Activity Gazer: A multi-dimensional visual representation of project performance

• A novel visual representation for project performance monitoring is proposed.
• Activity Gazer applies the principle of management-by-exception.
• Activity Gazer applies earned value management for performance monitoring.
• Activity Gazer relies on a series of metaphors to represent performance information.
• Expert feedback showed receptiveness to Activity Gazer's visualization approach.

Project failure often arises from a flawed or delayed perception regarding the discrepancies between planned and actual performance; for this reason, project managers constantly seek better methods of capturing, processing, and presenting the complexity of multi-dimensional project data. Visual representations provide a useful means of monitoring key aspects of project performance, thus enabling project managers to better execute their duties. This paper introduces the conceptual framework for, and a prototype implementation of, Activity Gazer, a novel paradigm that renders project monitoring and control data in an intuitive visual environment. Activity Gazer applies the concept of earned value management, among other metrics, to provide performance information regarding schedule, cost, quality, and safety at the activity level. This information visualization tool facilitates management-by-exception and improves the effectiveness and efficiency of project managers for large-scale construction projects.