A fuzzy multi-criteria approach for critical path definition

This paper focuses on the identification of the critical path in complex projects networks. To extend the capabilities of the traditional project-scheduling approaches an innovative framework is presented, which integrates Fuzzy Logic and Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. The aim is to determine the critical path taking into account not only the expected duration of the tasks, but also additional critical parameters such as: 'duration variability', 'costs', 'shared resources', 'risk of major design revisions' and 'external risks'. To this scope, all the previously mentioned parameters are evaluated following a mathematical approach based on Fuzzy Logic and are aggregated using the 'Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution' (TOPSIS) to define the resulting critical path. An example concerning an engineering project is also presented to better explain the potentials and the capabilities of the proposed approach.