Can You Solve This Resource Scheduling Challenge?

In one of our earlier blogs, “Why Is Resource Scheduling Difficult?” explains how a limit on available resources can make even a small scheduling problem challenging. Now you can try one for yourself.

The Resource Scheduling Challenge asks you to build the shortest schedule you can while working within a resource limit. The game has only a small number of activities, but the order in which you schedule them can change when other work starts and when the full schedule finishes.

Before diving into the game, let’s take a look at a simple network example that can provide context for the challenge.

 

A Simple Network Example: 7 Real Tasks and 2 Milestones

Watch the challenge, then try it yourself!

In the short screen recording below, an example of working through the game is provided. The recording stops before the minimum duration solution is shown, so you can approach the challenge without seeing the answer. 

 

 

As you play, pay attention to what happens when you move an activity. Does it try to overallocate the resource? Does it delay work that could otherwise run sooner? A schedule can satisfy the rules and still take longer than necessary. Sometimes a small change in scheduling order makes a meaningful difference. 

Your goal: See how short you can make the resource-loaded schedule. A solution of seven time units is possible. Can you find it?

 

Play the Limited Resource Game

For more background on how to deal with a resource-loaded schedule, read “How Priority Impacts a Resource-Loaded Schedule.”