Uysal, F (2014) Hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms for the resource constrained multi-project scheduling problem. PhD thesis, Middle East Technical University, Turkey.
Abstract
The general resource constrained multi-project scheduling problem (RCMPSP) consists of simultaneous scheduling of two or more projects with common resource constraints, while minimizing duration of the projects. Critical Path Method and other scheduling methods do not consider resource conflicts and practically used commercial project management software packages and heuristic methods provide very limited solutions for the solution of the RCMPSP. Considering the practical importance of multi-project scheduling and the fact that resource constraints impact the schedules and costs significantly, achieving an adequate solution to the problem is crucial for the construction sector. In this research, we present a new hybrid algorithm which is based on genetic algorithm, simulated annealing, backward forward improvement heuristics. The performance of the algorithms is compared with the performances of the known heuristic procedures and commonly used software packages using test instances particularly developed for multi-project environment. Effectiveness of the developed algorithm is further improved with the application of parallel computing strategies with a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU). Results revealed that effective resource management is a vital process but it is ignored by practitioners, heuristic methods and current software packages. Proposed algorithm showed significant improvements on the state of the art algorithms. It is also shown that parallel computing strategies with a GPU has high potential for meta-heuristic applications specifically for construction management research area in which there is a significant gap in the GPU research.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Sönmez, R |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | computing; conflicts; critical path method; duration; heuristic; scheduling |
| Index terms: | resource management, duration, effectiveness, heuristic, package, critical path method, construction sector, simulated annealing, resource constraint, state of the art, practitioner, computing, project management software, software package, strategy, project scheduling, scheduling, genetic algorithm, management research |
| Subjects: | risk assessment, research design and methodology, computing systems, control systems, project controls, industry analysis, management, software systems, performance management, digital technology, operations management, operations research, contractual arrangements, research dissemination and communication, practitioner, algorithms |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Time Control, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Procurement, Risk Management, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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