Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and understand challenges related to transition processes that occur between projects and the permanent organisation, as well as the outcome of such processes. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on an explorative, in‐depth...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve understanding and practice of project management by assessing whether two of its core myths also prevail in international development (ID): first, that project managers (PMs) plan fully for project success, including implementation success and...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how project partners respond to contractually agreed collaboration in an infrastructural megaproject. Problematic performances of megaprojects have shifted away attention from the instrumental towards the interpretative, focusing on daily work...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze the consequences of the diffusion of generic project management knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is conceptual in its nature, using short examples of four different areas (education, research, certification and...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers experienced as “apprentice practitioners” transitioned from a course of project management (PM) education into a project‐centric work place, in order to improve understanding of the limitations of classroom‐based education...

Purpose – The early stages of projects are often characterised by ambiguity arising from differences in stakeholder views regarding project rationale and objectives. The purpose of this paper is to present a viewpoint on how to build a shared understanding of project goals and thus reach a...

Purpose – The purpose of this editorial is to reflect on the growing interest of situated project research. Design/methodology/approach – The editorial is conceptual and relies on published work and the articles included in the special issue. Findings – With this special issue it is found...

Purpose – The general purpose of this paper is to give Sapolsky's classical study of the Polaris Project, written in 1972, the credits it actually earns. In addition, there are two more specific aims: to discuss the role and usage of project management techniques, such as PERT (programme...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the content and contributions of the book by Sayles and Chandler entitled Managing Large Systems: Organizations for the Future. The paper seeks to uncover the elements of the nature and elements of project organizing presented in the book....

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review Cleland and King's Systems Analysis and Project Management, first published in 1968. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a review of the book in its historical context and with relevance to its role in establishing...