Title: Multi-objective multi-customer project network: visualising interdependencies and influences

Authors: Frank Stumpe; Polinpapilinho F. Katina

Addresses: KBC Group N.V., EgideWalschaertsstraat 3, B-2800 Mechelen, Belgium ' Informatics and Engineering Systems, University of South Carolina Upstate, 800 University Way, Media Bldg., 211, Spartanburg, SC 29303, USA

Abstract: Project management methods involve elements planning, organising and managing the effort to accomplish successful projects. Such activities produce specific outputs. However, there is a lack of model visually describing project level interdependencies and influences in portfolios. The aim of this paper was to extend previous research (Stumpe and Katina, 2017) by developing a visualisation approach for dependencies in a multi-objective multi-customer project. Using a network analysis tool, 'NodeXL' different nodes and project node-node dependencies are developed based a case study. The rules for developing a network are the basis for the model. After model construction, which involves key performance indicators as well as internal and external disturbances, a case study involving over 1,000 projects is analysed. We found that soft and hardlinks in the project can be explained using meme theory. Finally, the research concludes with research implications as well as potential research directions.

Keywords: complex system governance; hard-linked dependency; key performance indicators; multi-objective project; NodeXL; project network; project portfolio; system modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSE.2019.100338

International Journal of System of Systems Engineering, 2019 Vol.9 No.2, pp.139 - 166

Received: 13 Nov 2018
Accepted: 09 Dec 2018
Published online: 26 Jun 2019 *

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