ABSTRACT

This chapter suggests that projects can and should be designed — that is, specified and customized based on deliberate choices regarding size, scope, cost, duration, resources, risk, deliverables, objectives, and managerial approach—and empowered to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and events. It provides a brief report on some important research findings, past and present, as they intersect with the work of scholars in the Production and Operations Management (POM) community. The chapter suggests some directions for future PM research. It provides a look around, back, and forward at PM research, yet all of this is just a sampling, merely "the tip of the iceberg." The chapter aims to spark discussion and research—regardless of its eventual directions. It does seem especially useful, however, to encourage the development of methods and tools to help planners and managers design projects with more predictable size, scope, deliverables, cost, duration, resource needs, and risk levels.