Critical Review of Social Network Analysis Applications in Complex Project Management

Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a significant tool for analyzing networks in complex project management that examines the actors’ interdependence in iterative and interactive social structures. It can also be used for non-social structure analysis. The potential of SNA could be extended significantly if its application to complex project management could be clarified. The objectives of the present review are threefold: (1) to clarify the interpretation of SNA metrics; (2) to identify its applications to complex project management knowledge areas; and (3) to reveal its uses in the non-social structures of complex networks. The authors conducted a qualitative systematic review based on 65 peerreviewed publications to identify 38 SNA metrics and concepts in nine complex project management knowledge areas. The findings show that SNA is a useful tool for application to the analysis of non-human resource networks and can be used for strategic planning and the improvement of project transmission efficiency and interdisciplinary interactions. The authors also delineated the future studies and the potential applications of SNA to provide new insights into advancing the use of SNA for analyzing and mitigating complex project management issues.

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