In this paper, we propose a problem-solving tool referred to as ‘Project Advancement (PA)’. The focal point
of PA is to aid managers to: (1) identify the problem-solving situation correctly with which they are faced and
(2) build an effective resource-planning model to minimize their disappointment and frustration. PA suggests a
specific seven-step list to realize such a focal point. In order to help readers to understand PA comprehensively,
this paper utilizes a simple scenario referring to the case of air transportation between Taiwan and China. We
explain how to apply PA to solving a multi-air-route, quality-improvement, and budget-allocation problem
through step-by-step deduction. This paper then suggests the extra supplement and the contribution of ‘PA’.
Journal of the Operational Research Society (2007) 58, 1008–1020. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602244
Published online 19 July 2006