Project governance : coming into focus?

Abstract

Project governance although an idea recognized in project management since the mid-seventies and although being a concept that is closely related to the other concepts of governance, it is still up for debate. Previous research on the concept reveal that both meaning and application of it within project management is diffused and lacking in sound theory. Project management has a long history of being practitioner oriented which has, according to research, somewhat restricted the development of the discipline both in terms of research as well as successful application of its theories and concepts in the field. Studies also indicate that in order for project governance to become a grounded concept within project management and more widely applicable within sectors of society project management education and research needs to become more rigorous and focused.