The analysis of information flow interdependencies within projects

Abstract

Information flow exchange within highly distributed, co-located, self-organising and networked projects is critical for successful planning, and ultimately, for successful infrastructure project delivery. While conventional project scheduling methods are still widely used as project support tools, most lack capacity for harnessing and exploiting both direct and indirect forms of information flow interdependency between activities in these project types. The present study sets out to develop and present a practical method for modelling and analysing information flow interdependencies in infrastructure projects. We propose and apply a five-stage approach, using an integrated form of Network Analysis augmented with fuzzy Cross-impact Matrix Multiplication Analysis. The findings classify project activities based on their dependency levels with other directly and indirectly related project activities. The novel contribution to project management practice is that key information flow interdependencies can thus be identified and then more effectively harnessed due to an enhanced ability to interpret the information with a clearer understanding of originating communication context.

Keywords:

• Fuzzy
• MICMAC
• information flow
• interdependence
• project activities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hamdi Bashir

Hamdi Bashir received his PhD degree from McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management at the University of Sharjah. Prior to joining this university, he held faculty positions at Sultan Qaboos University, University of Alberta, and Concordia University. His research interests are in the areas of project management, manufacturing systems, quality management, and healthcare management. He is a senior member of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).

Udechukwu Ojiako

Udechukwu (Udi) Ojiako is Professor of Engineering Management at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. He currently serves as an Associate Editor of Production Planning & Control. He is also Visiting Professor in Management at the Risk Institute, University of Hull. Udi has held prior academic positions in the UK, South Africa and now the United Arab Emirates. He holds a PhD in Project Management (2005, Northumbria University), a PhD in Business (2015, University of Hull), an LLB in Laws (2017, University of London) and an MPhil in Law (2019, Aberystwyth University). His articles have been accepted and published in journals such as International Journal of Project Management, Project Management Journal and Production Planning & Control.

Alasdair Marshall

Alasdair Marshall is currently Associate Professor in Risk Management in Southampton Business School (University of Southampton) having joined as Lecturer in Risk Management in September 2008. Both his MA (Hons) degree and PhD are in Social Science, from the University of Glasgow. Between 2003 and 2008, Alasdair worked at Glasgow Caledonian University, where he contributed to Risk Management teaching within Caledonian Business School and was involved in a broad range of research and consultancy projects within the Cullen Centre for Risk and Governance. Alasdair has had papers accepted and published in journals such as Il Pensiero Economico Italiano and Journal of Business Ethics. He has a particular interest in risk intelligence.

Maxwell Chipulu

Max Chipulu is an Associate Professor in Management Science at Southampton Business School (University of Southampton). His main interest is in Data Analysis and Application of Multivariate Statistical Modelling. Maxwell holds an MSc and PhD in Management Science and Statistics from Southampton Business School. His articles have been accepted and published in journals such as OR Insight, International Journal of Information Management, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, International Journal of Logistics Management and International Journal of Project Management.

Amer A. Yousif

Amer A. Yousif is a Senior Laboratory Engineering in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management and a Circle Leader in the Office of Sustainability at the University of Sharjah. He hold a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Baghdad. Mr. Yousif’s research interests are in the area of maintenance management, construction management, sustainable built environment, and automation.