A visualization-based approach for project portfolio selection

Abstract

We propose a 2-step interactive approach for solving a project portfolio selection problem as a single-criterium optimization problem. Our approach innovates by using two coordinated charts: an interactive project timeline with drag-and-drop functionalities for project reallocation in time; and an interactive cost and risk chart that combines a line chart and several bar charts in order to present multidimensional time-based datasets. These functionalities enable users to refine the model fed into optimization software in order to achieve results that better correspond to their expectations. We discuss the use of our prototype in real scenarios, and present preliminary positive feedback from users.