Fuzzy critical path for project network

In this paper an algorithm is presented to perform critical path analysis in a fuzzy environment. The trapezoidal fuzzy numbers, given by decision makers or characterized by historical data, are utilized to assess the activity times in a project network. And a fuzzy critical path analysis is proposed for project network problem. So, the grade of membership that the project can be completed within a prefixed period can be computed. By using this algorithm, the ambiguities involved in the assessment activity times in a project network can be effectively improved and thus a more convincing and effective project management decision-making can be obtained.

[1]  G. Bortolan,et al.  A review of some methods for ranking fuzzy subsets , 1985 .

[2]  Pao-Long Chang,et al.  A fuzzy multi-criteria decision making method for technology transfer strategy selection in biotechnology , 1994 .

[3]  Pawel Zielinski,et al.  Critical path analysis in the network with fuzzy activity times , 2001, Fuzzy Sets Syst..

[4]  Mao-Jiun J. Wang,et al.  BENEFIT/COST ANALYSIS USING FUZZY CONCEPT , 1995 .

[5]  Lotfi A. Zadeh,et al.  Fuzzy Sets , 1996, Inf. Control..

[6]  A. I. Slyeptsov,et al.  A Method of Computation of Characteristics of Operations in a Problem of Fuzzy Network Planning and Management , 2003 .

[7]  Lotfi A. Zadeh,et al.  The concept of a linguistic variable and its application to approximate reasoning-III , 1975, Inf. Sci..

[8]  Shan-Huo Chen.  Ranking fuzzy numbers with maximizing set and minimizing set , 1985 .

[9]  J. Buckley.  The multiple judge, multiple criteria ranking problem: A fuzzy set approach , 1984 .

[10]  L. M. D. C. Ibáñez,et al.  A subjective approach for ranking fuzzy numbers , 1989 .

[11]  John R. Schermerhorn.  Introduction to Management , 2004 .

[12]  Hossein Soroush,et al.  Risk taking in stochastic PERT networks , 1993 .

[13]  Eugene Levner,et al.  A Parametric Critical Path Problem and an Application for Cyclic Scheduling , 1998, Discret. Appl. Math..

[14]  S. H. Nasution.  Fuzzy Critical Path Method , 1994, IEEE Trans. Syst. Man Cybern. Syst..

[15]  F. Lootsma.  Stochastic and Fuzzy Pert , 1989 .

[16]  K. Kim,et al.  Ranking fuzzy numbers with index of optimism , 1990 .

[17]  Yen-Liang Chen,et al.  Critical path in an activity network with time constraints , 1997, Eur. J. Oper. Res..

[18]  Gaurav Singh,et al.  Worst-case performance of critical path type algorithms , 2000 .

[19]  Bernard W. Taylor,et al.  Introduction to Management Science , 2006 .