The first article examines factors that affect scheduling, including requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA). Duty cycle, bracket, and calendar methods of representing work schedules are described; work schedule properties are discussed, including duty cycle, on-duty and off-duty periods, shift and staffing level characteristics, and average work week. Procedures are provided for determining the number of employees required. Finally, the strengths and constraints of three types of schedule design methods are discussed. The second article describes the process developed to enable Annapolis to review the adequacy of existing firefighter personnel policies and to identify work schedules that complied with the FSLA and limit overtime costs. The process also enabled the fire department to determine staff requirements and to adopt work schedules to changing conditions and needs. Glossary, 13 figures, and 3 references.