Exploring a Theoretical Framework and System Dynamics Model for Innovation and Sustainability within the Management of Projects Paradigm

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change provides the context for the emergence of new challenges within the project management discipline. The scholarly research of Peter Morris can contribute to addressing these discipline challenges. This research builds upon the Management of Projects (MoP) paradigm and develops connections with systems understanding to support project 
practitioners in considering project sustainability decisions.  The Innovation, Sustainability and Management of Projects (ISMP) framework, introduced in this paper, incorporates an extension to the project life cycle model, introducing an ‘ecosystems impact’ phase, and it positions Innovation and Sustainability understanding into the MoP paradigm. MoP is associated with a holistic perspective which can be linked with the Systems Movement.  An overview of some key ideas and theories connected with this Movement are provided, which supports the selection of System Dynamics technique for an approach to connect decisions and understanding within project management practice and across the project life cycle. A completed renewable energy project from Colombia is used as the case study for this exploratory research. A combination of the ISMP framework, project data, and stakeholder participation is used to inform the development of a System Dynamics model as a relevant approach to support strategic decision-making for the sustainability impact of proposed interventions. The systems approach developed connects MoP, sustainability and innovation and has potential benefits for project practitioners navigating decisions for sustainability across the project life cycle.