Resource Allocation Optimization in Critical Chain Method

The paper presents resource allocation optimization in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). The cheapest project schedule is searched with respect to time constraints. The algorithm originally developed for the hardware-software co-design of heterogeneous distributed systems is adapted to work with human resources and CCPM method. The results of the optimization showed significant efficiency of the algorithm in comparison with a greedy algorithm. On average, the optimization gives 14.10% of cost reduction using the same number of resources. The gain varies depending on the number of resources and the time constraints. Advantages and disadvantages of such an approach are also discussed

A Low-cost Multicomputer for solving the RCPSP

In the paper it is shown that time necessary to solve the NP-hard Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) could be considerably reduced using a low-cost multicomputer. We consider an extension of the problem when resources are only partially available and a deadline is given but the cost of the project should be minimized. In such a case nding an acceptable solution (optimal or even semi-optimal) is computationally very hard. To reduce this complexity a distributed processing model of a metaheuristic algorithm, previously adapted by us for working with human resources and the CCPM method, was developed. Then, a new implementation of the model on a low-cost multicomputer built from PCs connected through a local network was designed and compared with regular implementation of the model on a cluster. Furthermore, to examine communication costs, an implementation of the model on a single multi-core PC was tested, too.The comparative studies proved that the implementation is as ecient as on more expensive cluster. Moreover, it has balanced load and scales well