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On the broadening scope of the research on projects: a review
and a model for analysis
Jonas S€oderlund *
School of Management, Link€oping University, SE-58183 Link€oping, Sweden
Received 29 April 2003; received in revised form 24 February 2004; accepted 27 May 2004
Abstract
In recent years, we have witnessed an increased interest in the research on projects and project management. The aim of this
article is to review, classify and analyze the recent contributions within the field. This paper is based on two sets of data: (1) projectrelated
research published in major management and organization scientific journals, and (2) articles published between 1993 and
2002 in the International Journal of Project Management. The article offers a framework suitable for analyzing the developments
made and the different perspectives launched. It is submitted that ‘‘project research’’ instead of project management research might
be a better concept for capturing the current state of the field. We also show that papers in the International Journal of Project
Management have devoted little attention to research on contexts of multi-projects and multi-firms, a context that is considered to be
of great importance for the future of project studies. The recent developments illustrate the need to better integrate project management
with the general developments in management and organization. Of special importance, we conclude, is the one that we
label project ecologies. We also believe that this concept, and research focus, might be of value for practitioners as it describes the
way many modern industries work. The paper contributes to the internal debate about the content and iden ...