Modeling and performance evaluation of collaborative works based on timed colored Petri net

A method for modeling cooperation works using timed colored Petri net (TCPN) is presented. A new coordination policy is proposed, from which the task can be assigned dynamically and the resources can be allocated according to the ability of a member (or a group) and the time required in order to improve the entire cooperation efficiency. The validity and feasibility of the method and policy are verified by the results of system simulation using Design/CPN. The shortage and advantage of this coordination policy against the greedy strategy are analyzed. This coordination policy has been implemented in CooPDesigner that is a profile system of computer supported collaborative works in design (CSCD).