Abstract
There are no analytical solutions for the problem of dynamic scheduling of resources for multiple projects in real-
time. Mathematical approaches, like integer programming or network based techniques, cannot describe complexity of real problems (multi-projects environments have many interrelated
elements), and have difficulties to adapt the analysis to dynamics changes. However, this complex problem can be modeled as a multi-agent system, where agents negotiate resources through an
auction inspired mechanism. Agents can be used to represent projects and resources. Projects demand resources for fulfilling their scheduled planned work, whereas resources offer their
capabilities and workforce. An auction inspired mechanism is used to allocate resources to projects and the price of resources emerges and changes over time depending on supply and demand levels in each time slot. By means of this multi-agent system, it is possible to overcome most of the problems faced in multi-project scheduling such as changes in resources capabilities, allocation
flexibility, changes in project strategic importance, etc.
Keywords—agent-based modelling; agent-based simulation; multi-project environments; auction based resources allocation; project scheduling.