Chapter 8

Chapter 8

1. Types of Resource Constraints

   • People
   • Equipment
   • Materials

2. Splitting Activities

   • Splitting - a schedule technique in which work is interrupted on 1 activity & the resource is assigned to another for a period of time, then reassigned to original activity

3. Classifications of Scheduling Problem

   • Time-constrained project - assumes time is fixed & if resources are needed
   • Resource-constrained project - assumes resources are limited (fixed) & time is variable

4. Resource Allocation Methods

   • Assumptions
     • Splitting activities won't be allowed
     • Level of resources used for an activity cannot be changed
   • Time-Constrained Projects: Smoothing Resource Demand
     • Focuses on resource utilization
     • Leveling - techniques used to examine a project for an unbalanced use of resources & for resolving resource overallocations
     • Downside of leveling is a loss of flexibility that occurs from reducing slack
   • Resource-Constrained Project
     • Heuristics - rule of thumb used to make decisions
     • Parallel method is the most widely used approach to apply heuristics
     • Priority rules; 1. minimum slack, 2. smallest duration, 3. lowest activity identification number

5. Computer Demonstration of Resource-Constrained Scheduling

   • Time-limited (constrained) bar chart incorporates the same info used to develop the project network
   • Resource usage chart - this segment represents the peak requirement for design engineers for the project
   • Limited resource schedule reduces slack & flexibility & increases the number of critical & near-critical activities

6. Benefits of Scheduling Resources

   • Failure to schedule limited resources can lead to serious problems for project manager
   • Benefit of creating schedule before the project begins leaves time for considering reasonable alternatives

7. Multiproject Resource Schedules

   • Common problems;
     • 1. Overall Schedule Slippage - delays in 1 project can have a ripple effect & delay other projects
     • 2. Inefficient Resource Utilization - projects have different schedules & requirements
     • 3. Resource Bottlenecks - delays & schedules are extended as a result of shortages of critical resources that are required by multiple projects