Decision Support Model for the Configuration of Multidimensional Resources in Multi-project Management

Abstract

In today’s competitive knowledge-based economy, the introduction of new solutions, i.e. new products and services, new technologies, new organizational structures, etc., most often requires a project approach. Due to constrained resources, tight deadlines and, usually, a large number of implemented projects, the multi-project environment is used in practice. The key element in multi-project management is appropriate configuration and the use of constrained resources (e.g. machines, tools, software, employees, etc.). Modern resources are characterized not only by their availability and abundance, but also have many additional features that may affect the functionality and configurability of a given resource. Hence, before commencing the implementation of a project, and even more so for a set of projects, managers must answer a few key questions related to such resources, such as: Do we have resources with proper features/functions to implement the set of projects on the given date and schedule? If not, what resources and features are missing? etc. Obtaining answers to these types of questions may decide about the success of projects. The paper presents a decision support model for the configuration of multidimensional resources in a multi-project environment, which can be used in both a proactive and reactive approach. Many computational experiments were also carried out to verify the model itself and the methods of its implementation.