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The underlying theory of project management is obsolete

Source: www.leanconstruction.org
Topic: Project Management

Sort Desciption: conceded that there is no theory of project management or it reflects the ... a theory of project management. Then we reconstruct the underlying theory of ...

Content Inside: Project Management Institute 2002. Used with permission. 1 The underlying theory of project management is obsolete 1 Lauri Koskela VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Gregory Howell Lean Construction Institute Abstract In prior literature it has been generally seen that there is no explicit theory of project management. We contend that it is possible to precisely point out the underlying theoretical foundation of project management as espoused in the PMBOK Guide by PMI and mostly applied in practice. This foundation can be divided into a theory of project and a theory of management. We link theories to the body of knowledge by comparing prescriptions derived from theory to prescriptions presented in the PMBOK. Secondly we show by a comparison to competing theories and by an analysis of anomalies (deviations from assumptions or outcomes as implied in the body of knowledge) observed in project management practice that this foundation is obsolete and has to be substituted by a wider and more powerful theoretical foundation. Introduction In a recent report on the future of project management and its professionals (Project Management Institute 1999) several global trends such as technological advancements and the accelerated global change were identified in relation to which project management can take a leading role in facilitating and enabling the changes involved. The report also contains in an appendix a concise study on the development of bodies of knowledge in the professions (Fugate & Knapp 1998). One key aspect found is that the development of a body of theory is typical of a well-established profession such as law medicine architecture accounting and nursing. Mastery of theory along with mastery of practical skills of the field is a hallmark of professionals. Indeed according to Fugate and Knapp reliance on the theoretical is the single most important factor distinguishing a profession from a craft. However surprisingly this issue of the ...

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