2,356 research outputs found
From duality to dualism in complex project organizing:structuration and morphogenetic theory
No full textResearch on complex information systems projects (CISP) has relied heavily on Giddens’ structuration theory. We argue that this reliance on structuration theory hampers the further development of research on CISP because it incorporates the temporal conflation of the synchronic and diachronic dimensions of social analysis that lies at the heart of structuration theory. The result is that it is difficult to analyse the different temporal rhythms of the development of the social and the material over time which become temporally “fused” by being analysed within the same conceptual time-frame. We propose to advance CISP research by drawing on the morphogenetic critique of structuration theory so that they are retained in a temporal dualism, rather than conflated in a temporal duality. This allows the differing temporal rhythms of the social and the material to be analysed both separately and jointly
Uncertainty
No full textThe principal questions of investment appraisal are what to build where and how much to spend. Answering these questions within the expected utility paradigm of risk and uncertainty has led to the development of the risk management industry with a sophisticated toolbox at its disposal. Yet these tools have been found wanting in investment appraisal where projects continually overrun their schedules and budgets, and fail to deliver the expected outcomes. This chapter will emphasize the fundamental importance of uncertainty in complex project organizing, rather than risk. We first discuss the genesis of the expected utility paradigm before identifying some of its weaknesses. We then discuss the cognitive perspective derived from the work of Knight and Keynes and its rather different definition of uncertainty, and attempt to assess whether these can provide the basis for a different approach to investment appraisal appropriate for addressing the grand challenges of the 21st century
Projectivity
No full textHow do organizations think about the future? Remarkably, this question has received little explicit attention in complex project organizing research, yet projects are fundamentally about achieving desired future states. We first identify the micro-foundations of project shaping as the cognitive process of future-perfect-thinking and the dialogic process of projecting. We then show how project narratives link these micro-foundations to the socio-economic process of projecting which thereby achieves this desired future perfect state. Finally, we discuss how these processes have led to the growing projectification of organizations and the economy, and how important they are in meeting the grand challenges that our societies presently face such as achieving net zero
Introduction to the Research Handbook on Complex Project Organizing
No full textWe argue that research in complex project organizing (CPO) is central to addressing the grand challenges that society faces in terms of both sustainable development and the implementation of fourth industrial revolution technologies. From a review of the development of CPO research across three streams of projects-as-coordination, projects-as-systems, and projects-as-contracts we show how this book supports the further development of CPO research to address these challenges. We first introduce the core concepts of CPO research (uncertainty, complexity, temporality, projectivity) before we present a range of 11 theoretical perspectives that have enriched research in the field across nominalist or realist ontologies, and agency or structure foci. We then turn to research on specific aspects of CPO research ranging from megaprojects to value across 15 topics. We close by exploring the implications of the new digital technologies for CPO research and the prospects for Project Organizing 4.0 in 7 chapters
Projects as Vectors of Change: A Transition Toward Net-Zero Sociotechnical Systems
Full text linkProjects are essential for the net-zero transition, yet the project studies literature largely ignores net-zero transition and net-zero projects. We argue that projects are vectors of change enabling the transition toward net-zero sociotechnical systems. Leveraging a systematic literature review, we identify four types of net-zero projects: (1) new assets; (2) upgrade assets; (3) behavioral intervention; and (4) Research, Development, and Demonstration (RDD). We present how “net-zero projects” can enable the transition of sociotechnical systems toward net-zero, reducing emission intensity or quantity. Finally, we underline the heterogeneity of net-zero projects in terms of complexity, barriers, benefits realization time span, and complementarities.</p
Towards a theory of construction as production by projects
No full textThis paper responds to the invitation to debate the theory of production in construction from the advocates of lean construction. In particular, it is a response to Koskela and Ballard's critiques of the theory of project management represented in the Project Management Institute's (PMI) PMBoK, and the 'economics-based approach to construction project management presented by Winch. The paper reviews the theoretical and practical contributions of lean construction before addressing the specific criticisms made. It then suggests that lean construction theory has its own limitations and requires further development in the areas of the definition of process, the concept of organization, the theorization of risk and uncertainty, and its unitary concept of value
Project narratives: Directions for research
Full text linkThis Research Handbook provides a cutting-edge review of complex project organizing (CPO), and suggests fruitful avenues for future research with a focus on grand challenges and a sustainable future.
Split into four sections, this Research Handbook addresses transitions within the field of CPO that could, and should, take place to achieve our shared aspirations for a better future. Featuring a team of contributors that is both interdisciplinary and geographically widespread, chapters provide a clarification of core concepts of complex project organizing, comprehensive coverage of leading theoretical perspectives for CPO, as well as a discussion of key empirical research themes. In particular, special attention is given to the implications of Industry 4.0 for complex project organizing.
The Research Handbook on Complex Project Organizing develops a guiding path to help academics – both established and early career – and research students in the fields of business leadership, operations management, and knowledge management navigate through these important topics, and envision how to respond to the grand challenges we all face
Megaprojects: XL challenges in project organizing
No full textThis chapter discusses the challenges of organizing megaprojects. Due to their scale, large number of subcontractors, enormous budgets, technological complexity, risks, high societal impact, and laborious collaboration between public and private partners this type of projects is challenging in its organizing. Given these characteristics, four key challenges will be discussed in this chapter; (a) the performance of megaprojects, (b) collaboration between public and private partners, (c) cross-cultural collaboration in global megaprojects, and (d) leading megaprojects. The theoretical and practical implications of each of these four challenges are discussed by presenting how researchers have dealt with these issues so far
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