Extending the resource-constrained project scheduling problem for disruption management

This paper describes how the Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) can be used as a basis for comprehensive disruption management, concerned with both rescheduling as well as potential structural process modifications. It is illustrated, how the RCPSP can be extended by the possibility to represent alternative activities and how the respective constructs can be used to describe various forms of typical interventions. Moreover, an approach for schedule optimization and the resolution of the generalized problem is presented, based on the combination of well-established methodologies and specific evolutionary operators. In an illustrative example it is finally shown how the proposed framework can be applied for the development of real-time decision support systems in the domain of airport ground process management.