Towards the model human scheduler

Abstract

This article presents a framework for understanding and modeling the human operator when performing scheduling functions. The eventual goal is to build a complete model of the human scheduler, which will be termed the Model Human Scheduler (MHS). Presented is a framework for the MHS based on Rasmussen's (1986) decision ladder. This framework consists of a collection of 27 production rules which link different types of scheduling activities, from skill‐based through rule‐based to knowledge‐based activities. The framework defines the task that lies ahead if we are to achieve a fully computational MHS. The MHS incorporates Card, Moran, and Newell's (1986) Model Human Processor (MHP) as a computational operationalization of just one of the 27 production rules. An example is given of how the MHP can describe, in detail, the process of planning a sequence of steps according to the Moore‐Hodgson dispatch rule. This is the first step in developing the full model, and it starts to define an appropriate program of empirical research to support the modeling effort.