Data Analytics in managing projects

Abstract

In today’s society project work gains traction across many industries. As projects are characterised by novelty and uncertainty, emerging digital technologies are promising solutions that can improve their performance and help them deliver their full benefits. Amidst this digitisation, digital technologies such as data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) attempt to streamline the large amount of data generated. However, this critical information is only partially leveraged during and after projects to date. Project data are generated, collected and analysed across all stages of project management and project delivery. In this chapter, we will first conceptualise the relation between projects, information and data, then discuss key application areas of data analytics in projects, for instance in scheduling and costing. Next, we will present the state-of-the-art in applications, means and tools of data analytics in key areas of project management. Finally, we will set out challenges and future opportunities around project data analytics and especially with regards to leadership, teamwork and talent management.