Mixed-integer linear programming and constraint programming formulations for solving resource availability cost problems

Abstract

We consider the resource availability cost problem and two extensions through general temporal constraints and calendar constraints. With general temporal constraints minimum and maximum time lags between the activities can be ensured. Calendar constraints are used to model breaks in the availability of a resource, e.g., weekends or public holidays of resource types that equal staff. Especially if long-term and capital-intensive projects are under consideration, resource availability cost problems should be applied because in such projects it is more important to minimize the cost than, e.g., the project duration. We present mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulations as well as con..