Resource conflict detection and management in implementation of multi-level and collaborative projects

To solve the resource conflict problem in multi-level and collaborative engineering projects in aviation and aerospace industries, the detection of resource conflicts was studied using a temporal constraint network algorithm. In the algorithm, a task relationship model for temporal constraint networks was built. Based on the model, a linearization method was developed to deal with concurrent tasks, as well as an instantiation method to import temporal constraint data into the model. By implementing the procedures of the algorithm, the proposed conflict detection criterion can be applied to detect resource conflicts in engineering projects. To express and manage the detection results, an information model based on UML was established and multi-view approaches including Gantt chart, man-hour chart, and resource calendar view were used as standard expression mode. A project resource management prototype system was developed and examined with an example of aerospace engineering project to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach to resource conflict detection and management.