Scat and Spat: Large‐scale Computer‐based Optimization Systems for the Personnel Assignment Problem

The personnel assignment problem involves the assignment of people to tasks, projects, etc., in a manner that maximizes a measure of aggregate utility for the assignees subject to several assignment constraints. In addition to computationally efficient solution algorithms, the effective implementation of mathematical models to solve the personnel assignment problem must include data processing systems with comprehensive error checking/resolution procedures, end user reports, documentation, and training. This paper summarizes two successful computer‐based systems for solving large‐scale personnel assignment problems that frequently occur in university settings. SCAT, the Student‐Company Assignment Technique, assigns students to job interview slots. SPAT, the Student‐Project Assignment Technique, assigns students to project teams in an MBA field project course. The SCAT and SPAT approaches can be generalized to a wide variety of personnel assignment problems in university, industry, government, and military settings.