Our Objectives

The main objectives of this research projects are the following:

• To design and implement a post processing optimizer for VDT using evolutionary techniques such as genetic algorithms and genetic programming to generate the optimal or near optimal project design. In the initial stage, the prototype postprocessor is a stand alone program, which communicates with the VDT model. Eventually, I am planning to make the GP optimizer an integral part of the VDT framework.
• To validate the postprocessor by demonstrating the usefulness of the optimizer for project managers and by showing that the results obtained by GP are in-line with what has already been predicted by organizational “contingency” theories.  

The research questions that we attempt to investigate are:

• How well can GP help a highly experienced manager in designing a project organization?
• How close are the “optimal” solutions found by GP to the predictions of organization theory and management best practices?
• What are the limits of GA/GP for organization design?