Multi-Objective Multi-Skill Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Considering Flexible Resource Profiles

Abstract

This paper addresses a novel multi-skill resource-constrained project scheduling problem with flexible resource profiles (F-MSRCPSP), in which the resource allocation of each activity consists of a certain number of discrete resources and is allowed to be adjusted over its duration. The F-MSRCPSP aims, therefore, to determine the flexible resource profile of each activity to minimize the make-span and total cost simultaneously. Then, a hybrid multi-objective fruit fly optimization algorithm is proposed to handle the concerned problem. In the proposed algorithm, two flexible parallel and serial schedule generation schemes are introduced, aiming to schedule activities and adjust allocated resource combinations. Additionally, two heuristic strategies are proposed to effectively select suitable resource combinations for activities. Moreover, a series of operators has been developed, including the rejoining operator, empirical re-arrangement operator, and empirical re-selection operator. These operators aim to accelerate the convergence speed and enhance the exploration of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the orthogonal test is used to select the optimal parameter combination, and comparative experiments based on tests with different scales are conducted, along with a t-test. The experimental results demonstrate that MOFOA-HS is effective in solving the F-MSRCPSP.

Keywords

• multi-skill resource-constrained project scheduling
• flexible resource profiles
• multi-objective fruit fly optimization algorithm
• heuristic strategy
• improved operation operators