Multi-mode resource leveling in projects with mode-dependent generalized precedence relations

We propose several heuristics for the MRLP-GPR built upon two solution approaches: (a) a steepest descent algorithm and a fast descent algorithm that are based on a decomposition approach and (b) a hybrid estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA), which is based on an integration approach. Extensive computational experiments on a large number of benchmark instances are conducted to evaluate the proposed heuristics. A comparison of the results shows that our EDA outperforms or is competitive with three baseline heuristics (a random search algorithm and two variants of a genetic algorithm that is the best-performing metaheuristic for the single-mode resource leveling problem with GPRs). Our results can serve as a benchmark for future research. Our model and solution algorithms provide an automatic tool for the project manager's multi-mode resource leveling decision-making.