What is Scatter Diagram (Plot) in Project Management?

A mastery of scatter diagrams is a must for project managers seeking to interpret data, recognize trends, and prevent any future issues. This knowledge is integral to success on the PMP certification exam.

After inputting the data onto a scatter graph, one can recognize the connection between the hours dedicated to a project and the success it has yielded. The x-axis stands for the allocated time while the y-axis reflects the success rate. 

Through careful inspection of the diagram, one can recognize patterns and use them to determine the amount of effort and resources that need to be allocated to ensure successful outcomes. A scatter plot is an effective tool to display two sets of variables; the former is represented on the x-axis, while the latter is mapped on the y-axis. All data points are indicated on the chart, unveiling the relationship between them. By studying the placements of the points, it is possible to reveal trends between them.

Scatter diagrams are used in the following performance domains;

When to Use?

Scatter diagrams have a variety of benefits in project management, such as being able to pinpoint potential correlations between variables that can be beneficial in making informed decisions or discovering potential problems. As an example, using a scatter diagram can provide an insight into the link between project duration and cost, potentially resulting in finding ways to save money.

It is crucial for project managers to be able to identify peculiar points in the data that could potentially compromise the results of the analysis, which is where scatter diagrams prove useful. Being able to recognize any unusual data points is essential to guarantee that the data is accurate and trustworthy.

Graphically illustrating data through scatter diagrams allows project managers to detect patterns and trends more quickly and easily than simply viewing the data in tabular form. This type of visualization simplifies complicated data, allowing a deeper comprehension of the information.

See also;

Cause and Effect Diagram

Burn Diagrams