The project management abilities of an organization are rapidly becoming one of its most important competitive differentiators, and crucial for the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of its operations. Business surveys provide evidence of a growing awareness of this among senior executives. However, conventional approaches to project management which focused on delivering projects against time, cost and scope parameters are inadequate in the new context; major changes in approaches to project management are needed which have far-reaching implications not only for this area of work but for stakeholders throughout organizations.

This paper draws on a comprehensive review of the recent project management literature to discuss the main developments and drivers of change in project management, as well as the challenges facing the profession and the progress being to adapt to the new demands on project management. We argue that successfully transforming project management requires an art and science based approach which acknowledges the increasing importance of “soft”, people-related skills as well as formal knowledge and expertise in the types of tools and techniques needed in project management today.

Link to White Paper here