The Best-Worst Method for Resource Allocation and Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing

Abstract

In cloud computing, service providers and service consumers often pursue conflicting benefits. The task-scheduling problem in particular requires the consideration of all characteristics affecting the scheduling process that are related to the two parties involved. The literature proposes that scheduling tasks and resource allocation problems can be structured and mathematically represented by adopting Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methods. This paper introduces a model to effectively prioritize tasks in a cloud environment based on consumer preferences and pre-defined criteria. The model adopts the Best-Worst Method (BWM) as a light MCDM method for structuring task-scheduling problems, accommodating consumer preferences, and providing reliable and scientific results for prioritizing tasks in the cloud. Furthermore, the model gives consumers the flexibility to change their preferences and offers a dynamic way to deal with the task-scheduling problem. The paper also provides a step-by-step example to guide consumers on the benefits of the proposed model.