Smyth, HJ; (2018) Projects as creators of the preconditions for standardised and routinized operations in use. International Journal of Project Management , 36 (8) pp. 1082-1095. 10.1016/j.ijproman.2018.08.004.

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Abstract

The purpose of a project is to create the preconditions for other activities. Yet the main focus of project research and much of practice is on the project itself, namely project characteristics and the means to execute projects. This conceptual paper addresses the purpose, and specifically creating the preconditions for other activities in use; an overlooked issue in research and practice. The delivery of valuable projects that fulfil their purpose is central to a thriving economy and society, and therefore creating the preconditions requires a great deal more attention. Project provision cannot be compared with other standardized production and routinized service activities. Indeed, the standardization and routinization of other activities is made possible by the delivery and value realization of projects once put to use for sponsors, owners and end-users. Preconditions come in several forms. An initial and indicative taxonomy of six categories of preconditions are proposed. The taxonomy provides a basis for understanding the preconditions as a first step for more detailed assessment of delivering projects with valuable outcomes. Such an approach links to other theoretical lenses, such as learning, service design and the service-dominant logic, to provide the conceptual means to evaluate creating the preconditions for other activities.

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