What Can We Learn about Projects from Philosophy?

Project results are highly uncertain. Despite various efforts to change that, projects continue to yield mixed results. Perhaps something else is required. Two researchers think so. They propose we go all the way back to our basic understanding of things and processes in
On the Metaphysics of Production, by Lauri Koskela and Mike Kagioglou.

The paper was presented at IGLC-13 in Sydney this summer¹. I've read the paper three times. The authors make a series of claims that taken seriously could lead us in a different direction. For instance,

They say that projects are process. If so, then why continue to deconstruct a project with a WBS? Process is temporal where things — which can be deconstructed — are atemporal.

They say that what we understand as processes include operations and non-value-adding steps. Simply breaking down processes doesn't reveal that waste. Value can't be distinguished separate from an observer who has concerns for a future along with standards that are unique to that observer. Any attempt at eliminating waste independent of the client of the project can't incorporate the basis for making a relevant assessment of value.

The authors summary point is,

"It is not only theories that count, but also the metaphysical assumptions on which our theories are based."

Metaphysics is such an old word. We don't have to concern ourselves with the nature of our being to understand the mistake we've made with projects. We have been distracted when planning and managing projects by the everyday world of things. The key perhaps is to notice the processes that involve the building of relationships, establishing trust, learning from one another, and coordinating action. These processes cannot be understood by the reductionist deterministic model that works so well with things.

As is usual for IGLC papers, the authors do a good job of providing references for their well-argued claims. This is a paper for those of us who are serious about rethinking our approach to delivering projects and are ready to challenge our own way of understanding the world.

1. The International Group for Lean Construction is in its 13th year. Researchers, practitioners, and academics come together each summer some place in the world to share what they have been learning. The papers are peer reviewed to maintain novelty and rigorous presentation. [ ⇑ back ]

Related Posts

• Do-It-Yourself Lean
Toyota seems to be in the press everyday. One writer or expert after another describes why the American automotive i...
 
• Increase Reliability Saying No
Make every "Yes" count, Learn to Say, "No"....
 
• What Are Your New Year’s Lean Resolutions
Ralph Bernstein writing at Lean Insider for Productivity Press posted his proposal for 10 Lean Resolutions for the New...
 
• Project Management Theory
Theory is a word that is used rigorously in some circles and casually in others. It is both appreciated for what it all...
 
• Fernando Flores Addresses IGLC
Aprecedent was set at IGLC-14. We had our first keynote speaker. It was an easy precedent to set. Fernando Flores a...
 

This entry was posted on Monday, November 7th, 2005 at 9:02 pm and is tagged: theory, Language Action Perspective, lean. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed. Convert this post to a PDF document.