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Adaptation: Drifting Goals, Invisible Hand, and Breastfeeding

In: Managing Complexity in Social Systems

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  • Christoph E. Mandl

    (University of Vienna, Mandl, Lüthi & Partner)

Abstract

Projects have goals, which nearly always include milestones for time and budget, among others. A project that is finished on time and on budget is considered successful. However, not all projects are successful in this regard. After its launch it soon becomes evident that the project’s time goal or budget goal might have been too ambitious. After discussing the situation with the project team, project management decides to initiate actions to counter this unwelcomed development. But these actions need time to yield results. To be as realistic as possible, project management adjusts planning by lowering the project goal and increasing the budget and/or extending the end date. However, at the next round of the rolling wave planning, the actions have not produced the anticipated results. So, the project goal is lowered further. Eventually, the actions bear fruit, and achievements become visible. The project goal can be raised a bit, and actions are cut back.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph E. Mandl, 2019. "Adaptation: Drifting Goals, Invisible Hand, and Breastfeeding," Management for Professionals, in: Managing Complexity in Social Systems, chapter 12, pages 113-119, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:mgmchp:978-3-030-01645-6_12
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-01645-6_12
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