A Project-Scheduling and Resource Management Heuristic Algorithm in the Construction of Combined Cycle Power Plant Projects

Shakib Zohrehvandi

doi:10.3390/computers11020023

Abstract

Given the growing number of development projects, proper project planning and management are crucial. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a heuristic algorithm for scheduling a power plant project construction and project resource management to determine the size of project buffers and feeding buffers. This algorithm consists of three steps: 1. estimating the duration of project activities; 2. determining the size of the project buffer and feeding buffers; and 3. simulating the mentioned algorithm, which will be explained below. Innovations of this research are as follows: estimating the exact duration of project activities by using a heuristic algorithm, in addition to determining the buffer size; calculating both project buffer and feeding buffers; and applying the algorithm to implement an ACC used in combined cycle power plant projects as a numerical example. In order to evaluate the proposed algorithm, inputs from this project were run through several algorithms recently presented. The results showed that a suitable amount of buffers can be allocated for projects using this algorithm.

Highlights

Most development projects, whether implemented by the public sector or assigned to a contractor, are not completed within the planned time and cost
According to the results shown above, the planned project buffer using the proposed algorithm was 13% less than the APRT-failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) buffer sizing algorithm used by Zohrehvandi and Khalilzadeh [16]
A combination of the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Delphi methods was used to determine the exact duration of project activities in this research

Summary

Introduction

Whether implemented by the public sector or assigned to a contractor, are not completed within the planned time and cost. The main task of the project planning and control system is to prepare, collect, record, and store information on the various stages of the project life cycle process; classify and analyze the information; and prepare the required reports for the project manager. The purpose of this system is to direct the project according to the set schedule and budget; reach the goals and final products of the project; and store the obtained information for use in future projects [1]. As for resource buffers, they ensure that the project resources are ready when a critical activity requires them [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion