Can microcomputers revolutionize workforce scheduling in small service firms? This paper demonstrates the feasibility of using microcomputers to improve labor scheduling efficiency in service operations, particularly in small establishments. Service operations managers often utilize scheduling flexibility, such as part-time labor, to match workforce levels with fluctuating demands. This research explores how microcomputer-based approaches can further enhance this flexibility, enabling businesses to optimize labor utilization and increase productivity. The study details a scheduling procedure designed to simultaneously produce daily and weekly work schedules for workers with homogeneous skills, using the example of a fast-food restaurant. It shows how microcomputers can streamline the scheduling process, allowing for a closer alignment between labor requirements and scheduled hours. This approach is particularly valuable for small service firms that may already possess or can easily acquire microcomputers. By demonstrating the applicability of microcomputer-based scheduling, this paper encourages small service organizations to embrace technology for workforce management. The findings suggest that increased workforce-scheduling flexibility, facilitated by microcomputers, can significantly impact labor utilization and overall efficiency in these establishments.
This research, published in the International Journal of Service Industry Management, addresses the efficient management of resources within service organizations. The exploration of microcomputer-based workforce scheduling aligns with the journal's focus on optimizing service delivery and improving operational efficiency through technological innovation.