An Integrated Simulation-Genetic Algorithm for the Stochastic Multi-Mode Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation-genetic algorithm for the stochastic multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem (SMRCPSP), in which multiple execution modes are available for each of the activities with random durations. A genetic algorithm combined with nonrenewable resource feasibility checking and topological sort procedure to find a near optimal sequence of tasks to be performed. Simulation is employed to evaluate the performance (makespan) of the sequence under stochastic duration conditions. Computational results for the SMRCPSP reveal that the proposed algorithm is effective in solving the problem.