Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to summarise a recent doctoral thesis on the relationship between project portfolio management (PPM) and competitive advantage in service and manufacturing organisations. Design/methodology/approachThis two-phase mixed method study comprises a quantitative questionnaire-based survey and a qualitative multiple-case study to address the “what” and the “how” of the research questions. FindingsThis paper adopts a “dynamic capabilities” perspective, drawing on organisational learning theory to explain the path-dependent nature of PPM capability development and how PPM capabilities work with the resource base to enhance competitive advantage. Findings support prior PPM studies and suggest a positive relationship between structured PPM capabilities and improved outcomes. The research compares service and manufacturing environments; future challenges are likely to result from the increasing blurring of the boundaries between service and manufacturing industries. Practical implicationsThe research has four main practical outcomes: development of a model representing the overall PPM capability; a benchmark for and guidance on specific PPM processes and methods; guidance on the types of organisational learning investments that enhance the establishment and evolution of PPM capabilities; and the initial development of an outcomes and learning-based maturity model for PPM capabilities. Originality/valueThis paper produces the first benchmark of innovation PPM capabilities in Australia, and is the first to include service product-focused portfolios. It is the first study that identifies PPM capabilities as dynamic capability, allowing existing research to be viewed through the dynamic capability lens and, more importantly, providing a theoretical underpinning that may influence future research and practice.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 157-169 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | International Journal of Managing Projects in Business |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 26 Jan 2010 |
Keywords
- Innovation
- Learning organizations
- Manufacturing industries
- Product development
- Project management
- Service industries