Final answer:
Scheduling aims to optimize operations by increasing the throughput, which means getting more work done in a specified timeframe. It does not seek to decrease throughput or unnecessarily increase the duration of work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scheduling is typically done with the aim of optimizing various aspects of operations. When it comes to tasks or workflow, one key objective of scheduling is to increase the throughput. This means that scheduling efforts try to maximize the amount of work that can be completed in a given timeframe without compromising quality. However, the other options provide different contexts:
- Decreasing the throughput would not be the goal of effective scheduling as it would mean less work is accomplished over time.
- Increasing the duration of work is contrary to efficient scheduling objectives, as it could imply a less efficient use of time and resources.
- None of the above could be an answer only if the context provided by those options did not relate to general scheduling goals.
Therefore, the correct option is (a) increase the throughput, as effective scheduling seeks to enhance productivity and efficiency.