A practical approach to project scheduling: considering the potential quality loss cost in the time–cost tradeoff problem

Crashing project activities is a typical way to shorten their completion times to meet project due dates, and previous research on quality in time–cost tradeoff problems focused on maximizing the individual activity quality of projects. However, implementing project scheduling that takes into account the potential quality loss cost (PQLC) in time–cost tradeoff problems is a practical approach, since individual activity quality is defined by conformance to project contractor requirements. We propose a mixed integer linear programming model that considers the PQLC for excessive crashing activities. This model will help project planners develop practical project schedules.

► Potential quality loss costs are significant factor in time–cost tradeoff problem.
► Model accounts for potential quality loss cost of project activities.
► Cost overruns of project activities can be avoided by using model.
► Model helps project planner develop practical project schedule.