Application of fuzzy linear programming to project crashing decisions with fuzzy variables

Abstract This study aims to develop an interactive fuzzy linear programming (FLP) method for solving the project crashing decision problems with fuzzy variables. The proposed method attempts to minimize total project costs with reference to direct costs, indirect costs, duration of activities and budget constraints in a fuzzy environment. A numerical example demonstrates the feasibility of applying the proposed FLP method to a project crashing decision problem. A fuzzy optimal solution for decision variables can be obtained using the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed method provides a systematic framework for facilitating the decision-making process, enabling a decision maker to interactively modify the fuzzy data and related model parameters until a satisfactory solution is obtained. In particular, several significant characteristics of the proposed FLP method for making the project crashing decisions, which differentiate it from other models, are demonstrated by considering a numerical example.