The final state convergence model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand project management theory about practice and theory for practice through a new conceptual model developed from the transformational production management, strategic management and complexity bodies of theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a grounded theory methodology. A preliminary model is developed and tested against two case studies. The model is revised and tested using a purposively selected focus group before being presented in this paper.

Findings

The research indicates that the “final state convergence model” which has been synthesized from the transformational production management, strategic management and complexity theories. The model illuminates the complexities that can exist within the practice of project management.

Research limitations/implications

The final state convergence model provides a novel approach to synthesizing new bodies of theory into traditional project management theory.

Practical implications

The model challenges practitioners to think beyond their current conceptual base of traditional project management methodologies, systems, and processes toward a broader conceptualization of project management.

Originality/value

The research adds to the theory about practice and theory for practice through the development of a new model which not only illuminates the complexities of project management but enriches and extends the understanding of the actual reality of projects and project management practices.

Citation

Usher, G. and Whitty, S.J. (2017), "The final state convergence model", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 770-795. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-11-2016-0090