Project crashing using a fuzzy multi-objective model considering time, cost, quality and risk under fast tracking technique: A case study

Project managers normally investigate how to reduce the total completion time of projects undertaken subject to the pre-determined objectives. The purpose of this paper is compression of total projects' duration subject to influencing factors such as cost, time, quality and risk. In the present study, by considering factors affecting project success such as cost, time, quality and risk, project crashing and fast tracking are both employed then a fuzzy multi-objective non-linear model is proposed. Each project is associated with uncertainty and the lack of consideration of these uncertainties might lead to project failure. In addition, a fuzzy approach has been employed for incorporating the uncertainties associated with activities. In the proposed model, crashing and fast tracking of projects were considered simultaneously for the first time. According to a real case study considered in this paper, after using the proposed model, the cost of compression is also reduced. In addition, we determined which activities have to be crashed or fast tracked in order to attain the objective. The proposed methodology can be practically applied through mega projects such as construction and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects where the deadline closes to being achieved. As another contribution, a unique feature of the proposed model is its capability for taking both crashing and fast-tracking simultaneously into consideration.