Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objective: This study contains a linear and exponential membership function based fuzzy programming technique with possibilistic approach and its application to find the critical path in project network. Methods: It contains four criteria; cost, quality, time and risk of the project activities for project management. For finding the solution of this multi-criteria project management problem in fuzzy programming technique for better decision by Decision Maker (DM) alpha level set concept is utilized. We have provided numerical illustration to demonstrate working of the proposed methodology. Findings: To analyse the performance of the proposed approach, we have compared it with closely related fuzzy group multi-criteria decision making related Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method for the critical path selection. Application: Further, a case study from manufacturing engineering industry is also presented to justify the applicability and potentials of proposed methodology in a better way. Degree of satisfaction is calculated for different values of alpha levels to validate the applicability of this new approach.

Keywords: α-level, Critical Path, Fuzzy Programming, Project Management, Possibilistic Approach