Project interdependency mapping

Abstract: To manage project and portfolios it is highly important to take into account the interdependencies that these have with external projects. The outcome of any projects depends, both directly and indirectly, to the performance, timelines and capabilities of other projects and portfolios. To better understand these interdependencies an organization can, make use of a project dependency mapping tool, a method based on network mapping highly used in companies to understand relationships between organizations, employees, and communication flows. This tool creates a visual representation of the interdependencies between projects and helps gather both types of data: quantitative and qualitative. Representing mainly qualitative data in a easy way for everyone to read, analyze and drive conclusions can help drastically to the performance and outcomes of a project in a company. The methodology of visual project mapping is explained in this paper detailing all the steps and resources needed for the tool.

• Context of approach and need for methodology
• Basis of methodology and situations in which it can be used
• Specific implementation for project interdependencies with resources and data required as well as steps to follow
  • Define objective of the methodology
  • Choose type of data that will be gathered and proxies of data collection
  • Collection and analysis of data
  • Results and conclusions
• Examples in which the methodology has been used and relevance to project management
• Pros, cons, and limitations of methodology