A dynamic critical path method for project scheduling based on a generalised fuzzy similarity

Abstract

According to the project non-repeatability and their implementation environment uncertainty, this paper aims to propose a new fuzzy node labelling method. The method, with a dynamic perspective, quickly provides the effective solutions of the critical path and total duration for projects, and fully considers the fact that critical paths may change in a fuzzy environment. The proposed method incorporates the fuzzy concept into the dynamic idea, which improves the objectivity and “accuracy” of the analysis. Meanwhile, vector integration similarity algorithm (VISA) achieves multiple generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers ordering by integrating the norm and direction similarities of fuzzy vectors. VISA demonstrates its superiority by analyzing typical examples. Since there is no need to consider nodes that have no direct precedence relation with source nodes, this method is particularly suitable for quickly identifying the critical path of fuzzy project networks with multiple time parameters and complex precedence relation.

Keywords:

• Critical path
• fuzzy node labelling method
• generalised trapezoidal fuzzy number (GTFN)
• vector integration similarity algorithm (VISA)

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the editors and the anonymous referees for their insightful and constructive comments and suggestions that have led to this improved version and publication of the paper.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Table 6. Statistics of the durations for “Installation of scaffolding and protective devices” in existing same type projects.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Shaanxi Provincial Social Development Science and Technology Research Fund.