The Experts below are selected from a list of 2262 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Hao Yongping - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
A multi-mode Critical Chain scheduling method based on priority rules
Production Planning & Control, 2015Co-Authors: Wu Liang Peng, Min Huang, Hao YongpingAbstract:Although considerable research effort has been directed at the development of the Critical Chain method (CCM), the existing research is based on the assumption that each project activity is performed with only one execution mode, and thus, its decision-making ability and application scopes are limited. This article aims to evaluate the performances of the priority rules for the Critical Chain project scheduling problem with multiple execution modes. Firstly, a multi-mode Critical Chain project scheduling problem (MCCPSP) is formulated, in which precedence relationships, resource constraints, multiple modes and the characteristics of the CCM are all considered. Subsequently, the heuristic solution of MCCPSP is designed, and the priority rules used in resource-constrained project scheduling problems are built into the heuristic of MCCPSP. Finally, a large number of existing priority rules are evaluated on the PSPLIB data sets by computation experiments. The computational results show that the activity prior...
-
A Genetic Algorithm for The Critical Chain Project Scheduling Problem
International Journal of Digital Content Technology and Its Applications, 2013Co-Authors: Peng Wuliang, Hao YongpingAbstract:Abstract This work aims to study a project scheduling method based Critical Chain Method (CCM), which is a burgeoning project scheduling technology based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC). We formulate the model of the Critical Chain project scheduling problem, in which a simplified scheme of Critical Chain project scheduling is used to generate the Critical Chain project plan. And then, a genetic algorithm(GA) for solving the problem is presented, and all the main operators are designed according to the characteristics of the presented problem. Finally, extensive computational experiments based on benchmark instances in PSPLIB are performed, and the performance of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by comparing with other heuristics.
-
A Genetic Algorithm for Solving Multi-Mode Critical Chain Project Scheduling Problem
Journal of Convergence Information Technology, 2013Co-Authors: Peng Wuliang, Liu Xueying, Hao YongpingAbstract:This paper studies the application of multi-mode Critical Chain project scheduling problem based on genetic algorithm. A model of multi-mode Critical Chain project scheduling problem is addressed by combining the characteristics of multi-mode project scheduling problem and the Critical Chain method. Comprehensively considering the renewable resource constraints, nonrenewable resource constraints, activities with multi-mode and the uncertainty of activity duration, a bi-level genetic algorithm to solve multi-mode Critical Chain project scheduling problem is proposed. We use the shared benchmark from PSPLIB to test this new genetic algorithm and the results show that the algorithm in this paper has obvious superiority over most currently existing approach.
Graham K Rand - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Critical Chain the theory of constraints applied to project management
International Journal of Project Management, 2000Co-Authors: Graham K RandAbstract:Abstract In his recently published third novel, Critical Chain , Eli Goldratt applied his Theory of Constraints to project management. This paper explores the relationship between the ideas developed in the novel and the CPM/PERT approach.
Robert Richards - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Enhanced Critical Chain Project Management via Advanced Planning & Scheduling Technology
2020Co-Authors: Annaka Kalton, Hilbert Robinson, Stottler Henke, Robert RichardsAbstract:In the late 1990s, a new project management methodology was developed to overcome many of the shortcomings of Critical Path Project Management (CPPM). This new methodology, Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), is based on methods and algorithms derived from the theory of constraints. The Critical Chain is the sequence of both precedenceand resource-dependent tasks that prevents a project from being completed in a shorter time, given finite resources. If resources (labor/non-labor) are always available in unlimited quantities, then a project's Critical Chain is identical to its Critical path. Since the introduction of CCPM, its use has grown considerably and is being applied in more, and more challenging, project management environments. The Critical Chain method, however, is still in its relative infancy and many limitations have been discovered with the current theory and implementation, especially as it has been applied to ever larger project management tasks. Limitations in theory and its current commercial implementations have limited its suitability for large, dynamic, and complex scheduling environments, such as those that have been the focus of advanced scheduling techniques in the past. Many of these limitations can be surmounted by combining the principles of the CCPM methodology with advanced scheduling techniques. This paper investigates how many of the perceived limitations of the Critical Chain method can be overcome and the results maximized by leveraging the power of advanced planning and scheduling. By combining CCPM theory with a sophisticated scheduling technology that combines a variety of scheduling techniques and intelligent conflict resolution, a much more robust solution is possible. Resource constraints, including available equipment, space, and human resources, are very important to the implementation of the Critical Chain method because the greater the degree to which it can take these resources into account, the greater the potential improvement over CPPM. Fortunately, advanced scheduling technology can take into account a variety of resource requirements, and can be adapted to pertinent domain knowledge. This is especially important during the initial Critical Chain analysis step (where the Chain length is directly related to schedule quality), and in the execution phase of a CCPM plan, as realtime updates arrive regarding the status of the hundreds or thousands of tasks that make up the plan. A more sophisticated underlying scheduling framework provides two important benefits: it results in a better Critical Chain (one that can potentially be worked in less time), and it is more flexible and better able to accommodate change. We have been able to greatly enhance the practicality and power of the Critical Chain method by leveraging advanced planning and scheduling techniques. By using sophisticated scheduling software as the underpinnings for Critical Chain reasoning, the Critical Chain method can be applied to projects encompassing thousands of heavily constrained tasks and requiring hundreds of different kinds of resources. Giving the Critical Chain method such a solid scheduling basis also allows it to more easily handle complex situations such as new tasks being inserted during the actual plan execution, as well as other radical changes to the situational model.
-
Critical Chain Project Management: Motivation & overview
2010 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 2010Co-Authors: Hilbert Robinson, Robert RichardsAbstract:This paper provides an overview of the aspects of Critical Chain that make it successful, and then provides an introduction to Critical Chain and its application. Project Management involves making and keeping commitments under uncertainty, accompanied by complexity and interdependency. In most project management environments, making binding commitments is expected in three separate dimensions: 1) schedule or time, 2) resource or budget, and 3) scope, quality, or performance objectives. Falling short of a commitment can result in the project being deemed a failure, with attendant negative consequences to stakeholders. Evidence suggests a high rate of Project Management failure exists industry-wide. Searching for solutions to the problem of high project failure rates yields many valuable contributions. However, a need remains of finding an approach to project management that is effective across diverse domains, and that can be taught to, and successfully applied by, the majority of project managers of average abilities and experience. A technique called Critical Chain has potential in this regard and is backed by over a decade of field testing and refinement. Critical Chain takes a different approach to handling risk versus most traditional methods of project management such as Critical path project management. Traditionally the risk associated with a task is handled by the duration estimate of the individual task. Due to the Student Syndrome and Parkinson's Law this method has not proven to have the desired effect. By utilizing a pooled or aggregated risk methodology, task durations can be shortened to the task's average time to completion, and the variability of the tasks in actuality can be planned for and handled via buffers placed in locations that protect the project as a whole. The buffers utilize the safety time removed from individual tasks. However, it has been found that using more aggressive task durations in conjunction with the buffers results in shorter overall project durations and better on-time performance.
-
Critical Chain Project Management: Motivation & overview
2010 IEEE Aerospace Conference, 2010Co-Authors: Hilbert Robinson, Robert RichardsAbstract:This paper provides an overview of the aspects of Critical Chain that make it successful, and then provides an introduction to Critical Chain and its application. Project Management involves making and keeping commitments under uncertainty, accompanied by complexity and interdependency. In most project management environments, making binding commitments is expected in three separate dimensions: 1) schedule or time, 2) resource or budget, and 3) scope, quality, or performance objectives. Falling short of a commitment can result in the project being deemed a failure, with attendant negative consequences to stakeholders. Evidence suggests a high rate of Project Management failure exists industry-wide.
Wu Liang Peng - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
A multi-mode Critical Chain scheduling method based on priority rules
Production Planning & Control, 2015Co-Authors: Wu Liang Peng, Min Huang, Hao YongpingAbstract:Although considerable research effort has been directed at the development of the Critical Chain method (CCM), the existing research is based on the assumption that each project activity is performed with only one execution mode, and thus, its decision-making ability and application scopes are limited. This article aims to evaluate the performances of the priority rules for the Critical Chain project scheduling problem with multiple execution modes. Firstly, a multi-mode Critical Chain project scheduling problem (MCCPSP) is formulated, in which precedence relationships, resource constraints, multiple modes and the characteristics of the CCM are all considered. Subsequently, the heuristic solution of MCCPSP is designed, and the priority rules used in resource-constrained project scheduling problems are built into the heuristic of MCCPSP. Finally, a large number of existing priority rules are evaluated on the PSPLIB data sets by computation experiments. The computational results show that the activity prior...
-
A Critical Chain project scheduling method based on a differential evolution algorithm
International Journal of Production Research, 2013Co-Authors: Wu Liang Peng, Min HuangAbstract:Since the schedule is often not optimal and unable to meet the promised completion dates in the Critical Chain project management, in this paper, we address an optimal approach of generating the Critical Chain schedule. The float time of the non-Critical Chain is used as the primary concern of setting feeding buffers, and thus the procedure of generating Critical Chain project plan is remarkably simplified. A Critical Chain project scheduling problem considering both the resource constraints and duration uncertainties is formulated, followed by a differential evolution algorithm with a new mutation strategy that combines two single strategies to obtain the global exploration as well as the fast convergence ability. At the end of the paper, numerical experiments are performed on modified standard data-sets in PSPLIB, and the results reveal the effectiveness of the algorithm.
-
A Critical Chain Project Scheduling Problem with Multi-Mode
Materials Science Forum, 2011Co-Authors: Wu Liang Peng, Q.j. JiaoAbstract:Critical Chain method (CCM) is a new project method which combines project network technologies and management arts. Although there are lots of researches on it, the existing Critical Chain method has some drawbacks limiting its decision level in practical application. To improve the decision level and application range of Critical Chain method, the Critical Chain method with multi-mode is studied. The project network technology is the foundation of project scheduling problem. All the existing project management tools can only support single mode project network, that is, all the project activities have only one executive mode. We study the multi-mode project network as the foundation of multi-mode CC. Furthermore, by relating multi-mode project network to Critical Chain method, the Critical Chain method with multi-mode is presented, and the implementation procedure is proposed. In the implementation of multi-mode CCM, the activity priority rules and mode priority rules are investigated.
-
A Revised Critical Chain Method and Optimization Model
Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2009Co-Authors: Wu Liang PengAbstract:For product development projects, to void the risk of project delay, all the tasks should be finished as soon as possible. However, the Critical Chain method (CCM) requires the non-Critical tasks to be executed as late as possible. In this paper, the traditional CCM is revised based on the characteristics of product development. Other than the traditional one, the revised CCM is created based on the active plan, that is, all tasks should be executed as early as possible. And then, the schedule scheme of active plan based Critical Chain method is given, including searching Critical Chain, no-Critical Chain and setting buffers. Consulting in the resource constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP), an optimal model of CCM is built.
Cui Nan-fang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Identifying the Critical Chain and non-Critical Chain in the Critical Chain Project Management
Industrial Engineering and Management, 2020Co-Authors: Cui Nan-fangAbstract:Identifying the Critical Chain,is not only the first step,but also the most important step amongng five focus steps in the Critical Chain project management,.Through the dynamic programming,a new heuristic algorithm to identify the Critical Chain and non-Critical Chain was introduced in this paper.The instance J301_1.SM from the well-known standard instances PSPLIB was resolved by this new heuristic aAlgorithm.Compared with the results in the literature review,the lengths of two identified Critical Chains were proved to be 6 unit time short.
-
Rescheduling based on branch-and-bound in Critical Chain project scheduling
Application Research of Computers, 2020Co-Authors: Cui Nan-fangAbstract:There are some resource conflicts and precedence conflicts that might be happened after inserting feeding buffer in the Critical Chain scheduling/buffer management.These conflicts could be solved by using the branch-and-bound rescheduling algorithms which included both global and local rescheduling.Finally,it designed some simulations to evaluate the impact of three different levels of activity uncertainty on the project completion rate and stability cost.The computational results indicate that the Critical Chain rescheduling based on global branch and bound which keeps the original Critical Chain is the best among all.Besides,the lower the uncertainty,the higher the timely completion probability and the lower the stability cost.
-
Research on Dynamic Buffer Monitoring in Critical Chain Project Management
Chinese Journal of Management Science, 2020Co-Authors: Cui Nan-fangAbstract:Buffer management is an important content in theory of constraint.A dynamic buffer monitoring method is proposed to deal with how to implement buffer management in Critical Chain project management.This method dynamically calculates the buffer size and the time instant for monitoring,and adjusts the place of the two control trigger points to control the project,so that the project manager can timely take correct action to meet project deadline.Finally,a computational experiment is carried out to demonstrate the application of the proposed method.Comparison of the proposed method with the absolute buffer monitoring and relative buffer monitoring in Critical Chain project management,are performed to validate the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.