This paper describes an approach to the optimization of heuristic scheduling in batch and jobbing manufacture. The approach is based upon the use of a composite weighted priority index to resolve conflicts between operations in order to meet a predefined management objective function. The effects of combined despatching parameters in the priority index are investigated and examples are given of the resulting response surfaces. Using the techniques of harmonic analysis a model of the underlying surface trend is identified and used to predict the location of optimal schedules. Typical experimental results are presented which suggest that the proposed method compares favourably with traditional scheduling techniques.