Workforce modeling: Difference between revisions

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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}{{peacock|date=January 2014}}

'''Workforce Modeling''' is the process by which the need for skilled workers at a particular point in time ([[demand]]) is matched directly with the availability and preference of [[skilled workers]] ([[Supply and demand|supply]]). The resulting mathematical models can be used to perform [[sensitivity analysis]] and generate data output in the form of reports and schedules.

Adoption of a workforce model is generally found in industries that have complex work rules, skilled or certified workers, medium to large teams of workers, and fluctuating demand. Some examples include [[healthcare]], [[public safety]], and [[retail]].

A workforce modeling solution can also refer to a software that demonstratesdemonstrating the number of staff necessary to complete tasks according to workload volumes/output by the time of day, day of the week, or time of year.

==Definition==

The term can be differentiated from traditional staff [[Schedule (workplace)|scheduling]]. Staff scheduling is rooted in [[time management]]. Besides the aspects of demand orientation, workforce modeling also incorporates the forecast of the workload and the required staff, the integration of workers into the scheduling process through interactivity, asand wellanalysis as analyzingof the entire process.

==Complexity of model==

Many applications providing a workforce modeling solution applications usesuse the [[linear programming]] approach to create the Workforce Model. Linear methods of achieving a schedule are generally based on assumptions that demand is based on a series of independent events, all of which have a consistent, predictable outcome. However, modeling the uncertainty and dependability of these events is a well-researched area.<ref name="Clancy, Thomas R. 2008">Clancy, Thomas R. ''Managing Organizational Complexity in Healthcare Operations.'' The Journal of Nursing Administration 38.9 (2008): 367–370. Print.{{Citation not found|date=October 2024}}</ref> [[Heuristics|Heuristics have]] also been applied to the problem, and [[metaheuristics]] have been identified as the best method for generating complex scheduling solutions.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Burke |first1=Edmund |last2=Causmaecker |first2=Patrick De |last3=Berghe |first3=Greet Vanden |last4=Landeghem |first4=Hendrik Van |date=2004 |title=The State of the Art of Nurse Rostering |url=https://lirias.kuleuven.be/bitstream/123456789/123829/1/JOS_ |url-status=dead |journal=Journal of Scheduling |volume=7 |issue=441–499 |pages=441–499 |doi=10.1023/B:JOSH.0000046076.75950.0b |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113501/https://lirias.kuleuven.be/bitstream/123456789/123829/1/JOS_ |archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Clancy, Thomas R. 2008" />

Workforce modeling solutions can be created using a [[software]] solution for demand-oriented workforce management.