Project Management of Smart University Development: Models and Tools

Our research is based on the problem of insufficient knowledge of the hybrid approach to smart university project management and the possibility of joint classical (cascade) and flexible methodology use. In contrast to the existing publications, here we regard the possibility of managing the transformation processes of a classical university into a smart university which is considered on the basis of project management methods and means. At the same time, the essence of the smart university structure and its individual components are not considered. The university is evaluated as a business structure and a management object of many internal innovative projects presented in a portfolio form. The main attention is focused on project management tools that allow managing the timing, cost and quality of the project portfolio. The novelty of the solutions and the practical significance of the publication consist in the author's models application for managing a smart university development based on the implemented project office and the evaluation model of integration. Expert methods and the apparatus of linear and dynamic programming are used for modeling. The proposed tools have been tested in the activities of three universities. The optimal ratio of practical application of project management integration methods is obtained. A significant reduction in the appearance of unidentified processes in project activities that initiate the appearance of risks and uncertainties has been achieved. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.