Pentagon Tri-Wheel Model (PTW): A New Project Management Model Based on Complexity Theory

Abstract

Construction project management (PM) is to ensure the successful delivery of construction projects, and in turn bring benefits to stakeholders. Nonetheless, achieving project success is not an easy task in the construction sector in particular when contemporary projects become more complex, larger, include more variety, face more uncertainty, and have tougher objectives. Various PM models have been introduced while none of them is the panacea to deal with the increasing complexity of construction organizations and projects. This research suggests a Pentagon Tri-Wheel Model (PTW) which builds its foundation on the complexity theory and aims to make sense of the complexity of modern PM. A marriage of critical thinking on existing PM research and practical experience gives birth to the PTW. The model was further demonstrated and validated by conducting a case study on the Hong Kong Disneyland Theme Park. The result of this study suggested that the PTW accommodates the complexity of construction and many problems of contemporary PM can be settled by this new PM model.