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Integrating competence-aware operator assignment into the mixed model sequencing problem.

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Title: Integrating competence-aware operator assignment into the mixed model sequencing problem.
Authors: Miguel, Carlos1,2 (AUTHOR) carlos.miguelpalao@ugent.be, Hoedt, Steven1,2 (AUTHOR), Geurts, Eva3 (AUTHOR), Aghezzaf, El-Houssaine1,2 (AUTHOR), Cottyn, Johannes1,2 (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Production Research. Dec2025, Vol. 63 Issue 24, p9700-9721. 22p.
Subjects: Assembly line methods, Assignment problems (Programming), Mathematical optimization, Resource allocation, Core competencies, Expertise, Heuristic
Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of operator skills on the performance of mixed model manual assembly lines. The Mixed Model Sequencing Problem with Workload Minimization (MMSP-W) is extended to explicitly incorporate competence-aware operator-workstation assignments. This integrated problem (MMSP-W-OA) effectively reduces workload while minimising competence gaps across assembly line workstations. A modelling framework for quantifying operator performance based on their competencies is also provided and explained. Operators are assessed on multiple competency elements, and the resulting weighted sum of these elements determines the operator's task competency. This approach provides a holistic view of competency, taking into account task similarities and the full experience of operators. To cope with the increased complexity of MMSP-W-OA, a Benders-based fix-and-optimise heuristic is proposed. This method decomposes this integrated complex problem into manageable subproblems, reducing computational times to scales comparable to those of MMSP-W while maintaining reasonable solution quality. Experimental results reveal the mutual reinforcement between the sequencing and operator assignment processes, providing greater accuracy and higher work overload minimisation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Production Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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DbLabel: Engineering Source
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Items – Name: Title
  Label: Title
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  Data: Integrating competence-aware operator assignment into the mixed model sequencing problem.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Miguel%2C+Carlos%22">Miguel, Carlos</searchLink><relatesTo>1,2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> carlos.miguelpalao@ugent.be</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Hoedt%2C+Steven%22">Hoedt, Steven</searchLink><relatesTo>1,2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Geurts%2C+Eva%22">Geurts, Eva</searchLink><relatesTo>3</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Aghezzaf%2C+El-Houssaine%22">Aghezzaf, El-Houssaine</searchLink><relatesTo>1,2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Cottyn%2C+Johannes%22">Cottyn, Johannes</searchLink><relatesTo>1,2</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22International+Journal+of+Production+Research%22">International Journal of Production Research</searchLink>. Dec2025, Vol. 63 Issue 24, p9700-9721. 22p.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Assembly+line+methods%22">Assembly line methods</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Assignment+problems+%28Programming%29%22">Assignment problems (Programming)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mathematical+optimization%22">Mathematical optimization</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Resource+allocation%22">Resource allocation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Core+competencies%22">Core competencies</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Expertise%22">Expertise</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Heuristic%22">Heuristic</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: This paper investigates the impact of operator skills on the performance of mixed model manual assembly lines. The Mixed Model Sequencing Problem with Workload Minimization (MMSP-W) is extended to explicitly incorporate competence-aware operator-workstation assignments. This integrated problem (MMSP-W-OA) effectively reduces workload while minimising competence gaps across assembly line workstations. A modelling framework for quantifying operator performance based on their competencies is also provided and explained. Operators are assessed on multiple competency elements, and the resulting weighted sum of these elements determines the operator's task competency. This approach provides a holistic view of competency, taking into account task similarities and the full experience of operators. To cope with the increased complexity of MMSP-W-OA, a Benders-based fix-and-optimise heuristic is proposed. This method decomposes this integrated complex problem into manageable subproblems, reducing computational times to scales comparable to those of MMSP-W while maintaining reasonable solution quality. Experimental results reveal the mutual reinforcement between the sequencing and operator assignment processes, providing greater accuracy and higher work overload minimisation potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Production Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1080/00207543.2025.2524514
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        Text: English
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        PageCount: 22
        StartPage: 9700
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      – SubjectFull: Assembly line methods
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Assignment problems (Programming)
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      – SubjectFull: Mathematical optimization
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      – SubjectFull: Core competencies
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      – SubjectFull: Expertise
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      – SubjectFull: Heuristic
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      – TitleFull: Integrating competence-aware operator assignment into the mixed model sequencing problem.
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            NameFull: Miguel, Carlos
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              M: 12
              Text: Dec2025
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              Y: 2025
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