Technology and Innovation Management |
|
|
|
Project-based learning principles: Insights from the development of large infrastructure |
Yan LIU1( ), Erik-Jan HOUWING2, Marcel HERTOGH2, Hans BAKKER2 |
1. School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China 2. Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1 2628 CN Delft, the Netherlands |
|
|
Abstract In recent decades, interest in project-based learning within organizational learning has grown significantly. This study synthesizes principles that facilitate learning at the project level. Through a cross-case analysis of the Gaasperdammer Tunnel project in the Netherlands and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in China, and validation via focus group discussions, we have identified five key principles: Owner Commitment, Social Environment Approach, Collaboration Vision, Value Orientation, and Open Mindset. These principles highlight the mindsets that guide the behavior and thinking of project practitioners beyond prescriptive processes and routines. Our research enhances the understanding of how project participants can learn from their involvement in unique, complex projects and improve their capabilities for future endeavors. We emphasize the critical role of learning in the development of project capabilities and suggest it be a focal point in future research on infrastructure development projects.
|
Keywords
organizational learning
project-based learning
principles
project capabilities
infrastructure development
|
Corresponding Author(s):
Yan LIU
|
Online First Date: 05 September 2024
Issue Date: 26 September 2024
|
|
1 |
T, Ahern P, Byrne B, Leavy (2015). Developing complex-project capability through dynamic organizational learning. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 8( 4): 732–754
https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-11-2014-0080
|
2 |
S A, Alerasoul G, Afeltra H, Hakala E, Minelli F, Strozzi (2022). Organisational learning, learning organisation, and learning orientation: An integrative review and framework. Human Resource Management Review, 32( 3): 100854
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2021.100854
|
3 |
M K, AlSaied A A, Alkhoraif (2024). The role of organizational learning and innovative organizational culture for ambidextrous innovation. Learning Organization, 31( 2): 205–226
https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-06-2023-0101
|
4 |
K, Ayas N, Zeniuk (2001). Project-based learning: Building communities of reflective practitioners. Management Learning, 32( 1): 61–76
https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507601321005
|
5 |
R M, Bakker B, Cambré L, Korlaar J, Raab (2011a). Managing the project learning paradox: A set-theoretic approach toward project knowledge transfer. International Journal of Project Management, 29( 5): 494–503
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.06.002
|
6 |
R M, Bakker J, Knoben N, De Vries L A, Oerlemans (2011b). The nature and prevalence of inter-organizational project ventures: Evidence from a large scale field study in the Netherlands 2006–2009. International Journal of Project Management, 29( 6): 781–794
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.04.006
|
7 |
A Bhattacherjee (2012). Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices. USA
|
8 |
L, Birt S, Scott D, Cavers C, Campbell F, Walter (2016). Member checking: a tool to enhance trustworthiness or merely a nod to validation. Qualitative Health Research, 26( 13): 1802–1811
https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732316654870
|
9 |
N BlampiedR ButtrickG JucanC PineyC Stevens D VioletteR Max Wideman (2023). In search of project management principles. Project management journal
|
10 |
T, Brady A, Davies (2004). Building project capabilities: from exploratory to exploitative learning. Organization Studies, 25( 9): 1601–1621
https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840604048002
|
11 |
M, Bronte-Stewart (2015). Beyond the iron triangle: Evaluating aspects of success and failure using a project status model. Computing and Information Systems, 19( 2): 19–36
|
12 |
J S, Brown P, Duguid (1991). Organizational learning and communities-of-practice: Toward a unified view of working, learning, and innovation. Organization Science, 2( 1): 40–57
https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2.1.40
|
13 |
E, Cacciatori (2008). Memory objects in project environments: Storing, retrieving and adapting learning in project-based firms. Research Policy, 37( 9): 1591–1601
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2008.04.028
|
14 |
X, Cao A, Ali A H, Pitafi A N, Khan M, Waqas (2021). A socio-technical system approach to knowledge creation and team performance: evidence from China. Information Technology & People, 34( 7): 1976–1996
https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-10-2019-0536
|
15 |
P, Chan R, Cooper P, Tzortzopoulos (2005). Organizational learning: conceptual challenges from a project perspective. Construction Management and Economics, 23( 7): 747–756
https://doi.org/10.1080/01446190500127021
|
16 |
H, Chesbrough (2004). Managing open innovation. Research Technology Management, 47( 1): 23–26
https://doi.org/10.1080/08956308.2004.11671604
|
17 |
J W CreswellJ D Creswell (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications
|
18 |
A, Davies T, Brady (2000). Organisational capabilities and learning in complex product systems: Towards repeatable solutions. Research Policy, 29( 7–8): 931–953
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(00)00113-X
|
19 |
A, Davies T, Brady (2016). Explicating the dynamics of project capabilities. International Journal of Project Management, 34( 2): 314–327
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.04.006
|
20 |
A, Davies I, Mackenzie (2014). Project complexity and systems integration: Constructing the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games. International Journal of Project Management, 32( 5): 773–790
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2013.10.004
|
21 |
B, De Groot W, Leendertse J, Arts (2020). Building adaptive capacity through learning in project-oriented organisations in infrastructure planning. Urban Planning, 5( 1): 33–45
https://doi.org/10.17645/up.v5i1.2523
|
22 |
R J DeFillippi (2001). Introduction: Project-based learning, reflective practices and learning. Sage Publications Sage CA: Thousand Oaks, CA. 32: 5–10
|
23 |
R J, DeFillippi M B, Arthur (1998). Paradox in project-based enterprise: The case of film making. California Management Review, 40( 2): 125–139
https://doi.org/10.2307/41165936
|
24 |
M, Dodgson (1993). Organizational learning: A review of some literatures. Organization Studies, 14( 3): 375–394
https://doi.org/10.1177/017084069301400303
|
25 |
J, Dowson C, Unterhitzenberger D, Bryde (2024). Facilitating and improving learning in projects: Evidence from a lean approach. International Journal of Project Management, 42( 1): 102559
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2024.102559
|
26 |
M, Duryan H, Smyth (2018). Cultivating sustainable communities of practice within hierarchical bureaucracies: the crucial role of an executive sponsorship. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 12( 1): 400–422
|
27 |
M, Easterby-Smith I M, Prieto (2008). Dynamic capabilities and knowledge management: An integrative role for learning. British Journal of Management, 19( 3): 235–249
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8551.2007.00543.x
|
28 |
A C Edmondson (2012). Teaming: How organizations learn, innovate, and compete in the knowledge economy. John Wiley & Sons
|
29 |
A C (2018) Edmondson. The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth. John Wiley & Sons
|
30 |
K M, Eisenhardt M E, Graebner (2007). Theory building from cases: Opportunities and challenges. Academy of Management Journal, 50( 1): 25–32
https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2007.24160888
|
31 |
K M, Eisenhardt J A, Martin (2000). Dynamic capabilities: What are they. Strategic Management Journal, 21( 10–11): 1105–1121
https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0266(200010/11)21:10/11<1105::AID-SMJ133>3.0.CO;2-E
|
32 |
A, Eltigani P, Gardiner R, Kirkham T, Williams L, Ou A, Calabrese (2020). Learning in and from projects: the learning modes and a learning capability model. Production Planning and Control, 31( 10): 786–798
https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2019.1690175
|
33 |
P E, Eriksson R, Leiringer H, Szentes (2017). The role of co-creation in enhancing explorative and exploitative learning in project-based settings. Project Management Journal, 48( 4): 22–38
https://doi.org/10.1177/875697281704800403
|
34 |
G M FerresR C Moehler (2024). Running the codification gauntlet: why intent alone cannot afford the codification of project learnings. Project Management Journal
|
35 |
R, Garud R L, Dunbar C A, Bartel (2011). Dealing with unusual experiences: A narrative perspective on organizational learning. Organization Science, 22( 3): 587–601
https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1100.0536
|
36 |
G, Grabher (2004). Temporary architectures of learning: Knowledge governance in project ecologies. Organization Studies, 25( 9): 1491–1514
https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840604047996
|
37 |
R M, Grant (1996). Prospering in dynamically-competitive environments: Organizational capability as knowledge integration. Organization Science, 7( 4): 375–387
https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.7.4.375
|
38 |
G, Guest E, Namey J, Taylor N, Eley K, McKenna (2017). Comparing focus groups and individual interviews: findings from a randomized study. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 20( 6): 693–708
https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2017.1281601
|
39 |
A, Haesli P, Boxall (2005). When knowledge management meets HR strategy: an exploration of personalization-retention and codification-recruitment configurations. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 16( 11): 1955–1975
https://doi.org/10.1080/09585190500314680
|
40 |
A, Hartmann A, Dorée (2015). Learning between projects: More than sending messages in bottles. International Journal of Project Management, 33( 2): 341–351
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.07.006
|
41 |
A, Hartmann J, Vinke-de Kruijf R, van Weesep (2023). Asking the right questions: The role of reflection for learning in and between projects. International Journal of Project Management, 41( 5): 102494
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2023.102494
|
42 |
Q, He J, Xu T, Wang A P, Chan (2021). Identifying the driving factors of successful megaproject construction management: Findings from three Chinese cases. Frontiers of Engineering Management, 8( 1): 5–16
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-019-0058-8
|
43 |
R, Iftikhar T, Ahola A, Butt (2022). Learning from interorganizational projects. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 15( 1): 102–120
https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-11-2020-0361
|
44 |
R, Iftikhar A, Wiewiora (2022). Learning processes and mechanisms for interorganizational projects: Insights from the Islamabad–Rawalpindi metro bus project. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 69( 6): 3379–3391
https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2020.3042252
|
45 |
L A, Ika J, Donnelly (2017). Success conditions for international development capacity building projects. International Journal of Project Management, 35( 1): 44–63
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.10.005
|
46 |
Z, Irani A M, Sharif P E, Love (2009). Mapping knowledge management and organizational learning in support of organizational memory. International Journal of Production Economics, 122( 1): 200–215
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2009.05.020
|
47 |
A, Keegan J R, Turner (2001). Quantity versus quality in project-based learning practices. Management Learning, 32( 1): 77–98
https://doi.org/10.1177/1350507601321006
|
48 |
W R, King D G, Ko (2001). Evaluating knowledge management and the learning organization: An information/knowledge value chain approach. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 5( 14): 1–26
https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.00514
|
49 |
S, Kivrak G, Arslan I, Dikmen M T, Birgonul (2008). Capturing knowledge in construction projects: Knowledge platform for contractors. Journal of Management Engineering, 24( 2): 87–95
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0742-597X(2008)24:2(87)
|
50 |
S, Klessova C, Thomas S, Engell (2020). Structuring inter-organizational R&D projects: Towards a better understanding of the project architecture as an interplay between activity coordination and knowledge integration. International Journal of Project Management, 38( 5): 291–306
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2020.06.008
|
51 |
K U, Koskinen (2012). Organizational learning in project-based companies: A process thinking approach. Project Management Journal, 43( 3): 40–49
https://doi.org/10.1002/pmj.21266
|
52 |
G Kostka (2016). Large infrastructure projects in Germany. Springer
|
53 |
B, Levitt J G, March (1988). Organizational learning. Annual review of sociology, 14( 1): 319–338
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.so.14.080188.001535
|
54 |
F, Lindner A, Wald (2011). Success factors of knowledge management in temporary organizations. International Journal of Project Management, 29( 7): 877–888
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2010.09.003
|
55 |
Y, Liu A, Amini-Abyaneh M, Hertogh E J, Houwing H, Bakker (2021). Collaborate to learn and learn to collaborate: A case of exploitative learning in the inter-organizational project. Engineering, Construction, and Architectural Management, 28( 3): 809–830
https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2020-0078
|
56 |
Y, Liu E J, Houwing M, Hertogh Z, Yuan H, Liu (2022). Explorative learning in infrastructure development megaprojects: the case of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge. Project Management Journal, 53( 2): 113–127
https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728211065574
|
57 |
P E, Love J, Smith F, Ackermann Z, Irani (2019). Making sense of rework and its unintended consequence in projects: The emergence of uncomfortable knowledge. International Journal of Project Management, 37( 3): 501–516
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2019.02.004
|
58 |
B-ä, Lundvall B, Johnson (1994). The learning economy. Journal of industry studies, 1( 2): 23–42
https://doi.org/10.1080/13662719400000002
|
59 |
W, Lyu J, Liu (2021). Soft skills, hard skills: What matters most? Evidence from job postings. Applied Energy, 300: 117307
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117307
|
60 |
S, McClory M, Read A, Labib (2017). Conceptualising the lessons-learned process in project management: Towards a triple-loop learning framework. International Journal of Project Management, 35( 7): 1322–1335
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.05.006
|
61 |
B, McKelvey (2006). Van De Ven and Johnson’s “engaged scholarship”: Nice try, but···. Academy of Management Review, 31( 4): 822–829
https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2006.22527451
|
62 |
D L, Morgan (1996). Focus groups. Annual Review of Sociology, 22( 1): 129–152
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.22.1.129
|
63 |
S, Newell L F, Edelman (2008). Developing a dynamic project learning and cross‐project learning capability: Synthesizing two perspectives. Information Systems Journal, 18( 6): 567–591
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2575.2007.00242.x
|
64 |
T, Nyumba K, Wilson C, Derrick N, Mukherjee (2018). The use of focus group discussion methodology: Insights from two decades of application in conservation. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9( 1): 20–32
https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12860
|
65 |
A, Oyegoke (2011). The constructive research approach in project management research. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 4( 4): 573–595
https://doi.org/10.1108/17538371111164029
|
66 |
C, Pahl-Wostl J, Sendzimir P, Jeffrey J, Aerts G, Berkamp K, Cross (2007). Managing change toward adaptive water management through social learning. Ecology and Society, 12( 2): 30–48
https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-02147-120230
|
67 |
E, Papadonikolaki C, van Oel M, Kagioglou (2019). Organising and managing boundaries: A structurational view of collaboration with Building Information Modelling (BIM). International Journal of Project Management, 37( 3): 378–394
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2019.01.010
|
68 |
A, Parker J, Tritter (2006). Focus group method and methodology: Current practice and recent debate. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 29( 1): 23–37
https://doi.org/10.1080/01406720500537304
|
69 |
A, Prencipe F, Tell (2001). Inter-project learning: processes and outcomes of knowledge codification in project-based firms. Research Policy, 30( 9): 1373–1394
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(01)00157-3
|
70 |
M, Schindler M J, Eppler (2003). Harvesting project knowledge: A review of project learning methods and success factors. International Journal of Project Management, 21( 3): 219–228
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(02)00096-0
|
71 |
S, Senaratne C, Malewana (2011). Linking individual, team and organizational learning in construction project team settings. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 7( 1): 50–63
https://doi.org/10.3763/aedm.2010.0133
|
72 |
P M Senge (2006). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. Currency
|
73 |
S, Spall (1998). Peer debriefing in qualitative research: Emerging operational models. Qualitative Inquiry, 4( 2): 280–292
https://doi.org/10.1177/107780049800400208
|
74 |
J, Sydow T, Braun (2018). Projects as temporary organizations: An agenda for further theorizing the interorganizational dimension. International Journal of Project Management, 36( 1): 4–11
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.04.012
|
75 |
G, Szulanski (2000). The process of knowledge transfer: A diachronic analysis of stickiness. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 82( 1): 9–27
https://doi.org/10.1006/obhd.2000.2884
|
76 |
N, Turner H, Maylor J, Swart (2015). Ambidexterity in projects: An intellectual capital perspective. International Journal of Project Management, 33( 1): 177–188
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2014.05.002
|
77 |
R, Wang W, Lu Y, Wei (2022). Project-based organizations’ pursuit of production efficiency and legitimate power: An institutional perspective. Project Management Journal, 53( 3): 295–308
https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728221087156
|
78 |
M M, Wasko S, Faraj (2005). Why should I share? Examining social capital and knowledge contribution in electronic networks of practice. Management Information Systems Quarterly, 29( 1): 35–57
https://doi.org/10.2307/25148667
|
79 |
K E, Weick (1991). The nontraditional quality of organizational learning. Organization Science, 2( 1): 116–124
https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2.1.116
|
80 |
A, Wiewiora A, Chang M, Smidt (2020). Individual, project and organizational learning flows within a global project-based organization: exploring what, how and who. International Journal of Project Management, 38( 4): 201–214
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2020.03.005
|
81 |
T, Williams (2008). How do organizations learn lessons from projects—And do they. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 55( 2): 248–266
https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2007.912920
|
82 |
G, Winch R, Leiringer (2016). Owner project capabilities for infrastructure development: A review and development of the “strong owner” concept. International Journal of Project Management, 34( 2): 271–281
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.02.002
|
83 |
S G, Winter (2003). Understanding dynamic capabilities. Strategic Management Journal, 24( 10): 991–995
https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.318
|
84 |
R Yin (1984). Case study research. Beverly Hills. In: ca: Sage
|
85 |
Q, Zhou X, Deng G, Wang A, Mahmoudi (2022). Linking elements to outcomes of knowledge transfer in the project environment: Current review and future direction. Frontiers of Engineering Management, 9( 2): 221–238
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-022-0195-3
|
86 |
M, Zollo S G, Winter (2002). Deliberate learning and the evolution of dynamic capabilities. Organization Science, 13( 3): 339–351
https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.13.3.339.2780
|
|
Viewed |
|
|
|
Full text
|
|
|
|
|
Abstract
|
|
|
|
|
Cited |
|
|
|
|
|
Shared |
|
|
|
|
|
Discussed |
|
|
|
|