Efficient and Flexible Service System Portfolios
Abstract
This paper proposes using cross training to create efficient server portfolios for multi-class service systems which usually use specialized access channels and servers for different types of service. Such a system is seen to satisfy customers with the high service quality, but it isn't robust enough to the volatile demand coming from each channel. Workforce flexibility, which can be obtained by cross training, provides the possibility of centralizing demands from all channels and thus increases system responsiveness. However, cross training may decrease system efficiency, in the sense that it lowers servers' average skill level. It is desirable for service systems to satisfy responsiveness and efficiency simultaneously. Therefore, we seek a reasonable tradeoff betweens these two criteria. In this paper, cross training decisions are supported by multi-criteria optimization models, and thus efficient server portfolios can be generated if servers are cross trained in this way.
Recommended Citation
R. Qin and D. Nembhard, "Cross Training for Efficient and Flexible Service System Portfolios," Proceedings of the International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (2005, Chongquing, China), vol. 2, pp. 955 - 960, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Jan 2005.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSSSM.2005.1500133
Meeting Name
International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (2005: Jun. 13-15, Chongquing, China)
Department(s)
Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
0-7803-8971-9
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2005 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2005
