A heuristic algorithm for solving resource constrained project scheduling problem with transfer time under resource bundle

In this paper we investigate an extension of Resource Constrained Projected Scheduling Problem (RCPSP): the Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem with Transfer Time under Resource Bundle. For this complex problem, the use of a parallel scheduling scheme is proposed. Such scheme has been successfully applied to the RCPSP. Introducing transfer time and resource bundle into RCPSP causes two problems, one is the possibility of resources significantly exceed the need of a task, the other is cooperation among unfamiliar members from different team may increase the makespan of the project. In order to deal with the problem, two new concepts are developed: task-related resource weight and collaboration coefficient. Some discussion of such concepts is given of and use them for new heuristic framework we proposed. A computational test is performed and the results show that the new heuristic is very effective in finding better solutions within a very short time.