Howe School’s project management research activity is focused on several directions.
The main direction involves a new framework for project analysis developed by Professor Aaron Shenhar. It is called “Strategic Project Management: How to make Projects the Next Competitive Weapon.” The main idea is to exploit the competitive potential of project management through additional conceptual understanding, comprehensive practices, and wider-based education. This study was awarded a substantial grant from the National Science Foundation. Professors Lechler and Poli are also working in this area.
The second direction is the continuation of previous studies by Professor Shenhar on project management classification systems. At this time, we are looking at new classifications, which will be consistent with the strategic approach to project management. Different systems will help management in project selection, project managers’ selection, project priorities, and project operations. We are also studying different success factors for different types of projects.
The third direction involves large-scale projects (system development) in the defense and aerospace industry in the age of, “Better, Faster, Cheaper.” The conceptual understanding and the lessons learned of such projects are different than from smaller type projects and this research will develop some theoretical insights as well as practical guidelines. Professors Aaron Shenhar and Brian Sauser are working on this project in collaboration with NASA.
The final direction is the study of project processes and the effort put in activities that support project effectiveness versus efficiency. This research is conducted by Professors Aaron Shenhar and Timothy Phelan. The hypothesis is that effectiveness is more important than efficiency and those who focus more on effectiveness will be more successful.
