A decision support system for manpower planning in large organizations

This paper presents SPEP, a decision support system for manpower planning in large organizations. SPEP maps all positions under consideration as nodes of a network model. Distances between nodes represent required service times at a previous node before transfer. Other position prerequisites (education, abilities, mobility etc) are also represented. The model can be used to identify alternative career paths using network algorithms. Simulation techniques are also used to simulate period-to-period movements on the network, as well as in and out of it. Simulation results are helpful in identifying medium term staffing needs according to department, required technical skills, training needs etc., as well as longer—term problems concerning lack or over—supply of available qualified personnel in particular areas. SPEP has been implemented in the Commercial Bank of Greece, the second largest commercial bank in Greece, and it has helped significantly in various personnel and strategic planning decisions.