Why Distinctions Matter: What Does Philosophical Analysis Have to Do with Project Management?

Abstract

This article explores the conceptual nature of project management and argues that making distinctions, as seen in the analytic philosophical method, is a powerful tool for optimizing project outcomes. Project management relies on conceptual analysis, and further understanding this form of analysis can help project managers gain a clearer understanding of what an expected project outcome is and how to judge whether the outcome has been achieved.