A systems approach to mitigation of project failure modes
Author(s)
Syed, Athar A
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Other Contributors
System Design and Management Program.
Advisor
Olivier de Weck.
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This thesis sets out to develop a systems approach towards the mitigation of project failure modes. The methodology used is the application of the Scope and Solution Neutrality principle to develop a general model for Project Systems using the Object- Process-Method (OPM) for systems modeling. By correlating the elements and attributes that constitute basic project artifacts with process performance enablers, a Systems Approach to Performance Improvements is developed. Systemic factors that affect a project's performance, and its ability to address issues, are identified using the Project System model, and project failure modes as well with their underlying causes are examined. The Systems Approach to Process Improvements is then applied to addressing these issues. A key insight gained from the modeling is the importance of communication and information flow as a critical function for effective project management and execution. Consequently the impact of optimizing information flow on project execution is demonstrated through systems dynamics modeling.
Description
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2009. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. Includes bibliographical references (p. 177).
Date issued
2009Department
System Design and Management Program.Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
System Design and Management Program.