An intelligent data model for schedule updating

The goal of this research is to ease the schedule updating process [in construction planning]. Current planning models do not capture many of the assumptions on which the initial schedule logic is based. These assumptions are related to whether or not the interrelationships between activities can be modified. The objective of this research is to develop a new planning model that has new constructs for capturing the possible alternative sequences for schedule activities. The new planning model has four different types of link definitions to represent activity relationships. One is the traditional fixed link definition for relationships that cannot be modified. The other three are newly defined link definitions for relatonships that can be modified. Each link definition describes how its related activities can be re-scheduled. The model translates the schedule logic to several alternative CPM-like schedules. The model also assists the user in selecting an alternative schedule that minimizes the impact of changes on the work plan. The main advantage of this new model is that it shows the user the possible alternative views for the assumed schedule logic. The model creates an environment where schedule updating can be more systematic and capable of utilizing the original management rationale.