Exploring Project Management Complexity Dimensions, Factors, and Strategies

Abstract

Constant changes in the internal and external environmental factors impact organizations, people, systems, and processes. This impact increases complexity in projects exponentially. The more diverse tools, systems, and people involved in a project, the more interdependent and complex the project will be. This study explores complexity from several vantage points. It examines complexity from a project type, technological, organizational, and environmental perspective. Next, it examines human behavior, stakeholders, resource capability, and leadership as factors to project complexity. Moreover, it reviews emotions, biases, and emotional intelligence in decision making as sources of complexity. Finally, analysis of uncertainty as a leading factor of project complexity is performed through appropriate risk management, project planning, and proactive project monitoring and controlling mechanisms.