Good theory: developing a foundation for project management

Project management is in its infancy when it comes to developing a theoretical foundation. Unless we develop a theoretical foundation, we run the risk of furthering the discipline in an atheoretical and ascientific way. In this paper, we frame the importance of collaboration between academics and practitioners in developing project management theory. We then discuss the challenges of developing a theoretical foundation and review the progress we have made in developing theories in project management. The paper concludes with suggestions on how to improve project management theory.

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