Rethinking Project Management theory: A case for a paradigm shift in the foundational theory of client-side construction project management

Project management has historically been defined as a subset of production and operations management. This paper assesses production management theory against a comparator body of theory, strategic management, to determine which provides the better theoretical basis for explaining challenges within the field of client-side construction project management. Using comparative analysis this paper highlights a number of deficiencies in the existing foundational theories of project management and demonstrates how a different body of theory can provide a better theoretical basis for explaining the construction process, the perceived value of the project, and client dissatisfaction. Based on these findings this paper concludes that the taxonomy used to classify client-side construction project management as production management is based on a narrow view of the profession, and is possibly hindering the development of a body of theory by limiting discussions within pre-defined constraints