Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for assigning at least one task to at least one shift. Typically, the method begins by receiving task assignment data, where the task assignment data includes at least one task, at least one shift and at least one priority associated with the at least one task. After receiving the task assignment data, at least one set of task/shift assignments is generated based upon the task assignment data, where each set of task/shift assignments has an associated solution value. After generating the task/shift assignments, an optimum set of task/shift assignments is selected based upon the generated sets of task/shift assignments and a quantitative measure of quality associated with the optimum set of shift schedules, where the quantitative measure of quality is based upon a threshold value and a solution value associated with the optimum set of task/shift assignments.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for generating at least one shift schedule. A method of generating at least one shift schedule includes receiving scheduling data. Then, a plurality of candidate shift schedules can be generated based upon the scheduling data. Thereafter, an optimum set of shift schedules can be selected based upon the plurality of candidate shift schedules and a quantitative measure of quality associated with the optimum set of shift schedules. The quantitative measure of quality is based upon a threshold cost and a cost associated with the optimum set of shift schedules. The method can also include processing the candidate shift schedules in accordance with one or more business rules. In such instances, the optimum set of shift schedules can be selected based upon the processed candidate shift schedules and the quantitative measure of quality.