Scheduling Resources and Costs

Chapter 8

Scrambled Eggs

Introduction
Resource dependency > technological/logical dependency Types of Resource Constraints: - People - Material - Equipment - physical factors

Introduction
Resource scheduling problem: - time constrained projects - resource constrained projects Resource schedule Assign time-phased costs Project budget base-line

Resource allocation methods

Time-constrained project focuses on resource utilization SMOOTHING resource demand 3 goals of Smoothing: Reduce the peak of demand for the resource Reduce resources over the life of the project Minimize the fluctuations in resource demand

Drawbacks: Loss of flexibility Increase of the risk of delaying project

Resource allocation methods

Resource-constrained project focuses on resource prioritization, allocation: MATHEMATICAL solutions >> Impractical for large problems Use of HEURISTICS

Heuristic priority rules: 1. Minimum slack 2. Smallest duration 3. Lowest activity identification number

Computer demonstration of resource-constrained scheduling

! The software is not managing the project, but a tool 1st option: leveling within the slack: goal? To preserve the original finished date 2nd option: Leveling outside of slack: csq? Extension of the duration project Drawbacks: Reduce slacks >> Reduce flexibility Increase the number of critical activities

Splitting tasks
Scheduling technique towards better project schedule and increase resource utilisation Starting diversion (resource, equipment or people) resumption Limitation interruption/Large start up or shut down costs Lengthens the time of the original activity Conclusion costs are minimal and time is not absolutely constraint

Benefits of scheduling resources

Time to consider reasonable alternative Cost time trade offs Changing priorities Ability to prepare time phased work package budgets with dates Flexibility assessment

Assigning project work

Match demands & requirements with qualification & experience Temporary usage Who does what and who works with whom? Matching experienced with new workers

Multi-project Resource Schedules

Overall Schedule Slippage Inefficient resource utilization Resource bottlenecks

Solutions:
First come first served system > queue system Information Systems: Outsourcing:

Resource Schedule to develop a project cost baseline

Why do we need a time-phased budget baseline Throughout the life of the project there is no way to know how much work was accomplished for the money spent

Questions?