The Classification of Projects: Implications for Project Theories

Abstract

Successful projects make a positive impact on organizations and their key stakeholders. However, theories that aim to support the management of projects are immature and, at times, conflicting. Because one size does not fit all projects, we argue that a key problem in developing valuable project theories is the lack of understanding of the various project types, which makes it difficult to align an effective management approach with the characteristics of the project at hand. The objective of this article is to develop and validate a comprehensive project classification framework that covers the entire project life, from inception to outcome realization. Based on three empirical studies, involving mixed methods and multiple datasets, we develop and validate a project classification framework that distinguishes between projects based on two dimensions - their level of ambiguity and required urgency - and forms four distinct project types. We then illustrate how this framework can support project theory development. This article strengthens the contextual alignment between project theories and project types and hence sets clear boundaries for existing theories.