Project management under uncertainty: resource flexibility visualization in the schedule

Abstract

Going from an idea to a result, using a series of well-defined techniques with deadlines and limited resources, is a skill that a project manager must have. In a rapidly changing environment like the present one, there are many factors that contribute to budget overruns and delays that occur in most major projects. To be successful, one must rely on techniques and tools that assist the project manager in the various stages of the project. Therefore, this paper presents an Add-In for MS Project®, based on a previously developed model for solving the Resource Constraint Project Scheduling Problem with Flexible Resource Management (RCPSP-FRM), which can help the project manager with regard to the scheduling of resources using flexibility, giving him relevant information to the decision making process in case of delays during the execution phase. The flexible chart and table format view allows project managers to easily and objectively identify the activities which can have their durations increased or shortened, impacting significantly on project execution time. This research contributes not only to the academic environment, but also to professional project management environments.