Optimization of Human Resources Allocation in Software Engineering Projects with a Multi-Objective Approach

Human Resource Allocation in Software Engineering Projects remains a critical task. The aim of this research is to propose the use of Goal Programming (GP) method to optimize the allocation of human resources and related aspects of it with multiple objectives. A mathematical model with three objectives was created to simulate the human resource allocation scenario in projects based on the data of software developer metrics (relating to Modularity [CII, CE, IEI] and Code Churn [ChurnLGM, ChurnLOC, ChurnSAM] of the Project) as constraints. The model was then solved with two GP approaches, Weighted-Sum and Priority-Based. For comparison, the model was also solved using the Integer Linear Programming (ILP) method. The result indicated both GP approaches manage to optimize the allocation under the constraints and got identical result as ILP for the specified scenario. It managed to optimize up to 62% of the original total manpower available in the reference project. GP is used for multi-objective optimization cases, to find the most balanced result instead of the ideal. Decision-makers may utilize this trait to find apt allocation for future project handling.