Abstract
In this paper a solution approach is discussed for managing projects with resource constraints. For this purpose a heuristic method is developed based on traditional CPM scheduling calculations and leveling algorithms. The method can be applied using normal scheduling software such as P3 and MS project, and as such, it is of value to practitioners. An illustrative example is also presented herein to exemplify the concepts. The problem solved has importance and direct application to the management of a wide variety of project-structured efforts with prevailing resource constraints.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abeyasinghe, M.C., Greenwood, D.J. and Johansen, D.E. (2001). An efficient method for scheduling construction projects with resource constraints, International Journal of Project Management, 19(1), pp. 29–45.
Ahuja, H., Dozzi, S.P. and AbouRizk, S.M. (1994). Project management techniques in planning and controlling construction projects, 2nd edition, Wiley, New York.
Burgess, A.R. and Killebrew, J.R. (1962). Variation in activity level on a cyclical arrow diagram, Journal of Industrial Engineering, 13(2), pp. 76–83.
Davis, E.W. and Heidorn, G.E. (1971). An algorithm for optimal project scheduling under multiple resource constraints, Management Science, 27(2), pp. 803–816.
Davis, E.W. and Patterson, J.H. (1975). A comparison of heuristic and optimum solutions in resource constrained project scheduling, Management Science, 21, pp. 944–955.
Dorndorf, U., Pesch, E. and Phan-Huy, T. (2000). A time-oriented branch-and-bound algorithm for resource-constrained project scheduling with generalised precedence constraints, Management Science, 46(10), pp. 1365–1384.
Galbreath, R.V. (1965). Computer program for leveling resource usage, Journal of Construction Division, ASCE, 91(1), pp. 107–124.
Garey, M.R., Graham, R.L., Johnson, D.S. and Yao, C. (1976). Resource constrained scheduling as generalized bin packing, Journal of Combinatorial Theory, (A)21, pp. 257–298.
Goldratt, E.M. (1997). Critical chain, The North River Press.
Harris, R.B. (1978). Precedence and Arrow Network for Construction, Wiley.
Harris, R.B. (1990). Packing method for resource leveling, Journal of Construction Management, ASCE, 61(2), pp. 331–351.
Hegazy, T. (1999). Optimization of resource allocation and leveling using genetic algorithm, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, ASCE, 125(3), pp. 167–175.
Herroelen, W., Reyck, B.D. and Demeulemeester, E. (1998). Resource-constrained project scheduling: a survey of recent developments, Computers and Operation Research, 25(4), pp. 179–302.
Kaplan, L. (1988). Resource-constrained project scheduling with preemption of jobs, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, U.S.A.
Khattab, M.M. and Choobineh, F. (1991). A new heuristic for project scheduling with a single resource constraint, Computers and Industrial Engineering, 20, pp. 381–387.
Kumar, V.K.A. and Rajendran, C.R. (1993). Manpower resource leveling in the maintenance of drillship: a computer simulation approach, International Journal of Modelling and Simulation, 13(4), pp. 152–155.
Lee, Y. and Gatton, T.M. (1994). Construction scheduling based on resource constraints, AACE Transactions, 3, pp. 1–6.
Leu, S. and Yang, C. (1999). GA-based multicriteria optimal model for construction scheduling, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 125(6), pp. 420–427.
Leu, S., Chen, A. and Yang, C. (1999). Fuzzy optimal model for resource-constrained construction scheduling, Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 13(3), pp. 207–216.
Lu, M. and Li, H. (2003). Resource-activity critical path method for construction planning, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 129(4), pp. 412–420.
Moder, J.J., Phillips, C.R. and Davis, E.W. (1983). Project Management with CPM, PERT, and Precedence Diagramming, 3rd edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
Turnquist M. A. and Nozick, L.K. (2003). Allocating time and resources in project management under uncertainty. Proceedings of the 36th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS’03), Vol. 1, pp 187–195.
Wiest, J.D. (1964). Some properties of schedules for large projects with limited resources, Operational Research, 12(3), pp. 395–418.
Willis, R.J., H. Pan and C.-H. Yeh (1999). Resource-constrained project scheduling under uncertain activity duration, in Computational Intelligence for Modelling, Control & Automation, M. Mohammadian (ed.), IOS Press, Amsterdam, pp. 429–434.
Yang, B., Geunes, J. and O’Brien, W.J. (2001). Resource-constrained project scheduling: Past work and new directions, Research report 2001-6, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Univerity of Florida.
Yeh, C.-H., H. Pan and R.J. Willis (1999). A heuristic approach to fuzzy resourceconstrained project scheduling, in Computational Intelligence for Modelling, Control & Automation, M. Mohammadian (ed.), IOS Press, Amsterdam, pp. 423.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pantouvakis, JP., Manoliadis, O.G. A practical approach to resource - constrained project scheduling. Oper Res Int J 6, 299–309 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02941258
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02941258