The optimal schedule to produce a given number of acceptable parts with a specified confidence level

This paper deals with the problem of finding the optimal schedule for producing, with a probability α, a finite number H, of parts which have a diameter within specified tolerance limits. It is assumed that the diameter is a normally distributed variable that exhibits a linear trend in the process mean. The solution involves determining the optimal run size(s), as well as the specific number of runs of each size, required to produce at least H parts, with probability α, at minimum cost. A solution algorithm is provided and computational experience reported.