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Perttu Dietrich *, Pa¨ivi Lehtonen 1
Helsinki University of Technology P.O.B. 9555, 02015 Helsinki, Finland
Abstract
This article focuses on how to implement strategies successfully through projects. Based on the literature we propose measures for
successful management of strategic intentions in a multi-project context. Empirical survey of 288 organizations is used to analyze
practices that organizations use in managing development projects. Correlations between management practices and success measures
are examined and the success factors determined. Several success factors are found related to both single and multiple project
management. In addition, the linkage between strategy process and project management, as well as the availability of high-quality
information are identified as success factors.
2005 Elsevier Ltd and IPMA. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Managing projects; Success and strategy; Multi-project environment
1. Introduction
Projects and project management serve as primary
capabilities of an organization to respond to change
and thereby maintain a competitive edge [1]. Projects
may be considered as building blocks in the design
and execution of future strategies of the organization
[2]. Conventional efforts towards the effectiveness in
managing single projects, however, do not suffice in today
s organizations. Therefore, the managerial focus of
firms has shifted towards the simultaneous management
of the whole collection of projects as one large entity,
and towards the effective linking of this set of projects
to the ultimate business purpose [3].
Variety of models and frameworks issuing differen ...