Model and heuristic algorithm of R&D project scheduling problem with stochastic number of activity iterations

Because project scheduling is always under the constraint of resources, the method of coupling activities to cope with activity concurrences and activity iterations in project scheduling faces many difficulties. A process model of R&D projects is presented to satisfy requirements of resource constrained project scheduling. The model integrates uncertain activity durations, uncertain activity outcomes, activity concurrence, and activity iterations into a project scheduling model. Furthermore, A heuristic rule derived from corresponding determinate network is used to resolve the scheduling problem and the algorithm is illustrated with a case.