An integrated approach for resource allocation in manufacturing plants

Resource allocation in manufacturing plants can be characterized as an attempt to optimize a number of potentially conflicting objectives involving related activities, which often compete for the same limited resources. This paper proposes an integrated approach for resource allocation problem. The proposed approach combines the voting method and the Lexicographic Goal Programming (LGP) model and takes into account both qualitative and quantitative factors involved in the resource allocation decision process. The voting method is used to determine ratings of the evaluating goals. LGP models are then applied to determine the optimal allocation based on the ratings. The proposed approach is applied to a real-world resource allocation problem. The case company is the world’s largest manufacturer of switch power supplies. Results of the case study indicate that the proposed approach is a practical and useful tool for solving the resource allocation problem.