Using a fuzzy clustering chaotic-based differential evolution with serial method to solve resource-constrained project scheduling problems

• This study presents a novel optimization algorithm FCDE.
• Chaotic mapping is used to prevent the algorithm from premature convergence.
• Clustering is utilized to enhance the convergence.
• FCDE is incorporated with serial method to handle resource-constrained problem.

The resource-constrained problem seeks to find the optimal sequence that minimizes project duration under current precedence constraints and resource limitations. This study integrates the fuzzy c-means clustering technique and the chaotic technique into the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm to develop the Fuzzy Clustering Chaotic-based Differential Evolution (FCDE) algorithm, an innovative approach to solving complex optimization problems. Within the FCDE, the chaotic technique prevents the optimization algorithm from premature convergence and the fuzzy c-means clustering technique acts as several multi-parent crossover operators in order to utilize population information efficiently and enhance convergence efficiency. Further, this study applies a serial method to reflect individual-user priorities into the active schedule and the project duration calculations. The FCDE and serial method are then integrated into a novel optimization model called the Fuzzy Clustering Chaotic-based Differential Evolution for Solving Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (FCDE-RCPSP). Experiments run indicate that the proposed FCDE-RCPSP obtains optimal results more reliably and efficiently than the benchmark algorithms considered. The FCDE-RCPSP is a promising alternative approach to handling resource-constrained project scheduling problems.