A Generalized Network Approach to the Planning and Scheduling of a Research Project

Abstract

This paper describes a configurational and mathematical tool that may be used in the planning and scheduling of a research program. The configuration, termed a decision box (db) network, is a generalization of the PERT network and allows alternative procedures for accomplishing research tasks to be considered. The probability of following each alternative is estimated, leading to a ranking, in terms of probability of occurrence, of the possible outcomes of the research program. The entropy of the process is calculated using classical information theory concepts Standard PERT techniques for time estimating and scheduling, superimposed upon the db network structure, complete the description of this research management tool.

A problem of finding an acceptable variant in generalized project networks

“…Such problems appear, in particular, in house-building management when the beginnings of some activities may vary in time or/and order (see [1]), in scheduling of medical examinations in areas with difficult ecological situations [7,9], and in building/city evacuation management [2,10]. For other applications, see [3,4,6].…”

“…The problem of finding an optimal variant in very special networks was first stated by Eisner [4]. Variants in general networks were considered in [6], yet every alternating set in [6] is formed by arcs with common initial vertex.…”

Decision CPM: A Method for Simultaneous Planning, Scheduling, and Control of Projects

“…,r™"'-' ,3^- The authors of references (2) and (4) have discussed networks with decision nodes but in both cases they refer to decision nodes with probabilistic research outcomes. In addition S. F. Elmahgraby (5) has given a more general discussion of probabilistic decision nodes.…”

“…If exactly one of the jobs must be performed (this may or may not be the case) then the mutually exclusive interdependence condition is expressed by (4) …”

“…I^a ll job sets are unit sets (implying condition (4) In addition to these definitions and theorems from reference (9) several additional conventions are necessary because of the fact that some jobs may be eliminated from the decision project graph as the result of decisions that are made.…”