Resource Constrained Multi-Project Scheduling Problem with Resource Transfer Times

Scheduling multi-project is a complex decision making process. It involves the effective and timely allocation of resources to different projects. In the case of multi-project, resources are often transferred between the projects. It consumes both time and cost, when projects are situated in different geographic locations. As a result, the net present value (NPV) of multi-projects is significantly impacted by the resource transfer time. In this paper, a new genetic algorithm (GA) approach to the multi-project scheduling problem with resource transfer times is presented, where the NPV of all projects is maximized subject to renewable resource constraints. The paper also presents a heuristic approach using two phase priority rules for the same problem. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of 60 two-phase priority rules. The proposed GA approach is compared to the heuristic approach using the well-known priority rules. An extensive computational experiment is reported.