An approach to automatic batch production systems: via a general problem-solving system

This work is concerned with an analysis of those problems encountered within the production sphere which fall into the class of scheduling problems. These form a subset of the wider class of decision making and optimisation problems.

The thesis is aimed at developing a quantifiable and mathematically manipulable system for the solution of scheduling problems. In particular, static scheduling problems are examined in detail.

The method which is developed is illustrated by means of computer programs, written in a high-level language (Fortran IV) to show its applicability to automatic operation.