Innovation in project management: factors influencing the success of innovation strategies

Many factors influence project management success. Recent research, however, suggests that the majority of projects still fail. In an increasingly competitive environment, one explanation for this continued failure is an inability to adapt, change or innovate. Innovation, it is argued, is the success factor that helps organisations to renew and grow in turbulent times. This thesis provides evidence suggesting that innovation is one of the critical factors in successful project management. This research was conducted in a highly bureaucratic and process-oriented multinational information technology and telecommunications company, fictionally named Teleca, where innovation had been encouraged in several areas excluding the project section - where this research was conducted. The company's concern with appropriate implementation of innovation in projects motivated this study. An exploratory case study involving in-depth interviewing with project managers and their clients was supported by a content review of Teleca’s organisational publications to establish its preparedness for the implementation of innovation strategies in the project management section. Findings from the initial data analysis were then fed back to the original informants to ensure high levels of content and construct validity while increasing the potential for buy-in to the recommendations for policy which focused the practical intentions of the study. The findings from this research study strongly support the view that innovation is a key factor influencing project success. In some cases, with some project types and in specific phases of some projects, innovation has been found to be more critical than in others. The study reveals that project managers are willing to innovate where Teleca promotes a supportive environment for such innovation. Exploratory data requiring further research suggests, in conclusion, that innovative individuals operating within an organisation encouraging innovation, offer substantial potential for the successful implementation of innovation strategies in project management.