The project‐specific Formal System Model
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 23 January 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a project‐specific version of the Formal Systems Model that can be used by project managers and other professionals to identify actual or potential weaknesses in a project's structure or processes and to look for difficulties in the relationships between the project and the context in which it is or will be taking place.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses research findings to show how the model was developed and to demonstrate the utility of the approach taken.
Findings
A model that is based upon the Formal Systems Model but which is accessible to those who are not fluent in the language of systems thinking and not familiar with its concepts is developed and its utility is demonstrated. Its use in a real‐life project situation is also demonstrated.
Practical implications
The model that is presented provides a robust means of helping project managers avoid failure.
Originality/value
This paper is based on primary research and provides the first full introduction to the project‐specific version of the Formal Systems Model.
Keywords
Citation
White, D. and Fortune, J. (2009), "The project‐specific Formal System Model", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 36-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538370910930509
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited