Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute operations management (OM) practice contingency research by describing the complexity projects. Complexity recognised as a key independent (contingent) variable that impacts on many subsequent decisions in managing Design/methodology/approach This presents systematic review relevant literature and synthesises an integrated framework for assessing complexities Findings comprises five dimensions – structural, uncertainty, dynamics, pace...

There has been much prescriptive work in project management, exemplified various "Bodies of Knowledge". However, experience shows some projects overspending considerably. Recently, systemic modeling research into the behavior large explains oversponds by "systemic" effects and (sometimes counterintuitive) effect management actions. while this is becoming more widely known, embedding lessons project-management practice not straightforward. The current dominant discourse contains implicit...

The importance of the front-end decision-making phase in projects is being increasingly recognized—the need to “do right project” on a par with “doing project right.” This area underrepresented literature, but there are number key themes that run throughout, identifying issues or difficulties during this stage. article looks at some these and includes: for alignment between organizational strategy concept; dealing complexity, particular systemicity interrelatedness within decisions;...

The need to learn from one project the next is clearly of vital importance, but often neglected. Furthermore, there are fundamental issues within projects that inhibit such learning, as temporary nature organizations and complexity projects. This paper surveys diverse literature can help explain these factors learn, describes a large survey managers look at what actual practice how successful it perceived, well some empirical work. From this, number general conclusions drawn create learning...

Traditional knowledge is increasingly recognized as valuable for adaptation to climate change, bringing scientists and indigenous peoples together collaborate exchange knowledge. These partnerships can benefit both researchers through mutual learning generation. Despite these benefits, most descriptions focus on the social contexts of exchange. The implications multiple cultural, legal, risk-benefit governance have been less recognized. failure consider result in promotion benefits while...

Defining “project success” has been of interest for many years, and recent developments combine multiple measurable psychosocial factors that add to this definition. There also research into success factors, but little the causal chains through which emerges. Following multi-dimensionality “success,” article shows how in complex interactions; it describes contributing project performance by a company working on two major construction programs map analyze paths from root causes criteria. The...

This paper investigates how the interface between governance and project management works for public projects. It describes frameworks, analyzes embedded principles, discusses consequences. Based on an initial literature study giving theoretical underpinning, a characterization of frameworks is developed used to investigate three public-investment-project in Norway United Kingdom. gives systematic comparison framework scope, structure, shows differences elements, despite stated purposes...

We consider identification of early warning signs (EWS) in projects. Project professionals are not good at detecting or acting on EWS. Barriers that lead to this identified. The nature EWS and their detection change with the evolving situation. assessments, typically part gateways, useful identifying connected formalities project. As complexity increases, assessments have more limited use, project is increasingly dependent by informal “gut feeling.” Thus, knowledge, experience, communication...

Projects are important to industry. Project manager (PM) competences in project success. Yet, current competence studies largely rely on small-sample, homogenous PM surveys which could suffer from uncontrollable biases and may not be generalizable. Often, the disregard industry specificity. We attempt address these issues by exploring key employers require PMs across multiple sectors. code contents of 2306 online management job advertisements U.K., U.S., Canada, China, India, Hong Kong,...

This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive systematic literature survey on front-end project, commissioned by Project Management Institute. The dedicated is sparse: although has been shown to be critical strategic success this phase lifecycle not well understood. presents concept front-end, and defines temporarily ordered structure generic processes that form ‘front-end’ how these fit together as coherent whole. These start from preliminaries initiative, then project purpose (for...

A contractor to the channel tunnel project instigated litigation claim for costs of disruption and delay. We used several interacting models make case more persuasive, coherent, verifiable. Mixing qualitative modeling (large cognitive maps) with influence system dynamics simulation improved quality claim. Quality, in this case, being that process was understandable client extent it could argue court, every aspect expected be transparent judge, robust defensible management science. Cycling...