FOM Properties Tab

The FOM properties tab contains the controls that allow you to define the coefficients of the Figure of Merit (FOM) calculation.

The FOM properties tab may be viewed by selecting Schedule -> FOM Properties... from the Menu Bar.

FOM Tab

STK Scheduler uses a Figure of Merit calculation to determine the most preferred schedule solution from the family of deconflicted solutions. The FOM equation is used to score all of the available deconflicted solutions to determine which one is the best for the user. The solution with the greatest FOM value is the one that is presented.

The FOM calculation features a series of terms, each designed to highlight a particular trait of a deconflicted solution. Each term is multiplied by a user-defined constant, the K value, to give weight to that particular trait. You may alter the default K values for these constants to produce a deconflicted solution that matches his needs. Changing one K value relative to the others makes that attribute more or less important than the others, depending on whether the K values is larger or smaller, respectively, than the other K values.

Therefore, the only thing you must be aware of, when setting the FOM weights, is the ratios of the various K values. The domain of the K values may be set at the user's discretion. For instance, if the K values are set between 0 and 100, Scheduler will present the same solution as if all of the K values are divided by 100, giving a domain of 0 to 1.

The Figure of Merit calculation is not used with the One-Pass deconfliction algorithm.

FOM Formula

The figure of merit formula is displayed on the FOM Properties tab as a convenience to the user. It shows how the various constants affect the FOM calculation.

Kassign Textbox

The Kassign textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that are assigned. Increasing the Kassign value relative to the other constants increases the chances that all tasks will receive assignments.

Kdur Textbox

The Kdur textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that have longer durations. Increasing the Kdur value relative to the other constants will increase the changes that longer duration tasks will receive assignments.

KPP Textbox

The KPP textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that are assigned resource possibilities that have resources with higher priority values. Increasing the KPP value relative to the other constants will increase the changes that tasks using preferred resources will receive assignments.

KPN Textbox

The KPN textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that are assigned timeslots with more favorable position rankings. Increasing the KPN value relative to the other constants will increase the changes that tasks are scheduled at the preferred time.

Kearly Textbox

The Kearly textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that have assignments early in the scheduling period. Increasing the Kearly value relative to the other constants will increase the chances that tasks are scheduled as early as possible.

KmaxDur Textbox

TheKmaxDur textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that are assigned a maximum duration. Increasing the KmaxDur value relative to the other constants will increase the changes that tasks are assigned a maximum duration.

KPT Textbox

The KPT textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that are assigned close to their preferred start time. Increasing the KPT value relative to the other constants will increase the chances that tasks are assigned closer to their preferred start time.

Kcost Textbox

The Kcost textbox allows you to specify a value that defines the weight given to tasks that are assigned with cost. Increasing the Kcost value relative to the other constants will increase the chances that tasks are assigned that have a higher cost.