Project Management Journal · 2007 · 134 citations · 46 references
ManagementKnowledge ManagementProject ManagementInformation Technology Project ManagementKnowledge MappingProject GovernanceInformation Systems Project ManagementIt Project ManagementIt Risk ManagementKnowledge Risk ManagementProject RiskTeam LearningKnowledge Transfer ChannelsProject Risk IdentificationProject Risk ManagementRisks FrameworkTeam Learning BehaviorTeam Learning FailureTeam ManagementTechnology Risk Management
Knowledge-based risks in IT projects stem from failures to learn, team competence gaps, integration challenges, missing knowledge maps, and volatile governance. The paper proposes a framework that identifies the key areas where such knowledge-based risks occur. The framework was developed through a comprehensive literature review of project management, information systems, software development, and team learning, then refined via a field study of 15 senior project managers in North America and New Zealand. Interviews revealed five guiding principles—climate for learning, knowledge levels, knowledge channels, team memory, and knowledge risks—each accompanied by recommended practices.
This paper presents a framework identifying the key areas within IT projects where knowledge-based risks occur. These risks include a failure to learn from past projects, competence of the project team, problems in integrating and transferring knowledge, lack of a knowledge map, and volatility in governance. The model was compiled through an extensive literature search encompassing project management, information systems, software development, and team learning literatures. This framework was then tested and modified through a field study of 15 senior project managers from North America and New Zealand. Analysis of the interviews from the field study resulted in a set of five broad principles of knowledge management within projects. These principles relate to a climate for learning, knowledge levels, knowledge channels, team memory, and knowledge risks. Practices suggested by the interviewees accompany each principle.
46