Implementation of Genetic Algorithm for Project Scheduling : GAP Scheduler (P-0561) (MFN 3587)

Abstract

Getting the right people in the right place at the right time is the key factor for a successful project. Project Managers are always concerned with effectively utilizing the workforce to perform tasks according to their skills and capabilities, so as to minimize project cost and duration. In real life, almost all the projects have strict requirements of time and cost. It is extremely hard for the Project Managers to achieve these objectives as they are in conflict with each other. In order to facilitate Project Managers during Project Scheduling phase an intelligent automated tool is required to resolve time and cost conflicts. This is a research-based project which involves implementation of a Genetic Algorithm for the solution of the Project Scheduling Problem. Genetic Algorithms are part of evolutionary computing which is a branch of Artificial Intelligence. The main objective of the project is to investigate how Genetic Algorithms can be used to enhance the efficiency of Project Planning process. GAP Scheduler is a windows desktop application developed using C#. It does automatic project scheduling, and generates a near optimal schedule by matching the skill set of the employee and the task.