A Systematic Literature Review of Systems Integration and Management in Project Networks

The paper evaluates the shifts in the academic discourse in the context of integration over the last two decades within project networks. To achieve our research objectives, we focus on inter-organizational project networks using a meta-analysis approach that provides a rigorous systematic review of published scientific literatures. We analyzed articles from 4 leading project management journals 81 publications in IJPM, 11 in PMJ, 5 in IJPOM, and 20 in IJMPB. An initial search involved 115 peer-reviewed articles that were published between 2000 and 2020, and 56 were selected for the review after applying the inclusion criteria. The study identified a number of integrating mechanisms in project networks such as supplier integration, integration governance, process and knowledge integration, relational integration, contractual integration, team integration, and system integration. The findings also highlighted different types of integration strategies and views on integration, as well as, the role and significance of social and technical integration to support project success. The study also recognized areas that require further study, including reviewing more accurate information on how integration strategies can be practically implemented and how this integration affects project success.