A Heuristic Algorithm for a Robust Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem with Multi-Skilled Resources
Publication: Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
ABSTRACT
This paper studies a resource-constrained project scheduling problem with stochastic activity durations and multi-skilled resource constraints. Robust project scheduling is employed to tackle uncertainty. We name it the robust resource-constrained project scheduling problem with multi-skilled resources (RRCPSP-MR). The objective is to schedule the starting times of activities and allocate multi-skilled resources reasonably in order to maximize the robustness of the project schedule in the presence of activity duration variability. An optimization model is constructed to formulate this problem. Based on the NP-hardness attribute of the problem, a resource allocation heuristic algorithm is developed to obtain satisfactory solutions. In addition, a demonstration case is executed to show the problem clearly and verify the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm. It renders further proof that multi-skilled attributes of resources can improve the robustness of baseline schedules.
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Published In
Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
Pages: 154 - 162
History
Published online: Jan 25, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Algorithms
- Business management
- Construction engineering
- Construction management
- Continuum mechanics
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Management methods
- Mathematics
- Methodology (by type)
- Models (by type)
- Motion (dynamics)
- Optimization models
- Practice and Profession
- Probability
- Project management
- Research methods (by type)
- Resource allocation
- Scheduling
- Solid mechanics
- Stochastic processes
- Uncertainty principles
- Verification
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