Enhancing Project Management with Systems Thinking: A Framework for Complex Challenges

• W.N. Johny Department of Engineering and Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4732-2731
• R. Oosthuizen Department of Engineering and Technology Management, Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2333-6995

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/36-3-3323

Abstract

Delivering projects within prescribed budgets and timelines amid uncertainty in modern project management grows progressively difficult in keeping with increasing complexity. This article demonstrates how conventional project management approaches fall short for complex projects, thus calling for a necessary evolution through integrating systems thinking in project management. A broader understanding of the dynamics and interdependencies of projects and systems thinking could contribute to leadership effectiveness and societal impact. It is suggested that systems thinking be incorporated into project initiation and planning phases for enhanced control, adaptability, and predictability. Therefore, the study aimed to develop and validate a practical framework for integrating systems thinking into project management and so make teams better equipped to respond to complexity more effectively. With systems thinking, project leaders could achieve more successful outcomes in varied and complex organisational and community settings, since it puts into play the complex interactions among people involved, processes, and other environments.