A retrospective look at our evolving understanding of project success

Because success connotes different things to different people, its meaning is very context-dependent. Over the past forty years, professional views of project success--as documented in the literature--have evolved as project management has matured: Definitions that previously only evaluated project implementation to determine project success now assess the entire project and product life cycle. Such an expanded focus has helped establish the strategic value of practicing project management, of the field?s focus on matters beyond the technical and tactical to include the alignment of projects to strategy and the value of projects as competitive advantages. This paper assesses the evolution of project success. It defines efficiency and effectiveness, discusses the current perception of project management as an operational asset, and advocates for the field?s maturation into both an operational and a strategic asset.
member content locked

Become a PMI member to gain access

or Join

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Content

  • Thought Leadership Series

    El éxito de las PMO en Latinoamérica member content open

    Los proyectos en América Latina se encuentran en un punto crucial. En toda la región, desde la infraestructura hasta las finanzas, desde la TI hasta el desarrollo sostenible, las organizaciones…

  • Thought Leadership Series

    O sucesso do EGP na América Latina member content open

    Os projetos na América Latina estão em um ponto crucial. Em toda a região, da infraestrutura às finanças, da TI ao desenvolvimento sustentável, as organizações estão implantando iniciativas para…

  • PMI White Paper

    Agile Regulation member content open

    By National Academy of Public Admiistration | PMI The National Academy of Public Administration recently presented the results of a year-long effort to identify the Grand Challenges in Public Administration.

  • Global Megatrends

    Mégatendances mondiales 2022 member content open

    Avec l'aide d'experts de l'industrie et de leaders d'opinion, PMI discute de six mégatendances mondiales et de leur impact sur les organisations, les professionnels des projets et les acteurs du…

  • Global Megatrends

    Global Megatrends 2022 member content open

    Mit Einblicken von Branchenexperten und Vordenkern diskutiert PMI sechs globale Megatrends und ihre Auswirkungen auf Organisationen, Projektexperten und Changemaker.

Advertisement