Identifying and managing drift-changes

Article

Usher, Greg and Whitty, Stephen J.. 2017. "Identifying and managing drift-changes." International Journal of Project Management. 35 (4), pp. 586-603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.02.015
Article Title

Identifying and managing drift-changes

ERA Journal ID3498
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsUsher, Greg (Author) and Whitty, Stephen J. (Author)
Journal TitleInternational Journal of Project Management
Journal Citation35 (4), pp. 586-603
Number of Pages18
Year2017
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN0263-7863
1873-4634
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.02.015
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0263786316301582
Abstract

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the project management of unexpected events by exploring a phenomenon which it terms Drift-changes. Drift-changes occur when external influences impact on a project causing it to deliver outcomes that were not originally requested or envisaged by the stakeholders. Using a Grounded Theory methodology, our research finds that Drift-changes are distinct from two previously identified change typologies, Plan-changes and Goal-changes. Our research provides clear criteria for the identification of Drift-changes and demonstrates that Drift-changes should be managed by using a Revision or Re-opening to shift the project to a goal-seeking mode, before establishing new project trajectories and shifting the project back to a goal-oriented mode.

Keywordsdrift-changes; stakeholder satisfaction; unexpected project events; expectation management
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020350799. Strategy, management and organisational behaviour not elsewhere classified
Public Notes

Student Award Winner, USQ Publication Excellence Awards for Journal Articles (April - June 2017). Permanent restricted access to Published version, in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Management and Enterprise
School of Management and Marketing
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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