Graph-Based Analysis of Resource Dependencies in Project Networks

Abstract

It is a challenge to visualize high dimensional data such as project data to yield new and interesting types of insights. To address this, we augment the traditional PERT network diagram with additional nodes that represent resources, and with arcs from the resource nodes to the activities that use those resources. Subsequently, we apply various graph layout algorithms that can reveal the hidden patterns in the graph data. Finally, we also map various attributes of the activities to the features of activity nodes. We illustrate the applicability and usefulness of our methodology through two case studies, where we visualize data from a benchmark data library and from the real world.