The Evolution of Project Management
By Harold Kerzner, PhD., and Cynthia Snyder Dionisio, MBA, PMP
Abstract
The Evolution of Project Management explores the transformation of project management from traditional methodologies to modern approaches. It highlights the early roots of project management in aerospace and construction, the introduction of network techniques like PERT and CPM, and the impact of technological advancements and agile methodologies.
In recent years, the adoption of agile practices has seen significant growth, with empowerment, stakeholder engagement, and transparency becoming essential in both predictive and agile projects. The current trend is to embrace a hybrid approach that combines structured, predictive methodologies suitable for projects with known and stable scope, along with agile/adaptive approaches suited for projects with evolving or unknown scope and requirements.
As the profession continues to evolve, it is important to recognize the foundation laid by military and engineering projects, while also incorporating leadership skills and adaptive ways of working. With millions of professionals in the field, project management is a catalyst for change and transformation, and it remains to be seen where the future of the profession will lead.
About the Authors
Harold Kerzner, Ph.D
Dr. Harold Kerzner is a globally recognized expert in project, program, and portfolio management, innovation, and strategic planning, and Senior Executive Director at International Institute for Learning (IIL). For over 50 years, Dr. Kerzner has shared vital guidance for making project management a strategic tool for competitive advantage and helping companies around the world build a powerful foundation for company improvement and excellence.
He has authored or co-authored more than 60 textbooks/workbooks on project management, including multiple editions of his seminal works. His books include Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling; Project Management Metrics, KPIs and Dashboards; Project Management Case Studies; Project Management Best Practices: Achieving Global Excellence; The Future of Project Management; Using the Project Management Maturity Model; and Innovation Project Management.
Dr. Kerzner holds an MS and Ph.D. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Utah State University. He taught engineering at the University of Illinois and business administration at Utah State University, and for 38 years taught project management at Baldwin-Wallace University. A testament to Dr. Kerzner’s profound influence on the field is the establishment of the Kerzner International Project Manager of the Year Award. This prestigious award, presented annually by the Project Management Institute (PMI) which recognizes outstanding project managers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to the project management profession.
Cynthia Snyder Dionisio, MBA, PMP
Practice Lead for IIL’s Project, Program, and Portfolio Management (PPPM) Practice
Cyndi has over 20 years of experience leading international project teams, consulting, developing courses, and facilitating training. She has received several awards, including the
PMI Fellow Award in 2018 and PMI’s Distinguished Contribution Award in 2009. Cyndi is passionate about turning chaos in order, engaging with awesome teams, solving problems, and facilitating achievement.
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