Paradigms in project management research : Examples from 15 years of IRNOP conferences

• Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the philosophical stances and relatedmethodologies used within the last 15 years of project management research using The InternationalResearch Network on Organizing by Projects (IRNOP) conference papers.Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing a systematic sampling approach, IRNOP conferencepapers from 1994, 2000 and 2007 were analyzed for prevalent philosophical streams in projectmanagement research.Findings – Results show a dominance of ontological subjectivism and epistemologicalinterpretivism, with a preference for case studies and qualitative methods. Trends indicate agrowth of positivist studies and, at the same time, an increase in multi-case studies.Research limitations/implications – This paper’s contribution to knowledge lies in theidentification of predominant research paradigms for research reported at project managementconferences using IRNOP as an example. The study shows trends, preferences, and potential differencesbetween published research and conference papers.Originality/value – Information on the quality, quantity and timely trends of underlyingphilosophies in project management research are lacking an insightful exploration of the projectmanagement research field. This is necessary for a better understanding of the past, present andpossible future of research paradigms in project management. The paper’s findings can be used toimprove the interpretation of the state of knowledge in project management research.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Project management

Research work

Epistemology

Philosophical concepts

Business studies

Företagsekonomi

företagsekonomi

Business Studies

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)