Critical Chain Project Management Based on a Max-Plus Linear Representation for Determining Time Buffers in Multiple Projects

Abstract

We propose a framework for describing the Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) method based on a Max-Plus Linear (MPL) representation for multiple projects. The framework takes into account time buffers in both a single and multi-project environments which play a role for controlling undesirable state change and protecting the completion time for the entire system. The appropriate position and size of these buffers are determined for a large scale multi-project system. Furthermore, the MPL system with the CCPM method applied is redefined to easily comprehend the structure of the system. Finally, we confirm the proposed framework through a numerical example.

Keywords

• max-plus linear system
• critical chain project management
• time buffers
• multiple projects
• capacity buffer