A Multi-Agent Optimization Method for Preemptive Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33
Author(s):  
Yongyi Shou ◽  
Wenjin Hu ◽  
Changtao Lai ◽  
Ying Ying
Keyword(s):  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Negotiation Process ◽  
Scheduling Problem ◽  
Scheduling Problems ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Resource Constrained Project Scheduling ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Project Scheduling Problem

A multi-agent optimization method is proposed to solve the preemptive resource-constrained project scheduling problem in which activities are allowed to be preempted no more than once. The proposed method involves a multi-agent system, a negotiation process, and two types of agents (activity agents and schedule agent). The activity agents and the schedule agent negotiate with each other to allocate resources and optimize the project schedule. Computational experiments were conducted using the standard project scheduling problem sets. Compared with prior studies, results of the proposed method are competitive in terms of project makespan. The method can be extended to other preemptive resource-constrained project scheduling problems.

scholarly journals A new model and metaheuristic approach for the energy-based resource-constrained scheduling problem

2017 ◽  
Vol 233 (1) ◽  
pp. 293-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Morillo Torres ◽  
Federico Barber ◽  
Miguel A Salido
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Problem Instance ◽  
Scheduling Problem ◽  
Scheduling Problems ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Resource Constrained Project Scheduling ◽  
Project Scheduling Problem

This article focuses on obtaining sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for limited resource programming problems. To this end, a model for integrating [Formula: see text] and energy consumption objectives in multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problems (MRCPSP-ENERGY) is proposed. In addition, a metaheuristic approach for the efficient resolution of these problems is developed. In order to assess the appropriateness of theses proposals, the well-known Project Scheduling Problem Library is extended (called PSPLIB-ENERGY) to include energy consumption to each Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem instance through a realistic mathematical model. This extension provides an alternative to the current trend of numerous research works about optimization and the manufacturing field, which require the inclusion of components to reduce the environmental impact on the decision-making process. PSPLIB-ENERGY is available at http://gps.webs.upv.es/psplib-energy/ .

scholarly journals A multi-objective multi-agent optimization algorithm for the multi-skill resource-constrained project scheduling problem with transfer times

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirhossein Hosseinian ◽  
Vahid Baradaran
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Algorithm ◽  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Scheduling Problem ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Resource Constrained Project Scheduling ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Multi Agent ◽  
Project Scheduling Problem ◽  
Transfer Times

This paper addresses the Multi-Skill Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem with Transfer Times (MSRCPSP-TT). A new model has been developed that incorporates the presence of transfer times within the multi-skill RCPSP. The proposed model aims to minimize project’s duration and cost, concurrently. The MSRCPSP-TT is an NP-hard problem; therefore, a Multi-Objective Multi-Agent Optimization Algorithm (MOMAOA) is proposed to acquire feasible schedules. In the proposed algorithm, each agent represents a feasible solution that works with other agents in a grouped environment. The agents evolve due to their social, autonomous, and self-learning behaviors. Moreover, the adjustment of environment helps the evolution of agents as well. Since the MSRCPSP-TT is a multi-objective optimization problem, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used in different procedures of the MOMAOA. Another novelty of this paper is the application of TOPSIS in different procedures of the MOMAOA. These procedures are utilized for: (1) detecting the leader agent in each group, (2) detecting the global best leader agent, and (3) the global social behavior of the MOMAOA. The performance of the MOMAOA has been analyzed by solving several benchmark problems. The results of the MOMAOA have been validated through comparisons with three other meta-heuristics. The parameters of algorithms are determined by the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The Kruskal-Wallis test is implemented to statistically analyze the efficiency of methods. Computational results reveal that the MOMAOA can beat the other three methods according to several testing metrics. Furthermore, the impact of transfer times on project’s duration and cost has been assessed. The investigations indicate that resource transfer times have significant impact on both objectives of the proposed model

A RESOURCE OPTIMISATION BASED HEURISTIC FOR RESOURCE CONSTRAINED PROJECT SCHEDULING PROBLEM

2019 ◽  
Vol XVI (4) ◽  
pp. 115-124
Author(s):  
Mazhar Ali ◽  
Saif Ullah ◽  
Mirza Jahanzaib
Keyword(s):  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Scheduling Problem ◽  
Scheduling Problems ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Shared Resources ◽  
Penalty Cost ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Resource Constrained Project Scheduling ◽  
Project Scheduling Problem ◽  
And Shifts

Resource constrained project scheduling problem has significant application in industries. Although several heuristic solutions have been developed in the literature to address this problem, most of these have lesser focus on scheduling of shared and scarce resources. The presented study proposes a resource optimisation based heuristic (ROBH) to optimise the utilisation of shared resources so as to minimise the penalty cost of projects. The proposed ROBH identifies shared resources within the project activities and shifts the activities from the bottleneck resource to the residual resources. The performance of the proposed ROBH was tested using the standard benchmark instances of project scheduling problems available in the existing literature. The results were compared with those obtained from the heuristics available in the project scheduling problem library. This comparison indicated that the results provided by ROBH are significant as compared to the results obtained from the heuristics available in the literature.

scholarly journals Model and Algorithm for Human Resource-Constrained R&D Program Scheduling Optimization

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junjie Chen ◽  
Shurong Tong ◽  
Hongmei Xie ◽  
Yafei Nie ◽  
Jingwen Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Scheduling Problem ◽  
Scheduling Problems ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Enumeration Algorithm ◽  
Resource Constrained Project Scheduling ◽  
Project Scheduling Problem

In resource-constrained project scheduling problems, renewable resources can be expanded into human resources with competency differences. A flexible resource-constrained project scheduling problem with competency differences is proposed, which is a practical extension close to Research and Development (R&D) program management, from the traditional multimode resource-constrained project scheduling problem. A parameter and estimation formula to measure staff competency is presented, and a mixed-integer programming model is established for the problem. The single-objective optimization problems of optimal duration and optimal cost are solved sequentially according to the biobjective importance. To solve the model, according to the assumptions and constraints of the model, the initial network diagram of multiple projects is determined, the enumeration algorithm satisfying constraint conditions provides the feasible solution sets, and the algorithm based on dynamic programming is designed for phased optimization. Experimental results show that the proposed optimization model considering competence differences can solve the problem effectively.

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