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Where is intentionality in studying project delays?

Eizakshiri, Farhad; Chan, Paul; Emsley, Margaret

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. 2015;8(2):349-367.

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Abstract

Purpose – In this paper, the dominant techno-rational view of studying delays in projects is challenged. In so doing, the purpose of this paper is to urge for more attention paid to studying the intentionalities of the planners involved in planning the schedule for projects. Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, the authors take a critical approach to review a range of literatures related to the concept of project delays. Through this review, the authors render the relative absence of acknowledging intentionality in the study of delays problematic. Therefore, the authors inject fresh insights into how intentionality can play a crucial role in advancing the understanding of project delays. Findings – Prevailing research tends to assume the primacy of the project plan and conceptualise delays as a consequence of flawed execution. The review offers three possibilities for reconceptualising delays as a consequence of flawed plans. In so doing, the authors refocus the attention on how intentionality could play a crucial role in shaping “inaccurate” plans, which in turn could lead to the creation of delays. Research limitations/implications – As a consequence of this review paper, the authors invite scholarship into project delays to move away from finding “cause-and-effect” mechanisms to attend more closely to the role intentionality plays in creating delays, whether intended, unintended, or imagined. Originality/value – This paper brings intentionality to the fore to challenge the assumptions over the nature of delays. In so doing, the review expands the understanding of project delays by incorporating unintended, intended, and imaginary perspectives.

Bibliographic metadata

Type of resource:
Content type:
Publication status:
Accepted
Publication type:
Publication form:
Published date:
Accepted date:
2014-11-06
Submitted date:
2014-05-25
Abbreviated journal title:
ISSN:
Volume:
8
Issue:
2
Start page:
349
End page:
367
Total:
18
Pagination:
349-367
Digital Object Identifier:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-05-2014-0048
Attached files embargo period:
Immediate release
Attached files release date:
15th December, 2015
Access state:
Active

Record metadata

Manchester eScholar ID:
uk-ac-man-scw:288952
Created by:
Chan, Paul
Created:
15th December, 2015, 11:08:01
Last modified by:
Chan, Paul
Last modified:
5th January, 2016, 15:46:42

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