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Abstract

This thesis is about: A Decision Making Information System For Labour Resource Allocations: Integration of logic and time based large scale project computer simulations. The aim is to develop a rigourous means of enhancing computerised project management information systems, for use with labour resource allocations. This is achieved by integrating a network schedule with a mathematical simulation model to produce PROMISS (PROject Managers Information Support System).

The broad structure has three main focus areas: a) background to the topic; b) current position and direction for development; and c) implementation and effect of analysis of the integrated model.

As PROMISS is to be used in a large scale project (LSP) environment this thesis starts with a discourse on how such operations are managed. A central part of planning and controlling these projects is use of Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) network schedules. A chapter is devoted to the theoretical and mathematical foundations of this technique and a PERT program developed in the following chapter.

This research thesis advances the use of System Dynamics, computer simulation and decision support systems for use in LSP environments. Making decisions relating to labour resource allocations directly influences success or failure of a project, but current information systems do not facilitate such decisions To help project managers, a mathematical simulation model (as a subjective reflection of a situation) is introduced to anticipate what may happen in the future.

Once various scenarios have been simulated a new logic plan is produced for those carrying out the tasks. Integration of information between a PERT and simulation model provides a new logic plan of actual activity start and stop times and their duration. PROMISS, in summary, starts with an original PERT then information it provides is simulated to take into account environmental influences, not originally taken into account when the project was planned.

This thesis provides a discourse about a number of issues related to the development of PROMISS and how it enhances decision making and managing large scale projects. PROMISS enables Project managers to make quicker and better informed decisions.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Departments:	School of Science & Technology > Computer Science School of Science & Technology > School of Science & Technology Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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