Rethinking Project Management theory: A case for a paradigm shift in the foundational theory of client-side construction project management

Paper

Usher, Greg. 2014. "Rethinking Project Management theory: A case for a paradigm shift in the foundational theory of client-side construction project management." Delivering Benefits and Value: the Australian Institute of Project Management National 2014 Conference. Brisbane, Australia 12 - 15 Oct 2014 Sydney, Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

Rethinking Project Management theory: A case for a paradigm shift in the foundational theory of client-side construction project management

Presentation TypePaper
Authors
AuthorUsher, Greg
Journal or Proceedings TitleDelivering Benefits and Value: Proceedings of the Australian Institute of Project Management National 2014 Conference
ERA Conference ID50294
Number of Pages15
Year2014
Place of PublicationSydney, Australia
ISBN9780646929255
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://27.121.64.140/~mcmc3771/images/files/AIPM14_Handbook.pdf
Conference/EventDelivering Benefits and Value: the Australian Institute of Project Management National 2014 Conference
Australian Institute of Project Management National Conference
Event Details
Delivering Benefits and Value: the Australian Institute of Project Management National 2014 Conference
Event Date
12 to end of 15 Oct 2014
Event Location
Brisbane, Australia
Event Venue
Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre
Event Details
Australian Institute of Project Management National Conference
AIPM National Conference
Abstract

Project management has historically been defined as a subset of production and operations management. This paper assesses production management theory against a comparator body of theory, strategic management, to determine which provides the better theoretical basis for explaining challenges within the field of client-side construction project management.
Using comparative analysis this paper highlights a number of deficiencies in the existing foundational theories of project management and demonstrates how a different body of theory can provide a better theoretical basis for explaining the construction process, the perceived value of the project, and client dissatisfaction.
Based on these findings this paper concludes that the taxonomy used to classify client-side construction project management as production management is based on a narrow view of the profession, and is possibly hindering the development of a body of theory by limiting discussions within pre-defined constraints.

KeywordsProduction management, Project management, Strategic management
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020359999. Other commerce, management, tourism and services not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsSchool of Management and Enterprise
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q33z8/rethinking-project-management-theory-a-case-for-a-paradigm-shift-in-the-foundational-theory-of-client-side-construction-project-management

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