An Editorial Observation by David Pells
The world of project management has matured rapidly during the last ten years, with several significant trends emerging that have transformed the PM profession. Those trends have included the widespread applications of Enterprise Project Management and Portfolio Project Management, as well as the growth and maturing of the project management profession itself, for example the growth of the Project Management Institute in size and influence around the world. The development of PM tools, processes and applications has also continued, as PM vendors and consultants have adapted new computing and communications technologies to project and program management. Developments in the areas of PM standards and education have provided the base for the expansion and growth of the project management profession and industry.
While these developments and trends seem significant, there are those who argue that we have seen few if any developments with a revolutionary impact related to project management in recent years. They would suggest that the future of project management is simply more of the same, simply more and better management of projects, programs and enterprises, based on the usage of continuously improving project management methods, tools and resources. I would like to suggest a different and powerful option for the future of project management, based on changing the perspective. Let us stand back, way back, and look from the eyes of a future planetary historian. Let us consider a possible "history of project management" on Earth, from the future global perspective.
Let us also change another perspective, to consider not individual aspects of PM or even the PM profession, but the entire "World of Project Management" (WoPM). This WoPM includes projects and project management; PM principles and methodologies; PM tools and technologies; the PM profession and professional organizations; PM standards, certifications and licensure; PM literature and publications; PM education; commercial PM organizations, including vendors and consultants; PM business and industry; and PM practices and experiences. In other words, the WoPM includes all aspects of modern project management.
Now let us consider this World of PM in the context of life cycle analysis and from an historic perspective. We might see that the world of modern PM has developed in "waves". The FIRST WAVE included the birth and early years of "management by projects" and "modern project management". This coincided with the early development of computing technologies. The growth, development and expansion of the world of modern PM can be considered a SECOND WAVE, as project management concepts and applications spread to most industries and as the PM profession grew and matured. The SECOND WAVE has now lasted about 25 years. Now I want to suggest a THIRD WAVE of project management as a possible future of PM.
For me, the most significant aspect of modern project management is its potential to transform a project or organization. This transformational potential of project management is a powerful concept, but one that has not been fully recognized or utilized in our world. There may be technological, economic, political or cultural reasons for this. But the potential remains and is, I believe, quite clear to all PM experts and experienced PM professionals. Rather than consider the potential of project management, or of individual PM methodologies or tools, let us now consider the potential of the World of Project Management. I propose a THIRD WAVE of project management that can be the realization of the transformational power and potential of the "World of Project Management".
While executives and organizations still resist changing to enterprise PM or Portfolio PM when introduced to individual PM concepts, or even sets of PM concepts, who could resist the "World of PM"? If the WoPM can be introduced to individual programs, organizations or even industries, consider the potential transformational impact that might have. What if the World of PM were brought to bear on global problems, like fighting disease, rebuilding countries or even transforming a neighborhood? It seems clear to me that good solutions could be produced in the shortest amount of time at the least cost (in all terms). In a THIRD WAVE, PM can be like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. The true transformational power and potential of modern PM can be unleashed, in a future that includes emerging technologies, a mature PM profession, and worldwide usage of these powerful concepts. I believe this future THIRD WAVE of Project Management is very bright and exciting, will change the world we live in, and is now ready to begin.