Man-Computer Concepts for Planning and Scheduling

An interactive man-computer system for project planning and scheduling can overcome many of the theoretical and practical problems of manual and computer batch processing methods. Four key elements in the proposed unified system include: (1) a man, or group of men; (2) a man-computer interface; (3) an integrated system of interactive programs; and (4) a direct access computer data base. The man is the source of insight, judgement, intuition, qualitative analysis, and practical evaluations. The interface is a subsystem of devices and programs that allows a nonspecialist to converse with the computer at the application problem level. The programs logically integrate the principles behind basic network methods including critical path scheduling, resource allocation and leveling, time-cost analysis, and cash flow. The data base maintains files of information relating to project planning and scheduling in a readily accessible form.