In this project we developed a decision support software that helps to choose the best decision software, but can also be applied to any other problem of selection. It is based on multicriteria methods. With this software we try to give each user the best solution, depending on his preferences. The entire project was planned and outlined in UML, implemented in C# and the database was built with SQL Server. It was a project divided into three main stages: requirements gathering, UML specification and implementation phase.
No abstract is provided for this article.
No abstract is provided for this article.
This paper addresses the challenge of managing projects in VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environments, where traditional categorization and classification systems often fall short. The study explores current practices through a survey of 87 project management professionals and a focus group of four experts. Results reveal widespread confusion between categorization and classification, inconsistent application, and dissatisfaction with existing frameworks. In response, the paper proposes a comprehensive model integrating 13 classification dimensions and four major categorization domains, aimed at enhancing adaptability, strategic alignment, and decision-making in complex contexts. The framework considers factors such as project duration, complexity, risk, customer involvement, strategic goals, and location. Feedback from the focus group endorsed the model’s clarity and practical relevance. This contribution offers actionable guidance for project managers facing uncertainty and complexity, while acknowledging the need for further validation with larger, more representative samples.
No abstract is provided for this article.
An optimal resource allocation approach to stochastic multimodal projects had been previously developed by applying a Dynamic Programming Model, which proved to be very demanding computationally. A new approach, the Electromagnetism Algorithm had also been adapted and implemented, with better results than the Dynamic Programming Model. This paper presents another philosophy for solving the same problem, based on an Evolutionary Algorithm. This approach was implemented using an Object Oriented language, Java, and its results were compared to the Electromagnetism Algorithm. A distributed version was also developed, to be run in a computer network, in order to take advantage of available computational resources.
No abstract is provided for this article.
1 , 2 , 3 , 4 Abstract The competitiveness scenario in the textile and clothing is always changing with the entrance of new players and changes in the rules of trade. This can be observed by looking at the developments that took place around the world in the last decade. This study finds how things are changing in this chain and how players are positioning themselves in this new competitive scenario. One such player of the chain is focused for study and its strategic position was analyzed and directions for improving competitiveness were identified. The focus is taken to more depth by considering the tactical issues for the competitive options already identified.
No abstract is provided for this article.
In the past several years, various optimization algorithms had been implemented on the project total cost minimization problem. Lately, it was developed an application that serves as a central platform that integrates all those previous implementations. Currently, such platform allows the access and execution of each one of the other utilities as modules/plugins. Each of which can be configured to execute optimizations over different projects. Although the platform already saves the optimization results, it lacks a suitable processing mechanism that would ease the cross analysis over all the utilities. Therefore, we want to include capture and analysis of results into the platform in order to properly aggregate them in a results database. Such database could then be queried for numerous purposes being the performance evaluation, across the optimization utilities, one of the first. In this project we analyze a total of five heterogeneous optimization utilities, all coded in Java, using algorithms based on dynamic programming and global optimization. The heterogeneity poses a challenge which we overcame by establishing a common results storage language, by means of XML files.
We address the issue of optimal resource allocation, and more specifically, the analysis of complementarity of resources (primary resource or P-resource and supportive resource or S-resource) to activities in a project. In this paper we present new computational results of a Genetic Algorithm, based in a random keys alphabet.
No abstract is provided for this article.
No abstract is provided for this article.
This article presents the implementation of lean principles using action research, in a health-care environment, focused on the operating room. Lean production has been successively adopted in the services sector because its implementation improves process efficiency and resources management. Additionally, a culture of continuous improvement search is created in the organization, a culture focused on the client (patient) that creates value for the client. This implies a change of the paradigm that prevails in some countries where the doctor is viewed as the ‘client’. The action research described in this article promoted lean principles in an operating room and support warehouses. The results were as follows: stocks management improved, warehouse spaces reduced by 20 to 25 per cent, operating room areas were better organized, equipment and obsolete surgical material were eliminated, equipment management was improved and operating times were reduced. Furthermore, it was necessary to create productivity indicators for the operating room to improve visual management and train staff for adopting a lean behaviour and attitude. This action research describes a trend in health care that implies an organizational change of culture and paradigm.
While the literature provides some reflection on the relation between Project Management and New Product Development (NPD), there are still doubts on how these practices can be integrated. This study made a contribution on how a metalworking company should integrate Project Management with their established NPD process. Additionally, a proposal about how the company should integrate the Subproject with the Global Project is made. Two main concerns guided the development of this work: the integrated project management process should be useful and easy to use. Therefore, only six main project management practices are proposed: project charter, initial project plan, progress reports, updated plan, open point list and lessons learned.
