Project vulnerability analysis: A topological approach

Abstract

In this article, project vulnerability is examined from a structural perspective using complex network theory. Based on its topological structure and specific features, the project is first abstracted as a weighted directed network, after which network metrics are adapted to assess the project vulnerability and identify the tasks and task dependencies that are critical to the function of projects. Correlation analyses are then conducted to explore the possible associations between the project’s structural properties and its vulnerability. It was found that (1) network metrics are effective in assessing project vulnerability and identifying critical tasks and task dependencies; and (2) network centrality measures can be used to predict the most vulnerable project components. The in-depth analysis of project vulnerability can assist in exposing a project’s inherent weaknesses, enhance proactive risk management, and improve overall project performance.

Keywords:

• Complex network theory
• proactive risk management
• projects
• vulnerability analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [71672145, 71802003, 71702149, and 71402142] and the Provincial Natural Sciences Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi, China [2017JQ7011 and 2018JM7002].