Title: Characteristics and techniques of successful high-technology project managers

Authors: Philip Crosby

Addresses: SKA Program Development Office, and International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Curtin University, G.P.O. Box U1987, 6845 Perth, Western Australia

Abstract: Despite a plethora of tools, technology and software, successful management of big science and engineering projects remains problematic, with many imperfect project outcomes. While much research focuses on management processes, characteristics of high-tech mega-project managers themselves are less well explored. What are the personal and professional attributes, skills and exemplar initiatives that are ingredients in project success? In this paper literature from the last 30 years is consulted alongside fieldwork results from several current, large, engineering and science projects in Europe and Australia. In particular, high-tech project manager success traits and initiatives are examined and discussed. Beyond personal traits – some obvious, some not – positive correlations of success are apparent around project and team management attributes, including the use of task forces, information management, a mission assurance mindset, and approaches to project complexity. The role of codified knowledge (the PMBOK® Guide) is examined, and suggestions offered for practical application of the study outcomes.

Keywords: project success; project management; mega-projects; taskforce; project structure; collaboration; trust; urgency; mission assurance; project complexity; high technology; high tech projects; project managers; manager traits; team management; teamwork; information management; codified knowledge.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2012.046325

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2012 Vol.4 No.2, pp.99 - 122

Received: 18 May 2010
Accepted: 31 Aug 2010

Published online: 16 Aug 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article