Hierarchy Model for Distributed Resource Constrained Multi-project Scheduling Problem

Abstract

Multi-projects are quite common in industries, especially in made-to-order enterprises. These projects usually require limited local or global resources distributed and controlled by different departments. The scheduling problem for this kind of multi-projects is known as distributed resource constrained multi-projects scheduling problem (DRCMPSP). It is difficult to resolve the conflict of interest between different departments during scheduling. In this paper, a new hierarchy model using heuristic method based on priority rules for solving the problem. The decision making process is supposed to be hierarchical and decentralized, with one global decision maker and as many local decision makers as the resources managers. The difference between the method proposed and other hierarchical methods is that its decision stages and makers are divided from the department or manager, not from projects. It can achieve the benefit coordination between project managers and resources managers, and thus generate the overall optimal scheduling.