arrow
Return

Clarifying the project complexity construct: Past, present and future

delete2016-10-01
delete200
PRE
AI
J
Javad Bakhshi *
A
Alex Gorod
DOI:10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.06.002delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The research explores the historical development of project complexity. Projects are becoming more complex due to unexpected emergent behaviour and characteristics. Complexity has become an inseparable aspect of systems and also one of the important factors in the failure of projects. While much has been written about project complexity, there is still a lack of understanding of what constitutes project complexity. This research includes a systematic literature review to demonstrate the current understanding of commonalities and differences in the existing research. This was achieved by examining more than 420 published research papers, drawn from an original group of approximately 10,000, based on citations during the period of 1990-2015. As a result of this exploration, an integrative systemic framework is presented to demonstrate understanding of project complexity. It was found that there are three primary and distinctive models of project complexity, the Project Management Institute view, the System of Systems view and the view developed from the analysis of citations of research papers, which is called the Complexity Theories view. Further testing is required on a range of complex projects in order to attempt to reconcile these views. Crown Copyright (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. APM and IPMA. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
Project complexity
Complex projects
System of systems
Systematic review
Complexity theories
Histogram analysis
AI Summary

AI Summary

Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.

Journal

International Journal of Project Management cover
International Journal of Project Management
IF:
7.5
Papers:
2.6K
Citations:
1.2W

Organization

U
University of Adelaide
Scholars:
2.3W
Papers: 2.4W
Citations: 4.2W