Abstract
Projects are and have always been complex.
However, complexity is hardly managed
or influenced. This paper discusses
the concept of patterns of complexity, the
minimal manageable "space" of complexity.
In order to appraise this pattern, complexity
was grouped in three types: faith,
fact, and interaction. Based on this typology,
10 characteristics typically involved
in projects were defined. This resulting
pattern was quantitatively and qualitatively
tested with eight projects through
the perspective of the project manager.
Based on these results, the set of characteristics,
as welt as the method used to
assess its intensity, is discussed. The
results show that the pattern of complexity
embraces relevant characteristics to
support the situated management of projects,
maintaining the holistic and strategic
view of projects. The predominant type of complexity perceived by project
managers was the complexity of interaction.
This highlights the importance of
coordination in projects. However, the
coexistence of these three complexities
was a constant in projects.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Project Management Journal |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Pages (from-to) | 32-43 |
| ISSN | 8756-9728 |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Complexity
- Uncertainty
- Project Management