Operations Research Analyst how-to

How to Build a Simple Staffing Optimization Model

Optimization finds the best schedule.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Optimization finds the best schedule. In short: define; set; set, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Define demand by hour.

  2. Set shift options.

  3. Set the objective: minimize cost.

  4. Add constraints.

  5. Solve.

  6. Test the schedule.

Safety reminders for operations research analysts

  • Protect confidential data
  • Document model assumptions
  • Test models before use
  • Consider fairness in decisions

Optimization · Linear programming · Objective function · Constraint · Simulation · Monte Carlo: see the full operations research analyst glossary.

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