An optimization model to solve the resource constrained project scheduling problem RCPSP in new product development projects•

Abstract

New product development projects (NPDP) face different risks that may affect the scheduling. In this article, the purpose was to develop an optimization model to solve the RCPSP in NPDP and obtain a robust baseline for the project. The proposed model includes three stages: the identification of the project’s risks, an estimation of activities’ duration, and the resolution of an integer linear program. Two versions of the model were designed and compared in order to select the best one. The first version uses a method to estimate the activities’ duration based on the expected value of the impact of the risks and the second version uses a method based on the judgmental risk analysis process. Finally, the two version of the model were applied to a case study and the best version of the model was identified using a robustness indicator that analyses the start times of the baselines generated.

Keywords

• project scheduling
• new product development
• baseline
• risks
• random duration
• robustness