Methodology for crew-job allocation optimization in project and workface scheduling

Existing resource scheduling methodologies are insufficient for controlling workflows for individual craft persons in project and workface planning. In practice, the workflow of an individual resource is assigned by a project manager in consideration of the resource supply and resource demand for particular time periods of the project duration. This research study proposes a crew-job allocation methodology to facilitate scheduling and resource management at both project and workface levels. We propose the use of a mathematical model to formulate and solve for the identified problem factoring in resource-time tradeoff options on individual activities. Then a crew-job interaction table is instrumental in visualizing the optimum resource-loaded schedule, which features the shortest project duration and the leanest resource supply under time-dependent resource constraints. Case studies are given to illustrate application of the proposed methodology. This technique potentially provides analytical decision support for not only making cost-effective resource-loaded schedules, but also facilitating the controllability of schedule execution.