Complexity theory has been applied on subjects as diverse as pure mathematics to socio-dynamics. Each domain defines complexity but generally follow Warren Weaver’s assertion that the “complexity of a particular system is the degree of difficulty in predicting the properties of the system [as a whole], if the properties of the system's parts are given.”
When asked, most project managers claim their project is complex. So it is not surprising that research groups across the world have been applying complexity theory to projects. One of the groups is based in CITI, and the development of a model to determine the level of complexity in a project was seen as a natural follow on from the profiling of project managers and projects that CITI has done for the last 20 years.
This paper discusses this research and provides insights into it's findings and the benefits into getting governance right for projects. For access to the paper please click here.