Integrating Informal Learning into Deployment Planning and Project Scheduling

Abstract

Dynamic organizations constantly search for new ways to improve the quality of their processes. A core element of these efforts is the integration of informal learning into daily workflows. Interdisciplinary research is required to accomplish this challenging task and make informal learning manageable. In this study, we propose a novel combination of organizational theory and operational research using a quantitative project scheduling approach to create efficient workflows, including systematized informal learning. The concept of integrating the informal learning activities of knowledge sharing, reflection, and self-organization is presented based on a multi-objective, multi-resource constrained project scheduling problem with limited renewable resources, activity splitting, and preemption. Additional simulation studies demonstrate the calculation of informal learning ratios, together with further discussion of strategic management options.