An embodiment method for performing joint scheduling in a cluster of base stations (BSs) of a wireless network includes receiving coarse scheduling information pertaining to external BSs and performing joint scheduling for the instant cluster of BSs such that a sum utility is maximized. The sum utility includes an out-of-cluster utility component representing interference observed by the external BSs as a result of the joint scheduling. The out-of-cluster utility component is computed in accordance with the coarse scheduling information.