An integrated framework for multi-project planning and control.

The area of project management has been the focus of intensive research for the last three decades. There are a number of studies which have focused on multi-project management, but very few have tackled the need for a tracking system to control and monitor the project in an integrated environment. Some of these studies have covered the multi-project management from the contractor's perspective; or they have tackled one or two of its aspects, such as priority selection, resource allocation, or risk management. The researcher has attempted to show the need for multi-project management systems in which an integrated framework for multi-project planning and control tracking systems (from the owner's perspective rather than the contractors' perspective) is developed; to planning and control under conditions of uncertainty and change. Analytical hierarchy process, mathematical modelling and computer simulation techniques are applied to develop the proposed framework. In multi-project management, each project has its own objective(s) that should be optimised. The analytical hierarchy process is applied to prioritise projects that are received from the applicant accordingly; so that decisions can be made on which project(s) should be launched first. The Mathematical modelling is another method used to solve complex problems, when many projects are running simultaneously. Goal programming is used to minimise the cost and manpower required in a multi-project environment which is usually subject to different constraints. Then simulation is used to manage and control the risk expected in running these projects. In addition, simulation allows project managers to obtain a wide spectrum system on the effects of local changes on the project.