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Method in the Madness: Finding the Right Project Management Fit for Industrial Investment Projects - A Case Study

Eliasson, Arvid LU and Gustafsson, Linus LU (2025) INTM01 20251
Innovation Engineering
Abstract
Project management is a widely discussed subject in both project management literature and academia. Still, organizations struggle with the complexity of managing projects effectively, especially in complex industrial environments. This thesis investigates investment projects at ABB in a single case study to explore which methodology is appropriate for investment projects within the organization.
Qualitative data was collected through interviews with project managers, factory workers and governance owners at different units of the company. The data was analyzed using the Gioia methodology and synthesized with existing academic literature to provide both company-specific recommendations and insights that are more generalizable to similar... (More)
Project management is a widely discussed subject in both project management literature and academia. Still, organizations struggle with the complexity of managing projects effectively, especially in complex industrial environments. This thesis investigates investment projects at ABB in a single case study to explore which methodology is appropriate for investment projects within the organization.
Qualitative data was collected through interviews with project managers, factory workers and governance owners at different units of the company. The data was analyzed using the Gioia methodology and synthesized with existing academic literature to provide both company-specific recommendations and insights that are more generalizable to similar organizations.
The results from the interviews, supported by literature, are that a hybrid framework based on a predictive framework with adaptive features is appropriate. These features, such as continuous improvement and tool usage, complement the predictive framework in investment projects. It is also clear that the methodology should be tailored to the organization, the type of project and the specific project. Additionally, the thesis highlights the previously overlooked importance of supplier communication in investment projects and the transfer of project leadership. To complement these insights the authors developed a tailored framework, methodology and processes for ABB Electrification Smart Power in Västerås to provide guidance and practical examples on how the insights could be implemented.
Ultimately, this study supports a tailored hybrid methodology for managing investment projects in an industrial environment. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Project management is a topic almost every working adult has come across. However, the vast labyrinth of different frameworks, methodologies and processes can make even the biggest companies struggle. Not shockingly
knowing the answer to the following questions has a direct impact on the success of projects. Should we use Adaptive, Predictive or Hybrid?
PMI or PRINCE2? KANBAN boards or Gantt charts? Figuring this out can save companies heaps of money in the long run. We offer a piece to the puzzle.
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Eliasson, Arvid LU and Gustafsson, Linus LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Metod i Galenskapen: Att Hitta Rätt Projektledningsmetod För Industriella Investeringsprojekt - En Fallstudie
course
INTM01 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
project management methodology, investment projects, hybrid framework, tailoring, project management, projektledningsmetodik, investeringsprojekt, hybridramverk, skräddarsy, projektledning
language
English
id
9196020
date added to LUP
2025-06-10 11:07:00
date last changed
2025-06-10 11:07:00
@misc{9196020,
  abstract     = {{Project management is a widely discussed subject in both project management literature and academia. Still, organizations struggle with the complexity of managing projects effectively, especially in complex industrial environments. This thesis investigates investment projects at ABB in a single case study to explore which methodology is appropriate for investment projects within the organization. 
Qualitative data was collected through interviews with project managers, factory workers and governance owners at different units of the company. The data was analyzed using the Gioia methodology and synthesized with existing academic literature to provide both company-specific recommendations and insights that are more generalizable to similar organizations.
The results from the interviews, supported by literature, are that a hybrid framework based on a predictive framework with adaptive features is appropriate. These features, such as continuous improvement and tool usage, complement the predictive framework in investment projects. It is also clear that the methodology should be tailored to the organization, the type of project and the specific project. Additionally, the thesis highlights the previously overlooked importance of supplier communication in investment projects and the transfer of project leadership. To complement these insights the authors developed a tailored framework, methodology and processes for ABB Electrification Smart Power in Västerås to provide guidance and practical examples on how the insights could be implemented. 
Ultimately, this study supports a tailored hybrid methodology for managing investment projects in an industrial environment.}},
  author       = {{Eliasson, Arvid and Gustafsson, Linus}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Method in the Madness: Finding the Right Project Management Fit for Industrial Investment Projects - A Case Study}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}