Multi‐project software engineering analysis using systems thinking
Bengee Lee, James Miller · Software Process Improvement and Practice · 2004
Abstract Software organizations often have multiple projects developed concurrently, the efficient and effective management of human resources in such a situation is essential if an organization is to prosper and flourish. The article argues that to analyze it systematically, we need to explore systems thinking and dynamics. The article then develops a number of systems dynamics models that model human resources and their associated productivity in such a multi‐project environment. However, systems thinking alone lacks the capability to construct a multi‐project scheduling network. Thus, this research also investigates the integration of systems thinking with a multi‐project network constructing method, calledCritical Chain Project Managementto provide a flexible scheduling mechanism. Furthermore, in order to portray unexpected situations, scenario planning is incorporated into the system to allow project managers to explore these situations and their impact on the production processes. This unique architecture allows the project manager to identify the restraining factors in various possible scenarios, to provide feasible managerial solutions and assist with optimal planning in this complex environment. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.