Real World Project Management: Do As I Say, Not As They Teach

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is a stark contrast between the project management tools and techniques taught in schools and those actually used in industrial settings. This exploratory study provides evidence of those differences in the form of qualitative data collected from project managers in the information technology areas of major firms from the banking, cosmetics, and electronics manufacturing industries. Evidence suggests that there is a significant variation in which the formal project management processes taught in traditional project management curricula are used, if any. The study explores the reasons behind these differences and suggests possible approaches to ease the strain for new hires and current employees.