Integrating schedule risk analysis with multi‐skilled resource scheduling to improve resource‐constrained project scheduling problems

Abstract

Construction projects are planned in a complex and dynamic environment characterized by high risks and uncertainties amidst resource constraints. Assessing construction schedule risk facilitates informed decision‐making, especially in a resource‐constrained situation, and allows pro-active actions to be taken so that project objectives are not jeopardized. This study presents a stochastic multiskilled resource scheduling (SMSRS) model for resource‐constrained project scheduling problems (RCSPSP) considering the impact of risk and uncertainty on activity durations. The SMSRS model was developed by integrating a schedule risk analysis (SRA) model (developed in MS Excel) with an existing multiskilled resource scheduling (MSRS) algorithm for the development of a feasible and realistic schedule. The computational experiment carried out on three case projects using the proposed SMSRS model revealed an average percentage deviation of 10.50%, indicating the inherent risk and uncertainty in activity durations of the project schedule. The core contribution of the proposed SMSRS model is that it: (1) presents project practitioners with a simple tool for assessing the risks and uncertainty associated with resource‐constrained project schedules so that necessary response actions can be taken to ensure project success; (2) provides the small‐scale construction businesses with an affordable tool for evaluating schedule risk and developing a feasible and realistic project schedule.