Integration of Linear Scheduling Method and the Critical Chain Project Management

Integration of repetitive and non-repetitive scheduling methods utilizes the merits and unique features of those methods. This paper presents a new scheduling method for repetitive projects that integrates linear scheduling (LSM) and critical chain project management (CCPM) methods. The proposed method introduces a framework for scheduling of repetitive projects; accounting for constraints of resources continuity and uncertainties associated with activity durations. It introduces a new buffer, named resource conflict buffer (RCB) to account for delays that may occur due to conflict in controlling resources among successor and predecessor activities. The developed method provides a systematic procedure for identifying several critical chains to replace the visual identification method that is currently used in linear scheduling. The features of the proposed method are illustrated in a case example for scheduling of repetitive projects using an integration of LSM and CCPM scheduling techniques. A discussion of results is performed and conclusions are drawn to highlight the features and capabilities of proposed method.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author