Organizational Project Research Articles

Future‐Making Power: A Study of Competing Imagined Futures in Healthcare

AbstractThis paper presents a conceptual model of strategies of power in future‐making, informed by a case study in the healthcare sector. In zooming out from investigating the future‐making activities of an organizational innovation project team and tracing competing imagined futures enacted by medical professionals and strategic management, this study explains how and why the project struggled to realize its mandate. In this case, we identify three strategies of power, namely mobilization, discipline and discretion, and discuss their potential controversies and combinations. Moreover, we contribute to theories on discretionary power, demonstrating how it is produced by combining interdiscursivity with management control and nondecision. Strategies of discretion are productive in the realm of future‐making, particularly in exploiting forces of discipline and mobilization to enable parallel imagined futures to be created and maintained over time. On the downside, this may keep competing imagined futures hostage, potentially serving non‐transparent agendas.

M. Gorky's Magazine “Literary Studies” as a School for Beginning Authors (1930–1931)

The article examines the history of the journal “Literary Studies” in the period from 1930 to 1931: this is the stage of formation of a periodical aimed at novice writers. In the process of creating the magazine, Gorky proved himself to be an educator and mentor of Soviet literature personnel. Working with novice/young authors was a matter of national importance for the writer. In 1929, the leaders of the LAPP turned to the writer for help, asking him to support their initiative to publish a magazine to help young writers. Gorky not only supported, but also responded with the article “The working class must educate its masters of culture”. In the summer of 1929, Leningrad writers A. Kamegulov, Y. Libedinsky and others began organizational work on the creation of the magazine. Gorky at the initial stage vigorously supported the initiative of the youth. After solving organizational and other issues, the writer headed the editorial board of the magazine and remained in office until 1936. Gorky participated in the journal not only as an organizer, but also as an author of articles, a reviewer of works by novice authors. In March 1930 The first issue of the journal “Literary Studies: A magazine for self-education edited by Gorky” has been published. This period in the history of the periodical was characterized not only by the search for one's own face, but also by the selection of authors who can convey to their readers in an accessible form the necessary provisions and principles of literary work. The magazine was not spared the literary and political struggles of 1930. Disputes arose in the editorial board between representatives of Litfront and RAPP, which affected the situation in the editorial office and the work of the magazine. The result was the reorganization of the magazine initiated by Gorky. For the first time, the article publishes archival documents from the Archive of A.M. Gorky (Moscow, IMLI RAS), revealing individual episodes of the history of the journal. The thematic richness revealed during the work on the article helped to establish the assumption that the study of the history of Gorky's organizational projects is one of the most important strategic tasks in the study of the literary process of the twentieth century.

Contradictions and possibilities for change: Exploring stakeholder perspectives of Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) and their connection to a future for global health.

Increasing global inequities have led to ongoing critiques of both the historical roots and current practices in global health. From this literature, questions have emerged about the future of global health and Canada's role in this future. However, there is little research exploring the role of Canadian policy for global health funding and the experience of stakeholders that currently implement projects with Canadian funding. This study explores stakeholder perspectives of how Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) influences adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) projects and how these perspectives align with calls for change in global health as proposed by Chidwick et al. in the conceptual framework for an imagined future for global health. This study was conducted from February to May 2023 through eight interviews with key informants who were working on ASRH projects, funded through Global Affairs Canada. The study approach included stakeholder analysis and qualitative description. Results highlight the role of Canadian organizations in ASRH projects, importance of partnerships, influence of the FIAP, operational and contextual tensions that arise from implementing FIAP values in ASRH projects outside of Canada, along with stakeholder views on moving forward in global health policy and practice. Findings indicate that the language of the FIAP is aligned with calls for change in global health although there is opportunity for further action towards operationalizing this change. Specifically, findings highlight opportunity to create more flexible funding processes, expand monitoring and evaluation approaches to better include feminist approaches, promote rights-based and dignity-based practices in ASRH, and increase timelines to facilitate greater consultation and partnership building with communities. In conclusion, the FIAP creates an impactful foundation for change towards equity and justice in ASRH projects, although Canadian funding structures and processes need to continue to re-imagine how they support organizations to action these changes.

Technologies for promoting staff's mental health and well-being in conditions of war: implementation levels, forms and phases

Introduction. An important factor in promoting staff's mental health and well-being in conditions of war is a system of psychological technologies that can be used both in a single organization and in a number of interacting organizations in a community, industry, etc. This problem has been poorly studied in Ukrainian psychology. Aim: to determine the levels, forms and phases of technologies for promoting staff's mental health and well-being in conditions of war. Methods: study and systematization of relevant literature, theoretical analysis of the problem, the author's personal experience as a coach and counselor. Results. The psychological technologies for promoting staff's mental health and well-being in conditions of war have a macro-level (industry level), meso-level (organizational and community level), and micro-level (staff level). The technology forms included online all-Ukrainian webinars, off- and online scientific and practical forums, off- and online trainings in organizations and institutes of postgraduate education, Healthy organization programs, community members and staff organizational, psychological and social support projects, counseling and psychotherapeutic sessions, as well as individual projects. The author also analyzed the introductory, main, and final phases of the program Technologies for promoting staff's mental health and well-being in conditions of war. Conclusions. The technologies for promoting staff's mental health and well-being in conditions of war can be used by psychologists and counselors, new technology developers, and can also promote managers’ understanding of the role of staff’s mental health in organization’s efficiency.

When project outcomes matter: Organizational integration in managing long-term target benefits

We build on the research on managing long-term benefits by focusing on the management of outcomes during project execution through the theoretical lens of organizational integration research. Our research question is as follows: How can organizations arrange integration among organizational levels, functions, and projects to ensure the effective development of project outcomes and long-term target benefits? To address this question, we conducted a single case study with the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) and four defense system projects as embedded cases. Our study provides new knowledge on project benefits management in three distinct areas: the integration mechanisms connecting projects, executives, and functions throughout project execution; effective information processing mechanisms for managing the development of outcomes; and the rhythmic initiation of new projects based on improved knowledge from ongoing projects. Based on our findings, we develop a model that covers project-to-organization, organization-to-project, and project-to-project interactions.

Space in project organising: Insights from planning within and between construction projects

Projects are discussed as social processes that are bounded in both time and space. Elaborating on space is still scarce in studies on project organising. The aim in this paper is to explore space influence on project planning, to extend our understanding of the relationship between space and project organising. Through two illustrative examples, construction project planning practices were followed within and between projects as the actors sought to handle space. Contribution develops current understanding of how projects are embedded in space and its influence on project planning practices, by shedding light on the recursive relationship between space and project organising. Furthermore, to trace planning practice both within a project and between parallel projects visualise how a broader perspective of the embeddedness is necessary. The findings nuance the current understanding of project's embeddedness, by visualising how planning practices can be directed to both changing space or to maintain space by changing practices.

Reshaping Knowledge Flow: The Impact of Ecollaboration Platforms in It-Project Knowledge Transfer

This research embarks on an in-depth exploration of the transformative dynamics initiated by eCollaboration platforms in the field of IT project management, with a particular focus on knowledge transfer processes. The study delves into the intricacies of knowledge transfer, encompassing both its intra-project dynamics and its transfer from projects to project-based organisations (PBOs). The overall aim is to unravel the impact of eCollaboration platforms on this complex process and to provide insights into the evolving landscape of knowledge management in the context of IT projects. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative content analysis approach. Recognising the paradigmatic aspects that might limit insights for proponents of the quantitative paradigm, the chosen approach facilitates an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted nature of knowledge transfer within IT project management. The study involves a cohort of eleven project managers in Austria, with meticulous interviews conducted and recorded to ensure a comprehensive data collection process. The subsequent data analysis involves a systematic evaluation of the accumulated information derived from these expert interviews. This comprehensive analysis integrates both quantitative and qualitative components, providing a nuanced understanding of how eCollaboration platforms influence knowledge transfer within the complex landscape of IT projects. The research findings provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of knowledge transfer in the context of IT project management. By examining the impact of eCollaboration platforms on this process, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise in the area of knowledge management in IT projects. These findings have practical implications for project managers and organisations seeking to optimise knowledge transfer processes within their projects and project-based organisations. Ultimately, this research serves as a timely exploration of the transformative potential of eCollaboration platforms to reshape the flow of knowledge within IT project management. It paves the way for improved collaboration and knowledge sharing in the digital age and offers a critical perspective on the evolving landscape of IT project management practices.

Examining the Relationship Between Project Complexity and Project Success: The Moderating Role of Project Management Competencies in Ghana’s Construction Sector

ABSTRACT This study seeks to examine the relationship between project complexity and project success in construction projects in Ghana while assessing the moderating role of project management competencies (PMC). Using a quantitative cross-section research design, data was collected from 141 respondents in organizations that undertake construction projects in Ghana. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS (v.23.0) and Smart PLS 3.0. The results established a negative relationship between Technological, Organizational, and Environmental complexity and project success. Technological complexity was seen as the dimension of complexity that significantly affects the success outcomes of projects. PMC’s moderating influence was insignificant. The findings suggest that, for projects to have an increased success rate, organizations must thoroughly investigate the kind of project complexity expected to be present in the project, and this will inform decisions on the caliber of skills/competencies needed for a successful execution of the project.

Struggling with strategizing in public client organisations: Managing strategic projects in inter-organisational contexts

The efficiency of using strategic projects to accelerate long-term change is questioned, especially in inter-organisational contexts. Strategic projects operationalised in inter-organisational contexts are decoupled from the parent – permanent – organisation, creating a need for project actors to manage in-between. The aim of this paper is to increase the understanding of practices for managing strategic projects in inter-organisational contexts, initiated by public client organisations. Applying a practice perspective, this paper presents a case study exploring a strategic project to test collaborative contracting in road maintenance contracts for a public infrastructure client in Sweden. The findings revealed a lack of structure regarding both participation and responsibilities, as well as uncertainties and ambiguities with respect to the goal of the strategic change. The study shows how strategic practices move from central units at the permanent organisational level to the contract level where the strategic project is operationalised and tested, isolating the project and making project actors act as middle managers in-between the project and parent organisation. Thus, the study contributes with a discussion on the efficiency of strategizing through projects in public organisations, especially those operating in a network of suppliers through outsourcing.

Retracted: Do Specialised Geriatric Wards Improve Patient Outcomes

Abstract Background Older adults demonstrate a unique set of needs in an acute healthcare setting. Admissions increase risk of hospital acquired disability including delirium, infections and functional decline with heightened risk of institutionalisation. As per national guidelines, acute hospital care of older patients should be carried out on a specialised geriatric ward (SGW). This aligns with Slainte cares “right care, right time, right place”. An organisational change project was implemented to set up an SGW in a tertiary centre. Assessment and documentation of delirium along with length of stay (LOS) were assessed as a surrogate marker for improvement in patient outcomes. Methods A retrospective assessment of patient demographics, LOS and delirium documentation for a 3-month period in 2023 was reviewed and compared to the same 3-month period in 2024 post inception of the SGW as part of a service development project. Results Mean age was 83 in both groups. 11% (18/157) pre SGW and 30% (40/134) post had dementia. 91% (122/134) had a collateral history and CGA during their stay on the SGW compared to 78% (123/157). 89% (119/134) had a 4AT documented at any point in the admission post SGW compared with 16% (26/157) previously. 80% (107/157) had a 4AT documented by nursing compared with 0% prior. It was estimated that there were 1,514 bed-days saved. Conclusion The implementation of a novel SGW is a complex service development project that utilised organisational development and had a focus on the people underpinning the project at all levels in planning for success. A significant improvement was seen in delirium recognition and documentation using the 4AT at all levels. The most significant improvement was seen in nursing documentation of the 4AT. A significant improvement in “bed days” and patient LOS was observed. This project serves as the business case for further development and sustainability of our SGW.

Multilateral analysis of stakeholder integration, project complexity and project performance on information technology (IT) projects

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the influence of stakeholder integration and project complexity on information technology (IT) projects in Kenya. The following research question guided our inquiry: what is the influence of project complexity and stakeholder integration on the performance of IT projects in Kenya?Design/methodology/approachTo advance the current understanding of the effect of stakeholder integration and project complexity on IT projects, multiple regressions were used to predict how project complexity and stakeholder integration influence project performance. Both government-funded and privately funded IT projects from a developing country were examined.FindingsThe study found that any project’s complexity and stakeholder integration levels offer a distinctive contribution to its success. Theoretically, the study contributes to linkages between stakeholder integration and project complexity concerning IT project performance. Through the adoption of actionable research and theoretical elaboration, we have shown that the successful execution of IT projects is driven by the successful integration of stakeholders and monitoring the level of complexity at each phase of the project.Originality/valueThe findings of this study add to the burgeoning literature on the performance of IT projects and come with several managerial implications as well. It brings to the fore the concept of stakeholder integration as an essential element of project success. The findings suggest that the inclusion of stakeholder integration into corporate decisions, strategies and policies can be an asset to the production of sustainable competitive advantages needed during the implementation of IT projects in government entities and organisations. As shown in this study, all the above require a collaborative platform allowing for data sharing among diverse stakeholders to ameliorate distrust or lack of information.

Integration of AHP and fuzzy inference systems for empowering transformative journeys in organizations: Assessing the implementation of Industry 4.0 in SMEs

The combined use of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Inference Systems (FISs) can significantly enhance the effectiveness of transformative projects in organizations by better managing their complexities and uncertainties. This work develops a novel multicriteria model that integrates both methodologies to assist organizations in these projects. To demonstrate the value of the proposed approach, we present an illustrative example focused on the implementation of Industry 4.0 in SMEs. First, through a review of relevant literature, we identify the key barriers to improving SMEs' capability to implement Industry 4.0 effectively. Subsequently, the AHP, enhanced through Dong and Saaty’s methodology, establishes a consensus-based assessment of the importance of these barriers, using the judgments of five experts. Next, a FIS is utilized, with rule bases automatically derived from the preceding weights, eliminating the need for another round of expert input. This paper shows and discusses how SMEs can use this model to self-assess their adaptability to the Industry 4.0 landscape and formulate improvement strategies to achieve deeper alignment with this transformative paradigm.

Looking backwards, looking forwards: collective and critical conversations on psychology in South Africa

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA), 11 of PsySSA’s past presidents, along with two facilitators, gathered in early 2024 for a roundtable discussion on psychology in South Africa. This article represents an edited transcript of that conversation. The guiding motif of the discussion – looking backwards, looking forwards – led discussants through the historical temporalities, institutional, professional and disciplinary debates, as well as the political concerns that face and have forged South African psychology. The discussants were specifically concerned with the challenges of unifying organised psychology; the generative forces, conflicts and antagonisms within psychology; psychology’s pedagogical and intellectual developments; and what it means to politicise psychology in and beyond South Africa. In looking ahead, the discussion concluded with an internationalist reflection on how psychology in South Africa contributes to global knowledges and praxes. The conversation was characterised by epistemic, sectoral and political tensions, as well as ambivalences and shifting centres of gravity, all of which reflect the accomplishments made within South African psychology, as well as psychology’s status as a strongly contested and patently unfinished organisational, disciplinary, professional, service and knowledge project.

Mediating role of relational capital in the influence of organizational culture on international project performance for construction enterprises

PurposeThis study investigates the influence of market and hierarchy organizational cultures on international project performance and examines the mediating role of relational capital.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth interviews and a cross-sectional questionnaire survey were conducted to collect primary data within international projects. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses based on data collected from 62 respondents.FindingsThe results reveal that both market and hierarchy cultures affect international project performance positively. Additionally, communication, cooperation and trust help enhance project performance; however, commitment is not. This study also proves the mediating role of relational capital between organizational culture and project performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study selected only two types of organizational culture represented by Chinese construction enterprises. Future studies can explore the mediating role of relational capital between other varieties of organizational culture and project performance.Originality/valueGiven the high complexity and risks faced by projects abroad, both organizational culture, the internal environmental factor and relational capital being the external resource, are crucial for project success. This study clarifies the relationship between organizational culture, relational capital and project performance overseas. Empirical evidence to enhance international project performance for construction enterprises is provided. This study also makes contributions to international contractors who want to implement projects in developing countries.

Achieving project performance goals in extreme resource-constrained environments: the role of bricolage in social enterprise projects

PurposeAchieving project performance goals in extremely resource-constrained environments, such as those of social enterprises, is challenging. These organizations often employ bricolage – making the most of available resources – to navigate challenging landscapes. This study aims to understand how bricolage capabilities enhance or attenuate organizational project outcomes in resource-constrained social enterprises.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory survey was conducted to understand project management practices in Canadian social enterprises. Established scales were used to measure constructs with confirmatory factor analysis, and linear regression was employed to analyze relationships.FindingsThe study provides empirical evidence of the positive influence of bricolage on organizational project performance, with a crossover interaction observed for moderators – entrepreneurial leadership and project management capabilities. While project capabilities strengthen the positive impact of bricolage capabilities on project performance, entrepreneurial leadership has the opposite effect.Practical implicationsThe insights from this study offer an initial roadmap for project managers for effective resource acquisition and utilization through bricolage, ultimately enhancing project management effectiveness in resource-constrained environments.Originality/valueDespite the crucial role of bricolage capabilities in resource-constrained environments, the project management literature has largely neglected this concept. It is unclear how organizations use bricolage to manage projects. This lack of understanding challenges organizations, hindering their ability to apply bricolage consistently and thoughtfully in managing projects. Our study provides a deeper understanding of how bricolage facilitates project performance and enriches our understanding of it as an effective resource mobilization strategy within social enterprises.

Towards a comprehensive framework for risk assessment of organizational development project portfolios

The benefits of risk management in the context of project portfolios have been widely recognized in the literature. However, approaches that assess the risk of organizational development project portfolios from the perspective of how the portfolio delivers value to the parent organization remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, our research takes a constructivist approach and an organizational perspective on project portfolios. We conducted twenty-eight semi-structured interviews and used thematic analysis to identify and relate four themes of a comprehensive project portfolio risk assessment (PPRA) framework: "project portfolio as the organizational unit for PPRA"; "organizational capabilities as portfolio outcomes in which PPR can be assessed"; "project portfolio levels as sources of risk factors in PPRA"; and "balance between project portfolio attributes complexity". Within the framework of organizational development project portfolios, this study contributes to our understanding of PPRA by providing two propositions: (1) The capabilities to be generated by the project portfolio can be used as the portfolio primary results on which PPRA can assess the risk of the project portfolio, establishing the impact of PPR on the project portfolio value delivering to the parent organization, and (2) The risk factors that impact the project portfolio expected results can be represented into PPRA as ‘output-related’ risk factors and ‘outcome-related’ risk factors.

A Glance into Holistic Project Success with Organisational Agility and Project Resilience

A Glance into Holistic Project Success with Organisational Agility and Project Resilience

Quality leadership, technology integration and patient care quality across countries: moderating roles of national culture and infrastructure development

PurposeTo better understand the nature and effective delivery of quality health-care globally, this paper aims to study the role of quality leadership on patient care quality (PCQ) delivered in hospitals, including the intervening role of technology integration and two country-level factors – national culture and infrastructure development – in North America (Canada, Mexico and the USA).Design/methodology/approachPCQ comprises four facets: interpersonal, technical, environmental and administrative quality. Using survey data and interdisciplinary theoretical support (e.g. quality management and the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness Project [GLOBE] model of national culture), this paper tested for moderated mediation between hospital quality leadership and the four-facet PCQ model with technology integration as the mediator and national culture and infrastructure development as moderators.FindingsResults show that technology integration partially mediates the relationship between hospital quality leadership and PCQ and that national culture and infrastructure development shape the role of hospital quality leadership on PCQ. Hence, these national factors must be considered holistically to understand the impact of hospital quality leadership on patient care.Practical implicationsTo improve PCQ, hospital leaders should broaden their understanding of quality health-care to include technology integration and an awareness of cultural and institutional differences across nations.Originality/valueThis paper used primary data from hospital quality leaders and the four-facet PCQ conceptualization across three large North American nations, offering a more global understanding of service quality in health-care.

How does organisational culture affect agile projects? A competing values framework perspective

Purpose The literature has not yet delved sufficiently deeper into the holistic relationship between organisational culture and agile project management. This paper aims to address this literature gap by delineating the specifics of why and how organisational culture affects agile project management. Design/methodology/approach This paper addresses this literature gap by conducting a systematic literature review of empirical research investigating how organisational culture affects agile project management. This paper draws on the competing values framework to explain how various dimensions of organisational culture influence the technical and social streams of agile project management. Findings The findings underscored the detrimental effects of hierarchical culture, characterised by rigid organisational structures, formal communication with management and resistance to change acceptance, on both the technical and social aspects of agile projects. In contrast, the positive impact of group culture on the social aspect was evident through employee empowerment and teamwork. Moreover, the rational culture dimension demonstrated favourable effects on both streams, emphasising market knowledge, financial development and business opportunities. Finally, the developmental culture dimension supported customer collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation. Originality/value The focus on the “mutability” of organisational culture has led to four research propositions delineating specific ways of cultivating organisational culture to be more conducive to agile projects, marking a first in the academic literature.

Breaking free from the invisible cage: Leveraging institutional logics to understand and facilitate organizational change projects

Organizational change projects suffer from a high failure rate. Extant literature identified structural inertia as the main cause of resistance to change. This structural inertia puts invisible shackles on organizations and makes the change process difficult or even pulls organizations back to their former state. However, it is still unknown how these organizations can be unchained. Drawing on an institutional logic perspective and based on an intriguing organizational change project of a state-owned company in China, we explored how institutional logic changes in organizational change projects. The results indicate that institutional change occurs through organizational deinstitutionalization, organizational institution building, and organizational reinstitutionalization across both individual and organizational levels. We developed a theory for successfully securing change efforts that relies on the level-crossing alteration of institutional logic that shackles employee behaviors. A model of institutional logic change is proposed to illustrate the organizational change carried out in the form of projects from an institutional logic perspective. Theoretical and practical contributions are discussed.