A Comprehensive Literature Review of Project Scheduling Techniques in Construction and Engineering Projects

Bhargav M Makwana

Abstract: Schedule programming is a core mathematical function of construction and engineering project management. It gives planners and site managers a time-phased view of activities, resources and constraints. Over the past six decades, a wide range of scheduling techniques has emerged, ranging from simple bar charts and classical network methods to resource-constrained and location-based methods. Each technique embodies particular assumptions about activity duration, resource availability, uncertainty and human behaviour, and each has its own advantages and limitations in construction practice. This paper presents a review of project scheduling techniques. Classical network-based methods are reviewed first, followed by resource-constrained and optimisation-based approaches, repetitive and location-based methods, risk and uncertainty-oriented techniques, lean and collaborative scheduling models, and digital and intelligent scheduling tools. Modelling concepts, typical applications, strengths and weaknesses are analysed. Comparative tables synthesise and highlight the conditions under which each technique is most appropriate. According to the review, the practice of project scheduling is inherently hybrid. Network techniques, resource-constrained models, location-based tools, lean planning systems and digital technologies are increasingly combined to address complex project environments. Nevertheless, important gaps remain. One key challenge is integrating uncertainty and risk into schedules that remain understandable to practitioners. The synthesis offered here provides a basis for both researchers and practitioners who wish to combine and further develop scheduling techniques for more reliable and efficient project delivery.

Keywords: Project scheduling, construction management, Critical Path Method, resource-constrained project scheduling, line-of-balance, Last Planner System, 4D BIM, schedule optimization

How to Cite?: Bhargav M Makwana, "A Comprehensive Literature Review of Project Scheduling Techniques in Construction and Engineering Projects", Volume 13 Issue 4, April 2024, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2012-2020, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR24420215717, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR24420215717