A simulation model for multi-project resource allocation

There are limited solution techniques available for resource constrained single project scheduling with stochastic task durations. Due to computational complexity, optimal solution or heuristics for scheduling have been found useful for large deterministic problems. This complexity is more and more for common resource constraint with multi-projects (parallel projects). The main objective of this problem is scheduling the projects as soon as possible with better utilization of common available resource constraint. This paper considers the problem of multi-project resource allocation (MPRA) as a multi-channel queueing system. Simulation modelling has been used to solve the MPRA problem. This paper demonstrates a framework and a procedure with use of a general purpose simulation language like GPSS's blocks to generate a simulation model. Then to show how to model works, a numerical example is given and statistical results are recorded. The model has the capability to obtain the completion time distribution function for each project, throughput time (makespan) and consumed resource distribution.