An efficient approximation algorithm for minimizing makespan on uniformly related machines

Chandra Chekuri, Michael Bender

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We give a new efficient approximation algorithm for scheduling precedence constrained jobs on machines with different speeds. The setting is as follows. There are n jobs where job j requires pj units of processing. The jobs are to be scheduled on a set of m machines. Machine i has a speed si; it takes pj/si units of time for machine i to process job j. The precedence constraints on the jobs are given in the form of a partial order. If j≺k, processing of k cannot start until j’s execution if finished. Let Cj denote the completion time of job j. The objective is to find a schedule to minimize Cmax = maxj Cj, conventionally called the makespan of the schedule. We consider non-preemptive schedules where each job is processed on a single machine with no preemptions. Recently Chudak and Shmoys [1] gave an algorithm with an approximation ratio of O(logm) significantly improving the earlier ratio of 0(√m) due to Jaffe [7]. Their algorithm is based on solving a linear programming relaxation of the problem. Building on some of their ideas, we present a combinatorial algorithm that achieves a similar approximation ratio but runs in O(n3) time. In the process we also obtain a constant factor approximation algorithm for the special case of precedence constraints induced by a collection of chains. Our algorithm is based on a new lower bound which we believe is of independent interest. By a general result of Shmoys, Wein, and Williamson [10] our algorithm can be extended to obtain an O(log m) approximation ratio even if jobs have release dates.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationInteger Programming and Combinatorial Optimization - 6th International IPCO Conference, 1998, Proceedings
EditorsE. Andrew Boyd, Robert E. Bixby, Roger Z. Rios-Mercado
PublisherSpringer
Pages383-393
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)354064590X, 9783540645900
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International Integer Programming and Combinatorial Optimization Conference, IPCO 1998 - Houston, United States
Duration: Jun 22 1998Jun 24 1998

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume1412
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Other

Other6th International Integer Programming and Combinatorial Optimization Conference, IPCO 1998
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHouston
Period6/22/986/24/98

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Computer Science(all)

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