Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Laura Saukko Author-X-Name-First: Laura Author-X-Name-Last: Saukko Author-Name: Kirsi Aaltonen Author-X-Name-First: Kirsi Author-X-Name-Last: Aaltonen Author-Name: Harri Haapasalo Author-X-Name-First: Harri Author-X-Name-Last: Haapasalo Title: Elements of client capabilities in integrated projects Abstract: The purpose of this study is to elaborate the elements of client capabilities in integrated project deliveries. In particular, the interest is to identify the capabilities through which the client facilitates achieving integration among project partners during the course of the project. A qualitative research method is applied, and data analysis is based on inductive reasoning. The empirical context is industrial engineering projects conducted in a Nordic country. This study presents a framework of the elements of a client's capabilities in complex industrial engineering projects. The framework elaborated in the study summarises ten elements of client capabilities. In addition, five implications of client capabilities in facilitating the achievement of integration are discussed. The elements presented are ones that project practitioners from the client organisation must pay attention to in orchestrating integrated project deliveries. This study enhances the understanding of client capabilities in organising industrial engineering projects. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 395-421 Issue: 4 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: client capability; project capability; relational project delivery; integration; inter-organisational project; project network. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=134963 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:395-421 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ghizlane Elbok Author-X-Name-First: Ghizlane Author-X-Name-Last: Elbok Author-Name: Abdelaziz Berrado Author-X-Name-First: Abdelaziz Author-X-Name-Last: Berrado Title: An integrated framework for diversified project portfolio selection Abstract: This paper presents an integrated category-based project portfolio selection (PPS) framework for multi-project organisations. The purpose of this study is to help mitigate the gap outlined in the PPS literature, with regards the lack of integrated frameworks which recognise different project categories in the PPS approach. We review the literature of existing PPS methods and develop guidelines for using them in a comprehensive approach. Considering the objectives of an effective PPS framework revealed from the literature, we propose an integrated category-based PPS framework and structure it into distinct stages. Some relevant and well-founded techniques are integrated into our framework according to project categories at hand and decision-makers' preferences. Our approach helps build a well-balanced project portfolio, maximise the portfolio value and preserve its consistency with strategic priorities throughout the PPS process. A case study is conducted in the automotive industry to analyse the feasibility and usefulness of our model. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 505-542 Issue: 4 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project portfolio management; project portfolio selection; integrated framework; project categorisation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=134964 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:505-542 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Kristin Weger Author-X-Name-First: Kristin Author-X-Name-Last: Weger Author-Name: Sheri Leder Author-X-Name-First: Sheri Author-X-Name-Last: Leder Author-Name: Bryan Mesmer Author-X-Name-First: Bryan Author-X-Name-Last: Mesmer Title: Eliciting and exploring large-scale group preferences to gain insight into group representation and convergence Abstract: In real-world heterogeneous large-scale group decision-making (LSGDM) problems, reaching a consensus that is supported by all or almost all decision makers (DMs) is crucial. Preferences are important to inform decision-making and aid in projecting decision outcomes when stakeholders are prioritising project activities. This study employed a survey research method to elicit and explore preferences in LSGDM. The researchers used thematic analysis to name and categorise patterns of preference themes across open-ended survey data. Preferences on the individual level were then aggregated with the majority-based strategy to statistically evaluate the specific priorities of the stakeholder groups. With the use of mixed methods, preferences amongst stakeholder groups could be explored. Consensus towards the most visible project concepts and activities as well as diverging preferences on factors such as technical risks and project cost were found. We discuss the importance of preference elicitation and exploration in large-scale projects to inform LSGDM. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 478-504 Issue: 4 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: large-scale projects; large-scale group decision-making; LSGDM; preferences; consensus; exploration; elicitation. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=134966 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:478-504 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Hélène Delerue Author-X-Name-First: Hélène Author-X-Name-Last: Delerue Author-Name: Hélène Sicotte Author-X-Name-First: Hélène Author-X-Name-Last: Sicotte Title: Ongoing performance, resource slack and risk perceptions in projects Abstract: A project may be conceived as a coalition of absorbed and unabsorbed resources that are allocated by the organisation. As such, a project may be subject to constraints in terms of certain resources combined with excesses (i.e., resource slack) in terms of others. This paper builds on the behavioural theory and the prospect theory to understand the role of resource slack in projects by exploring: 1) how distinct bundles of absorbed and unabsorbed slack influence project managers' risk perceptions; 2) how the impact of slack on risk perceptions differs according to ongoing project performance. Hypotheses are tested by regression analysis in a sample of 106 project managers. The results show complex effects of project slack on project managers' risk perceptions. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 451-477 Issue: 4 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: ongoing performance; absorbed resource slack; unabsorbed resource slack; risk perception. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=134967 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:451-477 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Delanyo J. Quayson Author-X-Name-First: Delanyo J. Author-X-Name-Last: Quayson Author-Name: Yakubu A. Olawale Author-X-Name-First: Yakubu A. Author-X-Name-Last: Olawale Title: The importance of auditing as a success factor for oil and gas joint venture projects Abstract: Joint venture (JV) projects stakeholders rely on auditing at various stages to provide assurance on the performance of projects (Oakes andYoung, 2008). However, there is limited research on the importance of auditing to the success of these JVs. This study explored the key roles of auditing in oil and gas JV projects, the stages of the JV lifecycle where auditing is important and their relative importance, the impact of auditing on JV projects and the challenges of auditing JV projects. The study found among others that auditing is not just important but also a critical success factor to oil and gas JV projects. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 422-450 Issue: 4 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project auditing; joint ventures projects; project success; project success factors; oil; gas. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=134968 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:4:p:422-450 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Bijan Jamshid-Nejad Author-X-Name-First: Bijan Author-X-Name-Last: Jamshid-Nejad Author-Name: Samira Alvandi Author-X-Name-First: Samira Author-X-Name-Last: Alvandi Title: On the performance of projects under uncertainty: an agent-based simulation modelling Abstract: This paper investigates the effects of environmental complexity on project performance by means of simulation modelling. There are few works that provide a bottom-up, mechanism-based account of project-environment interactions. Rather, some statistical, top-down models have been developed which fall short of explaining how projects can handle uncertainties. This research is an attempt to fill this gap. The question is how environmental complexity affects project performance. The conceptual model developed for this research comprised of three propositions. The first proposition is about environmental complexity. The results of the model show that the environmental complexity can have positive effects on project performance if project team have required capabilities to learn and adapt. The second proposition is about learning memory. To tackle environmental complexity, the model suggests that shorter memory cycles improve project performance in that projects should give more priority to recent outcomes to offset effects of complexity. Finally, the third proposition is about internal complexity. The results demonstrate that the internal complexity modelled as randomness in the activity times is detrimental to the project performance as the project teams are not able to focus on efficiency and execution. The results have been validated by empirical data from 18 infrastructure projects. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 129-157 Issue: 2 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project management; agent-based simulation; complexity; reinforcement learning; infrastructure projects. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=131673 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:129-157 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nizar Raissi Author-X-Name-First: Nizar Author-X-Name-Last: Raissi Author-Name: Anas Hakeem Author-X-Name-First: Anas Author-X-Name-Last: Hakeem Title: Aligning process-based knowledge management with competencies behaviour: effects of ISO practices Abstract: The aim of this article is to present a reflection on organisational and individual employee behaviour, with its multiple dimensions, before reviewing the advantages and limitations of the knowledge management and process approach alignment. These suggestions will be illustrated and supported by reflections on the particularity of behavioural changes in a particular field, that of ISO certification. Thus, we advanced a research model, making it possible to explain the articulation between the different variables of our study based on the structural equation modelling, which aims to estimate and represent causal relationships between the variables studied. The survey was established among 250 certified companies belonging to the mechanical and electrical industry sector in Tunisia. The findings indicate that companies adopting ISO practices possess a certain organisational maturity, which has enabled them to achieve system performance. As well as employee behaviour defined in this case by sense of self-efficacy and the intention, which are positively correlated with the process approach. A key implication is that the process approach seeking to improve the competencies behaviour based on knowledge management may do well by performing organisational learning, but they can do even better by building perceptions of self-efficacy and intention. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 218-252 Issue: 2 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: ISO certification; process approach; employee behaviour; knowledge management; self-efficacy; intention. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=131674 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:218-252 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Florence Yaa Akyia Ellis Author-X-Name-First: Florence Yaa Akyia Author-X-Name-Last: Ellis Author-Name: Samuel Amos-Abanyie Author-X-Name-First: Samuel Author-X-Name-Last: Amos-Abanyie Author-Name: Titus Ebenezer Kwofie Author-X-Name-First: Titus Ebenezer Author-X-Name-Last: Kwofie Author-Name: Samuel Owusu Afram Author-X-Name-First: Samuel Owusu Author-X-Name-Last: Afram Author-Name: Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa Author-X-Name-First: Clinton Ohis Author-X-Name-Last: Aigbavboa Title: Critical behavioural index for improving collaborative working in projects teams using fuzzy synthetic evaluation Abstract: Understanding the typologies of critical team behaviours that can optimise collaborative working in construction project delivery is lacking in construction management literature. This study uses fuzzy synthetic evaluation from a questionnaire survey to determine the critical behavioural typologies for effective collaborative working in project teams from a behavioural index. The results showed communication behaviours as the most critical followed by proactive behaviours, boundary-spanning behaviours, ethical behaviours, leadership behaviours and managerial behaviours. Given the significance of behaviours in human functioning, the insight given by this study is expected to motivate project teams to adapt, develop and improve on these behaviours towards effective collaborative working. The findings should also be relevant in cognitive behavioural needs and development in complex interdependent teamwork and task functions in project delivery. The index can engender improved team behaviours in collaborative working that is the key to behavioural management in teamwork and organisations. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 184-217 Issue: 2 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: construction project team; collaborative working; team behaviours; human functioning. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=131675 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:184-217 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yesica Author-X-Name-First: Author-X-Name-Last: Yesica Author-Name: Gregorian Jerahmeel Author-X-Name-First: Gregorian Author-X-Name-Last: Jerahmeel Author-Name: Mohammad Ichsan Author-X-Name-First: Mohammad Author-X-Name-Last: Ichsan Author-Name: Maharani Syahratu Kertapati Author-X-Name-First: Maharani Syahratu Author-X-Name-Last: Kertapati Author-Name: R. Brahma Aditya Author-X-Name-First: R. Brahma Author-X-Name-Last: Aditya Author-Name: Adji Pradana Author-X-Name-First: Adji Author-X-Name-Last: Pradana Title: Project management office manager's competences: systematic literature review Abstract: Facing increasingly fierce competition, companies need to manage multiple projects with PMO managers who excel and are successful in each of their projects. The PMO manager plays an essential role in the success of any ongoing project; one of the most important factors supporting the project's success is competence. Given the phenomenon in Indonesia, where projects continue to be active, and the need for PMOs continues to grow, skill development is necessary so that PMO manager can perform their duties effectively. Hence, this study aims to determine what competences are required for a PMO manager. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research methodology by combining the systematic literature review (SLR) method to identify competences for PMO managers, derived from 60 papers, and subject matter experts (SMEs) to classify the competences summarised match the competences with the PMO manager functions. This study found an extraction of 23 competence dimensions grouped into five core competences that can be used to develop a PMO manager's competence framework. It will be further developed as a competence development program in assessment and training. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 253-278 Issue: 2 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: competence; managerial competence; PMO manager; PMO manager competence. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=131676 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:253-278 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Wiem Zaouga Author-X-Name-First: Wiem Author-X-Name-Last: Zaouga Author-Name: Lilia Rejeb Author-X-Name-First: Lilia Author-X-Name-Last: Rejeb Author-Name: Latifa Ben Arfa Rabai Author-X-Name-First: Latifa Ben Arfa Author-X-Name-Last: Rabai Title: Tailoring project management practices for decision making: an in-depth comparative study Abstract: The efforts to successfully complete projects lead to the development of various project management (PM) standards, best practices and guidelines, issued by different organisational bodies. These PM practices, when appropriately implemented, lead to a better project performance. However, studies on how to adopt and adapt such practices according to management needs, remain limited. In this paper, we are going to focus on how to map the project requirements with the suitable PM practices to support the PM decision making. To respond this question, we put forward an in-depth comparative study amongst the well-established PM practices considering a set of features to pick out their challenges, limits as well as their applicability. Through this comparison, we extend the discussion of PM practices features by contrasting them to three distinct categories of requirements which are technical, contextual and behavioural. This analysis allows us to map each category to its corresponding practice(s). Our finding provides comprehensive recommendation guidelines to both practitioners and researchers in order to improve their decision making in line with the project environment. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 158-183 Issue: 2 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project management; PM best practices; PM Standard; PM guideline; recommendation guidelines. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=131677 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:158-183 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Sylva Žáková Talpová Author-X-Name-First: Sylva Žáková Author-X-Name-Last: Talpová Author-Name: Petr Smutný Author-X-Name-First: Petr Author-X-Name-Last: Smutný Author-Name: Jakub Procházka Author-X-Name-First: Jakub Author-X-Name-Last: Procházka Title: Project knowledge sharing mechanisms - an exploratory analysis Abstract: Knowledge is a key asset of companies; therefore knowledge sharing is vitally important. Knowledge sharing is no less important for project-oriented organisations; project team members often come from different departments and knowledge sharing enables them to work more efficiently. Although there is no doubt about the importance of knowledge sharing mechanisms (KSMs) and a number of tools and techniques for project knowledge sharing are available, to the best of our knowledge there is little information on the real use of such tools and factors affecting them. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to empirically examine KSMs in projects, and through the exploratory analysis, to identify possible factors associated with KSMs as well as to outline the key areas where future research might help to improve knowledge sharing in projects. The results of this study shall contribute to better understanding knowledge sharing mechanisms and their functioning in project-oriented companies. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 31-47 Issue: 1 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project knowledge; knowledge sharing mechanisms; project management; knowledge management; project manager; exploratory study; knowledge sharing. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=129373 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:31-47 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Vyron Damasiotis Author-X-Name-First: Vyron Author-X-Name-Last: Damasiotis Author-Name: Panos Fitsilis Author-X-Name-First: Panos Author-X-Name-Last: Fitsilis Title: A complexity scoring model for evaluating complexity of software projects Abstract: This research identifies project factors that contribute to project complexity based on the analysis of ten project management subject areas, and of one subject area which is focusing on software development process factors. Subsequently, a project complexity model based on these factors that can be used for assessing the project complexity is presented. This enables organisations to evaluate projects' complexity at early phases, providing important knowledge that may be used for project selection. The followed approach acknowledges the endogenous character of complexity in projects but instead of trying to identify complexity characteristics in project results, it focuses on the complexity of project management processes. The proposed framework can be used for highlighting the most significant complexity areas acting as an important tool for better, more efficient, and more effective project management. The final step of this research is the validation of the proposed model using case studies. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 48-76 Issue: 1 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project management; project complexity; software project complexity; complexity measurement; software development complexity; management complexity. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=129374 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:48-76 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Pankaj Tiwari Author-X-Name-First: Pankaj Author-X-Name-Last: Tiwari Author-Name: B. Suresha Author-X-Name-First: B. Author-X-Name-Last: Suresha Title: Moderation effect of flexibility in projects on senior management commitment in achieving success in financial services IT projects Abstract: Senior management commitment and flexibility improve project responsiveness to volatile and high-impact scenarios, especially in large projects and programs. The aim of this study is to determine how project flexibility interacts with and affects the relationship between senior management commitment and success in IT projects. A cross-sectional survey of 166 managers was used to derive empirical data from the financial services industry and used to test the conceptual framework based on recent project management literature. Ordinal regression analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between senior management commitment and success in projects which is influenced by significantly positive moderations established through flexibility in projects. The study findings can assist project managers and senior leaders to accomplish their short-term and long-term project goals and achieve success in projects by reducing the chances of failures. This paper adds value to existing research in the context of IT projects and the role of project flexibility on their performance. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 77-98 Issue: 1 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: business success; financial services; IT projects; project flexibility; project performance; project size; project success; risk mitigation; senior management commitment. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=129375 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:77-98 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Lucas Khoza Author-X-Name-First: Lucas Author-X-Name-Last: Khoza Author-Name: Carl Marnewick Author-X-Name-First: Carl Author-X-Name-Last: Marnewick Title: A conceptual framework for scaled agile success Abstract: This article presents a conceptual framework to determine the success of organisations scaled agile endeavours. Different processes and perceived indicators from the three main levels of agile scaling frameworks were studied. The processes were examined to determine whether they contribute in achieving the perceived success indicators. A quantitative research method was employed for data collection and analysis. Pearson's correlations and multiple linear regressions were used to test and construct the final conceptual framework. Key findings revealed that there are processes currently implemented that do not contribute to the achievement of the perceived indicators. Strategy and investment funding is the driving process at the portfolio level, continuous exploration drives the program level while building, testing and deploying of a software product drive the team level. This research contributes to the body of knowledge with regards to scaled agile, specifically on how to measure scaled agile success. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 99-128 Issue: 1 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: scaled agile; agile methods; software project success; SPS; multiple linear regression; MLR; processes; perceived indicators. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=129377 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:99-128 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Anabela Tereso Author-X-Name-First: Anabela Author-X-Name-Last: Tereso Author-Name: Gabriela Fernandes Author-X-Name-First: Gabriela Author-X-Name-Last: Fernandes Author-Name: Madalena Araújo Author-X-Name-First: Madalena Author-X-Name-Last: Araújo Author-Name: Catarina Oliveira Author-X-Name-First: Catarina Author-X-Name-Last: Oliveira Author-Name: Teresa Ruão Author-X-Name-First: Teresa Author-X-Name-Last: Ruão Author-Name: Ana Isabel Lopes Author-X-Name-First: Ana Isabel Author-X-Name-Last: Lopes Author-Name: João Faria Author-X-Name-First: João Author-X-Name-Last: Faria Title: An integrated project management methodology under a social perspective in industrialisation projects Abstract: This paper presents an integrated methodology for managing industrialisation projects combining know-how, abilities, instruments, and project management tools and techniques to fulfil more efficiently and effectively industrialisation requirements. Different research methods were used during an in-depth case study involving seven researchers over three years at an automotive industry company. Firstly, internal documents related to the organisation's specific set of rules for project management were analysed. Secondly, the organisation project managers' activities were observed. Thirdly, unstructured interviews were conducted to assess the organisation's project management awareness and the actual usage of tools and techniques. Finally, workflows were designed to represent the AS-IS model and the proposed TO-BE model. The methodology integrates a social project management approach, with social media tools, to improve communication between the industrialisation project management teams. Social project management is used to smoothly increase the projects' awareness and management within the global social ecosystem of the organisation. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 1-30 Issue: 1 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project management; industrialisation projects; social media; automotive industry. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=129379 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:1:p:1-30 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Elisa Tinoco Author-X-Name-First: Elisa Author-X-Name-Last: Tinoco Author-Name: Rui M. Lima Author-X-Name-First: Rui M. Author-X-Name-Last: Lima Author-Name: Diana Mesquita Author-X-Name-First: Diana Author-X-Name-Last: Mesquita Author-Name: Mariane C. Souza Author-X-Name-First: Mariane C. Author-X-Name-Last: Souza Title: Using scenarios for the development of personal communication competence in project management Abstract: Personal communication is one of the factors having high impact on the success of projects. This work aims studying the usefulness of the application of scenarios for development of personal communication competence. Based on literature review, and considering the professional experience of the researchers, three scenarios were developed and applied. The data collection process was carried out in two moments with 24 participants: during a three-hour training, with observation and a questionnaire to collect the participants' perspective; after the application, through a focus group and narratives. The results suggest that, according to the participants, the scenarios enhance the development of personal communication competence, but also that it may depend on a good conceptual background support, and that learners demonstrate availability and openness to this type of approach. This exploratory study presents scenarios as an innovative approach to increase the knowledge related to the development of personal communication competence in project management. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 307-331 Issue: 3 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: scenario-based learning; SBL; personal communication; project management; competences development. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=132711 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:307-331 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gabriella Haász Author-X-Name-First: Gabriella Author-X-Name-Last: Haász Author-Name: Katalin Czakó Author-X-Name-First: Katalin Author-X-Name-Last: Czakó Author-Name: Zoltán Baracskai Author-X-Name-First: Zoltán Author-X-Name-Last: Baracskai Title: R&D project evaluation at a university with knowledge acquisition and knowledge engineering Abstract: Significant research on R&D project evaluation methods is feasible when we have clear data and conditions for measurement. In university projects, it is unwise to use directly the reference points and practices of industrial or independent labs. As a result, the method and the model introduced in this paper are adapted to find the most informative success factors for engineering R&D projects when the non-professional project manager's experience is the primary source of data. The model was developed using knowledge acquisition (KA), while 21 projects within the same domain were recorded in the knowledge base through semi-structured interviews with experienced project managers during a fine-tuning process. The contribution of this paper is the logical rules and the attributes by which we can understand the project managers' mindset in R&D projects of a higher education institutions. The paper includes an evaluation of the projects as a case study. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 332-350 Issue: 3 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: university laboratories; project evaluation; knowledge acquisition; knowledge engineering; R&D projects. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=132712 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:332-350 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Ahmad Ebrahimi Author-X-Name-First: Ahmad Author-X-Name-Last: Ebrahimi Author-Name: Mohsen Nozohouri Author-X-Name-First: Mohsen Author-X-Name-Last: Nozohouri Author-Name: Rouhollah Khakpour Author-X-Name-First: Rouhollah Author-X-Name-Last: Khakpour Title: Human resource allocation in engineering projects: a stepwise approach using learning curve for predicting the required man-hour Abstract: This paper recommends a stepwise method employing learning curves (LCs) to predict the man-hour for performing activities in engineering projects. It goes beyond existing applications of LCs and debates what specific neglected issues should be included and how they can be predicted through LCs. Focusing on man-hour prediction in engineering projects through LCs is not limited to improving the human resource allocation for performing activities, where, it has significant impacts on the improvement of different issues such as labour costs, quality of engineering services, time management in engineering projects, productivity, and competition capability in tenders. This paper identifies the best-known and widely used LCs in the literature and provides analysis in a real-life engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracting company. Hence, the actual man-hour data for a specified engineering activity is gathered in a number of consecutive projects and analysed to select the best fit LC for prediction. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 351-374 Issue: 3 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: learning curves; engineering projects; log-linear model; human resources; stepwise method. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=132713 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:351-374 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Marvin Opiyo Ambala Author-X-Name-First: Marvin Opiyo Author-X-Name-Last: Ambala Author-Name: Amir Hossein Ghapanchi Author-X-Name-First: Amir Hossein Author-X-Name-Last: Ghapanchi Title: A taxonomy of software technologies for empowering managing projects Abstract: This paper studies software technologies that are offered to empower project managers. A qualitative approach using hermeneutics research method is employed herein. Thematic analysis of data from several software company websites identifies 66 unique software features, categorised into 11 themes. The themes revolve around the management of schedule, communication, governance, finance, resource, risk, tender, collaboration, documents, work and workflow. The paper then draws a link between the themes and their practical application to project management. The paper also identifies opportunities to further this research in studying industry specific software technologies that would provide insights into uniquely available software technologies within those industries. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 279-306 Issue: 3 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: software technologies; software features; software functions; project management; project manager. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=132719 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:279-306 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Jenifer Walsh Robertson Author-X-Name-First: Jenifer Walsh Author-X-Name-Last: Robertson Author-Name: Gregory N. Stock Author-X-Name-First: Gregory N. Author-X-Name-Last: Stock Title: The effects of project management certification and project complexity on project quality in information technology projects: an organisational information processing perspective Abstract: The demand for professionally certified project managers in information technology projects has grown significantly since the mid-1980s, and managers associate certification with project manager competence. However, there is little evidence that certification is related to the project quality. We therefore focus primarily on testing whether there is a positive relationship between project management certification and project quality. We also consider how project quality is related project complexity, and we employ organisational information processing theory to examine contingent relationships between these variables. Our results from a sample of 1,444 information technology projects in an international consulting firm show that contrary to expectations, certification was significantly related to <i>poorer</i> project quality. Complexity, as hypothesised, was negatively related to project quality. What was more surprising was a finding that project management certification amplified the negative relationship between project complexity and project quality. We conclude with a discussion of implications for practitioners and researchers. Journal: Int. J. of Project Organisation and Management Pages: 375-394 Issue: 3 Volume: 15 Year: 2023 Keywords: project management; certification; complexity; project quality; organisational information processing theory; OIPT. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=132722 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijpoma:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:375-394