3. Simulation. Simulation is described in Section 6.3.2.3.
4. Resource leveling heuristics. Mathematical analysis often produces a preliminary schedule that requires more resources during certain time periods than are available, or requires changes in resource levels that are not manageable. Heuristics such as “allocate scarce resources to critical path activities first” can be applied to develop a schedule that reflects such constraints. Resource leveling often results in a project duration that is longer than the preliminary schedule. This technique is sometimes called the “Resource-based Method,” especially when implemented with computerized optimization.
Resource constrained scheduling is a special case of resource leveling where the heuristic involved is a limitation on the quantity of resources available.
5. Project management software. Project management software is widely used to assist with schedule development. These products automate the calculations of mathematical analysis and resource leveling and thus allow for rapid consideration of many schedule alternatives. They are also widely used to print or display the outputs of schedule development.