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In the face of difficulty: planning? Identifying the causes of success in project management from a multilevel perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Mónica Guevara

    (Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE))

  • Cayetano Medina-Molina

    (Centro Universitario San Isidoro)

  • Noemí Pérez-Macías

    (Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE))

  • María Eugenia Fabra Florit

    (Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE))

Abstract

In today’s competitive market, to manage projects effectively is crucial for the success of any organization. This paper focuses on the financial sector, a domain where the complexity and need for regulatory compliance underscore the significance of adopting project management. Employing a multilevel approach, the study investigates factors influencing project success or failure in transnational financial institutions, examining micro-level (project outcomes), meso-level (human factors and the project manager’s entrepreneurial mindset), and macro-level (planning quality, goal setting, and project complexity) elements. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (FsQCA), insights from 40 project managers across three Spanish financial entities are analyzed. These entities, characterized by project temporariness, provide a unique perspective on project management in Spain’s financial sector. The research fills a literature gap by exploring the complex interplay of factors affecting project success or failure. The findings offer insights into conditions impacting project success, enhancing organizational competitiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Mónica Guevara & Cayetano Medina-Molina & Noemí Pérez-Macías & María Eugenia Fabra Florit, 2025. "In the face of difficulty: planning? Identifying the causes of success in project management from a multilevel perspective," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 59(3), pages 2679-2705, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:59:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11135-025-02094-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-025-02094-x
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