What is the “project”? A typology of approaches to the core concept in project studies

This paper critically revisits the fundamental, defining notion of “project” in project studies. It examines extant approaches to defining projects and illuminates the ontological fuzziness of the main unit of analysis in project studies. Drawing on the notions of open and essentially contested concepts, the paper emphasizes the importance of studying how the project concept has been applied in empirical research. To advance the debate in this direction, two dimensions are emphasized: (1) the “project” as a realization of an object versus the “project” as an actor’s assignment, and (2) the “project” viewed as an empirical phenomenon versus the “project” used as an analytical lens, resulting in a typology of four distinct research approaches to the project concept. By discussing the approaches’ implications for research inquiries on projects and project management, the paper calls for more prudence when applying the “project” as unit of analysis in future empirical research. Consequently, the paper takes a step towards invigorating the once vivid debate on the core, defining concept within project studies. • We aim to invigorate the once vivid debate on the core, defining concept within project studies. • We argue that “project” as an open and essentially contested concept, making it crucial to understand its denotations in project studies. • To advance the debate, two dimensions are identified: (1) how the “project” is demarcated and (2) what the “project” constitutes. • The resulting typology provides clarity of the unit of analysis, the perspective, research aspects, and explanations in different approaches. • We offer tentative guidance on how this conceptual conundrum can be approached in future research.