Good project managers recognize the inherent
uncertainties that make project planning difficult.
However, project planning tools often provide little
support for managing uncertainties. We have developed a
prototype tool for project plan analysis, using
simulation and simple models for management decisions
about resource reallocation. We have also developed some
real-world data to use in evaluating our approach.
Ultimately our goal is to develop a decision tool that
would provide managers with better insights into the
criticality of project tasks, as discovered by
simulating the way the various uncertainties might
unfold and interact as the project progresses. We
recognize that some uncertainties are more benign than
others, and we hope to provide managers with a tool that
would help them to focus on the uncertainties that
matter most. pdf
