Introduction

This chapter introduces the need for new research methods and provides new insights into how project management methodologies (PMM) may be better selected and applied to improve the chances for project success. It addresses project governance and its influence on PMMs. Lessons learned and ongoing research are continually enhancing PMMs to ensure that success factors are reflected either directly or indirectly within the PMM, guidelines, processes, and procedures. The literature covering PMMs, including the divergent views of what constitutes an effective PMM, can be divided into two categories: one that covers PMMs as a homogeneous entity and the other that considers only one part or element of a PMM. Each organization must decide on the level of PMM comprehensiveness, wherein the more comprehensive the PMM, the less need for it to be supplemented with PMM elements when it is applied to a project. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.