Title: Ventures of coordinated effort

Authors: Dirk J. Pons

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8020, New Zealand

Abstract: The practice of project management is described by a codified standard, but many projects fail nonetheless. This paper describes a new conceptual approach for project management, using a systems-modelling approach to create a graphical representation. New activities are identified not evident in existing models. The model achieves a three-way integration of theory (proposed causality), process (operational detail), and software tools. It also includes external integration with other models of organisational and individual behaviour, and technical enterprise. From this perspective, it emerges that a project is a venture of coordinated effort to capture an opportunity or avert a threat, within constrained resources (particularly time and cost). The theory is of a conceptual nature, but is shown to be readily extendible to practice, including software. It is primarily contextualised for engineering design, though the principles may be generally applicable. The paper provides an alternative perspective on the important topic of project success.

Keywords: theory; concept; process; systems modelling; project management; new product development; NPD; software tools; constrained resources; resource constraints; engineering design; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2012.048221

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2012 Vol.4 No.3, pp.231 - 255

Received: 01 Apr 2010
Accepted: 14 Nov 2010
Published online: 16 Aug 2014 *

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