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 allows us to do and is scorned for being the opposite of "practical". An interest in Project Management Theory is timely. Our commonsense about projects is not good enough to get projects done successfully every time. People conjecture as to what is wrong, but only good theory — explanations of behavior that allow us to act with confidence — can help.

Unfortunately, project management theory has not been explicit. PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge® makes only a few references to theory. The world of people writing about projects is interested mostly in practice. (Perhaps because readers are interested in practice.) This lens will get you started on your own examination of theory. Let me know what you find.

• The Underlying Theory of Project Management Is Obsolete, by Lauri Koskela, Ph.D. and Gregory Howell, P.E. for PMI's 2002 Research Conference
• Notes on "The Underlying Theory of Project Management Is Obsolete"
• Collection of Postings on Project Management Theory

Popular posts on Project Management Theory from the archives of Reforming Project Management

• What Can We Learn about Projects from Philosophy?
  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.
• Leave Behind Century-Old Management Theory
  We succeed on projects by enabling project performers to adjust to the uncertainties of the world with benefit of full context of the planning on the project.
• Tyranny of Managing as Decision-Making
  It's time we gave up the notion that the head of the organization can control the body.
• Could Occam’s Razor Explain Project Failures?
  He uses Occam's razor to answer the question, "Why do projects fail?" He refers to a series of government
• The Science behind Project Failures
  Missed milestones and scope creep might have more to do with the brain and hormones than you realize.