An integrated framework for multi-project planning and control

Almeraikhi, A M (2010) An integrated framework for multi-project planning and control. PhD thesis, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Abstract

The area of project management has been the focus of intensive research for the last three decades. There are a number of studies which have focused on multi-project management, but very few have tackled the need for a tracking system to control and monitor the project in an integrated environment. Some of these studies have covered the multi-project management from the contractor's perspective; or they have tackled one or two of its aspects, such as priority selection, resource allocation, or risk management. The researcher has attempted to show the need for multi-project management systems in which an integrated framework for multi-project planning and control tracking systems (from the owner's perspective rather than the contractors' perspective) is developed; to planning and control under conditions of uncertainty and change. Analytical hierarchy process, mathematical modelling and computer simulation techniques are applied to develop the proposed framework. In multi-project management, each project has its own objective(s) that should be optimised. The analytical hierarchy process is applied to prioritise projects that are received from the applicant accordingly; so that decisions can be made on which project(s) should be launched first. The Mathematical modelling is another method used to solve complex problems, when many projects are running simultaneously. Goal programming is used to minimise the cost and manpower required in a multi-project environment which is usually subject to different constraints. Then simulation is used to manage and control the risk expected in running these projects. In addition, simulation allows project managers to obtain a wide spectrum system on the effects of local changes on the project.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Saad, S
Uncontrolled Keywords: analytical hierarchy process; manpower; mathematical modelling; programming; project management; risk management; simulation; uncertainty
Index terms: computer simulation, mathematical modelling, owner, project manager, programming, risk management, goal programming, analytical hierarchy process, project planning, resource allocation, project management
Subjects: risk assessment, profession, programming, sociology, algorithms, project management theory and practice, resource management, decision-making and optimization, modelling and simulation, analytical methods, control systems
Topics: Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Digital Applications, Project Management, Site Management, Research Practice
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here