Project Title:

A Hybrid Forecasting Tool for Distributed Mission Planning

Nienhaus & Associates, Inc.
201 Creekview Drive
Greenfield, IN 46140

93-1  06.05   5805    __AMOUNT REQUESTED $70,000

A Hybrid Forecasting Tool for Distributed Mission Planning

Abstract:

Traditional project management relies on hierarchically structured
projects. As organizations decentralize, the need for distributed
planning increases concomitant with a greater need for
communication. Operations planning through distributed simulation
has been shown to be an appropriate means of organizational role
playing. We propose as the innovation to apply a hybrid Genetic
Algorithm and decision rules as the embedded decision mechanism
within a distributed simulation environment. This provides a tool
for forecasting performance of Mission Operations Systems in manned
space flight operations, within the simulation, "what-if"
framework.

The project management simulation has the potential to serve as an
on-line forecasting tool. Management would have the ability to
assess cost and schedule forecasts using current distributed
information. Such a forecasting tool would benefit large scale
engineering development, or project-driven organizations.

Project Management, Distributed Simulation, Genetic Algorithms