Using theories to predict contextual applicability of a ...

Using theories to predict contextual applicability of a method; The case of Critical Chain Project Management Maryam Mirzaei, Victoria University of Wellington , Professor. Victoria Mabin, Victoria University of Wellington, Dr. Jim Sheffield, Victoria University of Wellington,

Introduction : Project management offers numerous methods and techniques with little explicit explanation regarding their rationale and context. Some scholars attempt to develop theoretical framework to explain the rationale behind the development of project management methods, while other scholars have used empirical investigations to infer contextual applicability. An integration of both debates have been depicted as “Debates on applicability of methods”. Tow conflicts have been identified in this debate and de-

Purpose: To demonstrate how theoretical assumptions of a method can be used to predict its contextual applicability. Methodology: Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) have been used as a case method. The investigation followed the following steps: 1. 328 Published journal articles and conference proceedings since introduction of CCPM to 2013 were identified using multiple search engines 2. Theoretical papers and papers discussing application to real projects were separated

3. Theoretical papers (187) were analysed to find themes and assumptions around the following concepts: Project, Management, Planning, Execution, and Control 4. Projects characteristics that matches the above assumptions were predicted 5. Papers discussing application of CCPM (141) were then investigated to see the match

Theories and assumptions of Critical Chain Project Management What terms and concepts has been discussed in CCPM theoretical literature in relation to project, management, plan, execution, and control

Subject

Assumptions and theme

Temporary sub-system How CCPM scholars describe

Projects exist to promote urgency Relay race

Scarcity of resources Duration as the ultimate measure. Focuses on the longest chain of activities

projects?

Planning

Weakest link

Mathematical analysis of the plan

40% of published papers used mathematical analysis to prove their point

Critical VS nonCritical

Constraints

We have valid Statistical Information's about task duration

Project manager Priorities and communicate the priority to the team Parkinson’s Law, Murphy’s Law, student syndrome

Control

Urgency, scarcity of resources, clarity of goal these reminds me of :

Theory of temporary organization

Stable schedule

What do CCPM scholar think about Management?

Execution

Relevant theories

CCPM assumes Existence of standards of performance Lets have a thermostat and act only when buffer Consumption is high Inspired by Statistical law of aggregation and recommends project buffer instead of task buffer

Buffer management

looks at the pattern of information and tr ies to stabilize the pr oject by responding to negative feedback, which are buffer consumptions.

Theory of Constraints

connection between the actions of management and outcomes of the organization

Management as planning

Communication theory

Human psychology Thermostat model Common cause variation

Published data on successful application of Critical Chain Project Management in various industries