Project evaluation: one framework - four approaches

Anna Le Gerstrøm Rode, Per Svejvig

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperResearchpeer-review

Abstract

There are many theoretical and practical reasons for evaluating projects – including explorative arguments focusing on expanding descriptive knowledge on projects as well as normative arguments focusing on developing prescriptive knowledge of project management. Despite the need for effective project management and research methods that can assess effective project management methodologies, extant literature on evaluation procedures or guidelines on how to evaluate projects and/or project management is scarce. To address this challenge, this paper introduces an evaluation framework consisting of four approaches: specific success criteria and classical iron triangle as well as internal benchmarking and external benchmarking. While none of the approaches are new in themselves, the act of combining them in a coherent framework is novel. Each approach provides a distinct evaluation and putting them into a larger perspective can highlight beneficial aspects and reveal hidden issues. Following these lines, the paper calls for more multi-faceted project evaluations and encourages evaluators to use all four approaches in combination to develop better evaluations that are both deeper and broader. Introducing a framework that can help structure such evaluations, the aim of this paper is to contribute to project theory and practice by inspiring project researchers and aiding project workers in their efforts to open up the black box of projects and deliver relevant and valuable results
Original languageEnglish
Publication date3 Apr 2018
Publication statusPublished - 3 Apr 2018
EventFourth Danish Project Management Research Conference - IDA Meeting Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
Duration: 23 May 201824 May 2018

Conference

ConferenceFourth Danish Project Management Research Conference
LocationIDA Meeting Center
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityCopenhagen
Period23/05/201824/05/2018

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