Title: The strategic use of learning in repetitive projects

Authors: Carlos M. Gomes da Silva; Pedro M.R. Carreira

Addresses: School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4163, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal; INESC Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, 3030-790 – Coimbra, Portugal ' School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4163, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal

Abstract: In this paper, a multiobjective model is developed to manage the learning effect in repetitive projects by controlling the decision of which team of workers executes each activity and when. Indeed, each activity can be executed using more or less working teams across projects and at different moments, which determines the intensity of learning effectively acquired and has conflicting consequences on the completion time, costs and quality of the projects (objective functions of the model). An empirical experiment based on benchmark project networks assesses the gains of incorporating and managing the learning effect. In addition, the model can also be used to bound the effects of behaviour phenomena that interfere with learning by setting appropriate parameters. Finally, an interactive approach to dealing with the model in dialogue with the project manager is proposed to enhance its practical use.

Keywords: project management; repetitive projects; learning; behavioural learning disturbances; multiobjective model; interactive approach.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2026.155905

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2026 Vol.54 No.4, pp.538 - 561

Received: 09 Mar 2024
Accepted: 19 Apr 2024
Published online: 26 Aug 2026 *

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