Uncertain Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem with Net Present Value Criterion for Risk-Averse Decision Makers

On the basis of uncertainty theory, plenty of researches have been done on uncertain resource-constrained project scheduling problem (URCPSP). Instead of minimizing the makespan, in this paper, we address the maximization of net present value (NPV) of a project’s cash flows when activity durations are assumed to be uncertain. In addition to precedence constraint and resource constraint involved in resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP), a deadline constraint is taken into account. Thus, our aim is to maximize NPV and to satisfy the deadline constraint with certain belief degree as well. Accordingly we adopt chance-constrained programming and utilize a revised estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) to solve this problem. In this way we present NPV criterion for project decision makers who are risk-averse.