Title: Decision support model for ranking project network activities based on multiple criteria of precedence, duration and cost

Authors: Yossi Hadad; Baruch Keren

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, SCE – Shamoon College of Engineering, Bialik/Basel Sts., P.O. Box 45, Beer Sheva 84100, Israel ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, SCE – Shamoon College of Engineering, Bialik/Basel Sts., P.O. Box 45, Beer Sheva 84100, Israel

Abstract: This paper proposes a decision support model for ranking project network activities and classifying those activities into groups. The model is based on multiple criteria (indexes) that derived from the precedence, duration and cost of the activities. The uniqueness of the model is that the weights of the ranking criteria of the project activities are objectively evaluated by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology. The model is applicable to any type of project. An illustrative example demonstrates the applicability of the model. The proposed model can help project managers allot their managerial efforts and care to the most important activities.

Keywords: project management; DEA; data envelopment analysis; MCDA; multicriteria decision analysis; classification; simulation; decision support; modelling; activity ranking; project network activities; precedence; duration; cost.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEME.2013.055984

International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics, 2013 Vol.4 No.1, pp.1 - 17

Published online: 23 Aug 2013 *

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