Plenary Lecture
Optimization Method based on Genetic Algorithms using Parameterized Active Schedules for Project Scheduling with Limited Resources
Professor Jorge Magalhaes-Mendes
Department of Civil Engineering
ISEP - Institute of Engineering
IPP - Polytechnic of Porto
Rua Dr. Antonio Bernardino de Almeida
431 – 4200-072 Porto
PORTUGAL
E-mail: jjm@isep.ipp.pt
Abstract: A project can be depicted by a graph where the activities are numerically numbered. Associated with each activity is a set of possible durations with specific resource requirements. If resources are available in limited quantities each time period, the resources are considered renewable (e.g., machines or manpower).
As the number of project activities increases and thus the complexity of their sequential ordering, the need for organized planning and scheduling increases too. This need further increases when a large number of project activities are considered relative to the uniqueness of each construction project in terms of the dynamic plant and nonstandardized nature of the work. So, finding feasible schedules which efficiently use scarce resources is a challenging task within project management.
This type of problem belongs to the class of NP-hard optimization problems, therefore justifying the indispensable use of heuristic or metaheuristic solution procedures when solving large problem instances.
The optimization methods presented combines genetic algorithms and a schedule generator scheme which generates parameterized active schedules. The chromosome representation of the problem is based on random keys. Parameterized active schedules are constructed using a priority-rule heuristic in which the priorities of the activities are defined by the genetic algorithm.
Brief Biography of the Speaker: J. Magalhaes-Mendes was born in Mancelos (Amarante, Portugal) on January 17, 1963. He received the PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management at the University of Oporto, in 2004 and the licentiate degree in Applied Mathematics from the same university. He has also a M.S. degree in Civil Engineering by University of Aveiro and a M.S. degree in Systems and Automation by University of Coimbra.
Since its first graduate university has divided his work between the academy and in various organizations usually related to the construction industry. In these organizations was manager of a metal construction company where he developed a system of planning and control works, manager in a municipal company and technical advisor in a foundation of the municipal council of the Oporto city.
After obtained his Ph.D. has given priority to academic work. He has been Associate Professor of the School of Engineering of Polytechnic of Oporto since January of 2010, where he teaches the courses of organization and management of works and construction management. He has published about 65 papers in the European Journal of Operational Research, Computers & Operations Research, Journal of Heuristics, WSEAS Journals, invited book chapters and several national and international conferences. His research interest includes construction management, project management, genetic algorithms, and operational research and supply chain management.