In production planning and control, what does “scheduling” primarily specify? (Assume a typical manufacturing shop with defined routing and dispatching functions.)

Introduction / Context:
Within production planning and control, different functions have precise meanings. Confusing routing, scheduling, dispatching, and follow-up leads to poor coordination. This question checks whether you can identify the core role of scheduling.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A manufacturing setting with known process routes for parts.
• Standard definitions of routing, scheduling, dispatching, and follow-up.
• Objective is timely completion with balanced machine loading.

Concept / Approach:
Scheduling creates the time-table. It fixes when each operation should start and finish on specific resources, subject to capacity constraints and due dates. Routing defines where work should go; dispatching releases work-orders; follow-up (or expediting) monitors actual progress against plan.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbook PPC frameworks always depict scheduling as the time dimension, complementing routing (sequence) and dispatching (release).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(a) Routing concerns the route/sequence, not the calendar.(c) Dispatching triggers starts but does not plan times in detail.(d) Follow-up regulates progress and handles delays.(e) Time study sets standard times, not shop calendars.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “sequence” with “schedule”; assuming dispatching is the same as scheduling.

Final Answer:

Determines the detailed programme of start and finish times for operations (time-table of work)