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Heery International's Spreadsheet Optimization Model for Assigning Managers to Construction Projects

Author

Listed:
  • Larry J. LeBlanc

    (Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, 401 21st Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee 37203)

  • Dale Randels

    (Heery International, Inc., 214 2nd Avenue North, Suite 1, Nashville, Tennessee 37201)

  • T. K. Swann

    (Heery International, Inc.)

Abstract

When assigning managers to construction projects, Heery International tries to minimize the total cost of the assignments while maintaining a balanced workload for different managers. We developed and implemented an Excel spreadsheet optimization model for problems with up to 114 projects. As time passes, new projects arise, old projects terminate, and occasionally new managers join the team, and existing ones resign or transfer out. Because the model is in a spreadsheet environment, Heery can easily add or remove projects and managers from the model. As a result of our model, Heery has managed its projects without replacing a manager who resigned and has reduced travel costs, because the model assigns managers to projects that are closer to their homes than previously.

Suggested Citation

  • Larry J. LeBlanc & Dale Randels & T. K. Swann, 2000. "Heery International's Spreadsheet Optimization Model for Assigning Managers to Construction Projects," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 30(6), pages 95-106, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orinte:v:30:y:2000:i:6:p:95-106
    DOI: 10.1287/inte.30.6.95.11622
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lone Seboni & Joseph Ssegawa, 2022. "Does a Project Manager Assignment Process Affect Project Management Performance Indicators? An Empirical Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-17, June.
    2. S Eom & E Kim, 2006. "A survey of decision support system applications (1995–2001)," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(11), pages 1264-1278, November.
    3. Amir Hossein JAHANIKIA & Vahidreza YOUSEFI & Ehsan MEHRABANFAR & Negar KAVOOSI KHOSROWSHAHII, 2015. "Decision-Making for Crisis Management of Power Distribution Networks," Informatica Economica, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 19(4), pages 5-12.
    4. Larry J. LeBlanc & Michael R. Galbreth, 2007. "Implementing Large-Scale Optimization Models in Excel Using VBA," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 37(4), pages 370-382, August.

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