OPTIMAL VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT WITH AN APPLICATION TO THE DENVER B-CYCLE BIKE SHARING PROGRAM

Volunteers are critical for many organizations and events to run properly. Assigning volunteers to tasks they prefer will increase the probability that they enjoy themselves and volunteer again in the future. We construct a goal programming model that maximizes the volunteer’s preferences in a timely, effective, and fair manner. We use a two-phase model to assign volunteers. The first phase determines if a feasible assignment exists. If a feasible assignment does not exist, the model solution indicates what jobs and what shifts need more volunteers. The second phase of the model is not used unless the first phase solves with an objective function value of zero. The second phase is used to make a feasible assignment of volunteers while maximizing their preferences. Simulation experiments are conducted to study the long-term effects of the volunteer pool over time, demonstrating the importance and potential impact of assigning volunteers using our proposed methodology. Colorado’s non-profit corporation “Denver Bike Sharing” used the model to assign volunteers for the launch of Denver B-Cycle, Denver’s new bike sharing to promote health, quality of life and preservation of the environment in Denver. This abstract accurately represents the content of the candidate’s thesis. I recommend its publication. Signed Alexander Engau