A private car maintenance centre operates a two-step process for car maintenance. Tomorrow's work will consist of inspecting seven cars as shown below.

Time (hours)

Order Step 1 Step 2

A 1.20 1.40

B 0.90 1.30

C 2.00 0.80

D 1.70 1.50

E 1.60 1.80

F 2.20 1.75

G 1.30 1.40

a. Determine a job sequence that will minimize the time required to completion. (15 marks)

b. Describe the advantage of forward and backward scheduling, and its impact to productivity. (15 marks)