Managing Networks In Project Based Organisations

The first book demonstrating how to apply the principles of social network analysis to managing complex projects This groundbreaking book gets project managers and students up to speed on state-of-the-art applications of social network analysis (SNA) for observing, analysing, and managing complex projects. Written by an expert at the leading edge of the SNA project management movement, it clearly demonstrates how the principles of social network analysis can be used to provide a smarter, more efficient, holistic approach to managing complex projects. Project managers, especially those tasked with managing large, complex construction and engineering projects, traditionally have relied upon analysis and decision-making based upon hierarchical structures and vaguely defined project systems, much of which is borrowed from historic scientific management approaches. However, it has become apparent that a more sophisticated methodology is required for observing project systems and managing relationships with today’s more knowledgeable and demanding clients. Social network analysis (SNA) provides just such an approach. Unfortunately, existing books on social network analysis are written primarily for sociologists and mathematicians, with little or no regard for the needs of project managers — until now. The first and only book of its kind, Managing Networks in Project-Based Organisations: Offers a framework and a fully-developed approach to applying SNA theory and methodologies to large, complex projects Describes highly effective strategies and techniques for managing the iterative and transient relationships between network-defining actor roles involved in the delivery of complex projects Uses numerous real-world examples and case studies of successful applications of SNA to large-scale construction and engineering projects around the world Draws on its author’s decades of experience managing complex projects for demanding clients, as well as his extensive academic research in Project Management Managing Networks in Project-Based Organisations is an important working resource for project management professionals and consultants, especially those serving the construction and engineering industries. It is also an excellent text/reference for postgraduate students of project management and supply chain management, as well as academic researchers of project management.

The first book demonstrating how to apply the principles of social network analysis to managing complex projects This groundbreaking book gets project managers and students up to speed on state-of-the-art applications of social network analysis (SNA) for observing, analysing, and managing complex projects. Written by an expert at the leading edge of the SNA project management movement, it clearly demonstrates how the principles of social network analysis can be used to provide a smarter, more efficient, holistic approach to managing complex projects. Project managers, especially those tasked with managing large, complex construction and engineering projects, traditionally have relied upon analysis and decision-making based upon hierarchical structures and vaguely defined project systems, much of which is borrowed from historic scientific management approaches. However, it has become apparent that a more sophisticated methodology is required for observing project systems and managing relationships with today’s more knowledgeable and demanding clients. Social network analysis (SNA) provides just such an approach. Unfortunately, existing books on social network analysis are written primarily for sociologists and mathematicians, with little or no regard for the needs of project managers — until now. The first and only book of its kind, Managing Networks in Project-Based Organisations: Offers a framework and a fully-developed approach to applying SNA theory and methodologies to large, complex projects Describes highly effective strategies and techniques for managing the iterative and transient relationships between network-defining actor roles involved in the delivery of complex projects Uses numerous real-world examples and case studies of successful applications of SNA to large-scale construction and engineering projects around the world Draws on its author’s decades of experience managing complex projects for demanding clients, as well as his extensive academic research in Project Management Managing Networks in Project-Based Organisations is an important working resource for project management professionals and consultants, especially those serving the construction and engineering industries. It is also an excellent text/reference for postgraduate students of project management and supply chain management, as well as academic researchers of project management.

With the development of information technology in recent years, there is a growing need to merge different technologies and services, to develop products, services and business models that span different industries. Corporations must have processes through which they can access share, and integrate diverse knowledge. In this book, the author proposes a dynamic yet practical method for project leaders to integrate diverse knowledge distributed on projects network to develop new products, services and business models. Case studies on companies such as Vodafone, SHARP, Mitsubishi Electric, Canon, Sony, Matsushita Electric are considered. The book can be used by high-tech organizations from the standpoint of project management or team management for innovation. Contents:Project-Based OrganizationsProject Networks as Marketing Innovation — The Challenge of the Mobile Communications BusinessesBoundary Innovation Through Project Networks — J-Phone and Sharp Take on the Challenge of Camera-Loaded Mobile Phone DevelopmentRadical Innovation Through Integrative Competencies of Project-Based Organization: Case Study of Mitsubishi ElectricBusiness Model Innovation Through Boundary Management: Case Study of PlayStation by SonyBoundaries Synchronization: Case Study of Matsushita Electric and CanonUse of Project Formation to Stimulate Innovation in a Traditional Big Business: Case Study of Communications Businesses in JapanInnovation by Project-Based OrganizationsImplications and Conclusions Readership: Social scientists studying network theory and social capital, MBA and MOT students, and undergraduate students majoring in business and management. Keywords:Project Management;Knowledge Management;Technology Management;Strategy;Leadership;Innovation;Organizational Behavior;ITKey Features:Explains the role of projects network as focal points of knowledge creation and integration and also in cross-related collaborationCovers the distinctive challenges of managing through dynamic projects network in high-tech companiesFocuses on knowledge creation through managing abrasion and conflict between projects in a large corporation

Knowledge management is a prerequisite to sustain a competitive advantage in project-based companies. However, in these companies and projects in general, activities like knowledge acquisition and sharing are often very complex tasks. This book presents a new portfolio of various concepts and insights into the management of knowledge.

Concerned with the management of complex long-term engineering projects, this important volume, of great interest to postgraduate students of business, technology management and engineering, reports on a set of rich, novel and unique findings concerning the conduct and management of three high profile and complex projects. The major investments which constitute complex long-term projects represent an increasingly important source of economic activity, often with particularly significant consequences for economic growth and public policy. This informative volume expertly contributes to broader debates concerning new organizational forms, knowledge management and organizational learning and the management of innovation in project-based settings.

This concise text introduces an integrated view of all project management-related activities in an organization, called Organizational Project Management (OPM). Practical cases from several organizations, as well as popular theories such as the Resource-Based Theory and Institutional Theory provide for an insightful yet realistic understanding of OPM as an integrative tool for organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

The book presents a novel theory of how networks of organizations work, what varieties are possible and how their strengths and weaknesses differ. The argument is illustrated using four case studies in which networks of firms and organizations in defence contracting, biotechnology, health care and combating crime and disorder are examined. The book will be of major interest to scholars and students of business and management, public management, public policy, organizational sociology and to practising managers.

1 1. 1 The book The book in your hand is not a scientific book, although it is based just as much on science as on my own experience in consultancy and management. As its title suggests, we want to build a bridge between the leadership that is typical of facilitation techniques and that of pr- ect and network management. Therefore this book does more than p- vide you with insights into the mainly methodical Messages we want to transmit. It will also make suggestions for how to train facilitators, and in the centre of the book you will find a wealth of 40 carefully selected and reality-proof Tools, many of which have never been pre- ously published in English, and in some case have never been published at all. With all of these you will find a presentation of our way of using them. Our sole objective is to offer our views and experience in impr- ing communication for effective co-operation, i. e. we want people who collaborate in some way to find and decide on the best courses of action, then share and implement these decisions better. We want to promote learning by doing, just as well as doing by learning. So this book is for people who in some way are responsible for s- cessful co-operation in projects, in and across organisations or networks of organisations. Action Learning has many fathers (but few mothers) and roots.