Robust planning of design tasks using simulation

Abstract

Planning of large scale design projects is difficult due to complex interdependencies between tasks and uncertainties concerning task duration, rework likelihood, rework behaviour, requirement changes and resource availability. This paper examines how different task rework behaviour affect project duration and considers the impact of varying task orders subject to resource constraints. Results of design project simulation, generated using the signposting approach, show how modifications to task rework behaviour have a major impact on project duration and that appropriate task ordering can reduce task rework.