Application of Change-Based Project Management Approach in Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Projects

Abstract

This research effort creates a new approach of Change-Based Project Management (CBPM), derived from Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory, which offers a unique approach for the management of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) projects in heavy industry. It is postulated that this approach could be considered a suitable method for managing these types of projects as compared to traditional plan-based methods or conventional Agile methods. The Literature Review section of this research has a topical study of prevalent literature and trends in project management. A Systematic Literature Review identifies key gaps in the prevalent knowledge, namely the insufficient academic attention towards maintenance and repair projects, no observed study of maintenance projects using modern project management methods, and a strong industry-specific bias towards project management approach with modern methods primarily used in IT, software and product development and not in heavy industry. The systematic review, therefore, helps frame the research problem within the research landscape. A review of Complex Adaptive Systems literature offers a theoretical basis for the new project management approach. The primary contribution is the proposed Change-Based Project Management (CBPM) approach, which relies on treating MRO projects as Complex Adaptive Systems. The research elaborates the contextual circumstances under which this approach may be expected to yield results on product delivery and project team satisfaction. A conceptual framework for the CBPM framework is presented on these lines. Empirical testing takes the form of qualitative interviews with leaders and project teams in an organisation that has succeeded through more flexible project management techniques. The behaviours, practices and perceived outcomes support the theoretical framework and identify the key features of CBPM as autonomy, adaptability and accountability, summarized as a ‘Triple ‘A’ mechanism for CBPM success. Framework Analysis has been deployed for data analysis of both interview and case study data. Empirical findings have been used in a feedback loop to improve the conceptual framework (that had originally been created from theory) and present it in its final form. Management insights from data are presented as propositions which pave the way for future research to validate them. The main contributions are (1) creation of a new Change Based Project Management approach, (2) the construction and validation of a Conceptual Framework for CBPM implementation, and (3) the ‘Triple-A’ mechanism (Autonomy, Adaptability, and Accountability) for successful CBPM implementation.