Fuzzy-multi-mode Resource-constrained Discrete Time-cost-resource Optimization in Project Scheduling Using ENSCBO

Construction companies are required to employ effective methods of project planning and scheduling in today's competitive environment. Time and cost are critical factors in project success, and they can vary based on the type and amount of resources used for activities, such as labor, tools, and materials. In addition, resource leveling strategies that are used to limit fluctuations in a project's resource consumption also affect project time and cost. The multi-mode resource-constrained discrete-time–cost-resource optimization (MRC-DTCRO) is an optimization tool that is developed for scheduling of a set of activities involving multiple execution modes with the aim of minimizing time, cost, and resource moment. Moreover, uncertainty in cost should be accounted for in project planning because activities are exposed to risks that can cause delays and budget overruns. This paper presents a fuzzy-multi-mode resource-constrained discrete-time–cost-resource optimization (F-MRC-DTCRO) model for the time-cost-resource moment tradeoff in a fuzzy environment while satisfying all the project constraints. In the proposed model, fuzzy numbers are used to characterize the uncertainty of direct cost of activities. Using this model, different risk acceptance levels of the decision maker can be addressed in the optimization process. A newly developed multi-objective optimization algorithm called ENSCBO is used to search non-dominated solutions to the fuzzy multi-objective model. Finally, the developed model is applied to solve a benchmark test problem. The results indicate that incorporating the fuzzy structure of uncertainty in costs to previously developed MRC-DTCRO models facilitates the decision-making process and provides more realistic solutions.

Dispute of the Contracts: A Case from Sikta Irrigation Project, Banke, Nepal

Purpose: Government of Nepal (GoN) is implementing many small, medium and large type of Irrigation Projects. Sikta Irrigation Project (SIP) is the National Pride Project implemented by the GoN. The command area of the project has 42766.00 ha and the beneficiary of the project have 46715 households consisting of 4,49,588 population of Banke district. The overall objective of the study is to assess the consequences of delay and dispute of the selected contracts of Sikta Irrigation Project, Banke, Nepal. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using secondary data of the contract the mean planned duration is compared with mean actual duration to analyze delay analysis and Disputes of the contract have been interpreted based on standards of contract using content analysis. Findings/Result: The mean planned duration of the contracts under the study is 17.42 months and mean actual time 32.28 months with a standard deviation of 7.72 months and meantime variance is 13.46 months behind the schedule and meantime overrun is 14.85 months. Dispute resolution of only Papu costal JV has been analyzed. The contracts need to be rectified in terms of time by proper scheduling and resource leveling based local calendar. Hope the new amendments (PPMO 10th) of time extension will be helpful for the timely completion of contracts. Originality/Value: Action research to enhance the performance of Projects by avoiding Disputes. Paper Type: Analytical Policy Research.