Sensemaking in Project Management

Modern projects are implemented in conditions of uncertainty, complexity and high dynamics, where traditional approaches to management may be insufficient to explain the reasons for success or failure. In these conditions, the process of sensemaking becomes particularly important — active comprehension by participants of what is happening, formation of a common understanding and adaptation to a changing reality. The article considers sensemaking as a methodological tool in project management that allows analysing the processes of interpretation, collective reflection and coordination of meanings. The author relies on classical and modern researches, revealing how sensemaking helps to manage risks, determine the success of a project taking into account the perception of stakeholders, eliminate cultural barriers in distributed teams and comprehend strategic development in the context of digitalization. Special attention is paid to prospective sensemaking — comprehension of the future, formation of projective meanings and flexible goal management. The work emphasizes the applied potential of the method, its ability to complement traditional project management tools by taking into account the human factor, and suggests directions for further development. Sensemaking is presented as a valuable resource for both researchers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of project work in today's turbulent environment.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Research and Development Russian Journal of Project Management
Published
2025-12-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12737/2587-6279-2025-14-4-13-19
Primary Topic
Education and Professional Development
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Sensemaking in Project Management

E. Ilyina
Scientific Research and Development Russian Journal of Project Management
Education and Professional Development
article

Sensemaking in Project Management

E. Ilyina
article en

Abstract

Modern projects are implemented in conditions of uncertainty, complexity and high dynamics, where traditional approaches to management may be insufficient to explain the reasons for success or failure. In these conditions, the process of sensemaking becomes particularly important — active comprehension by participants of what is happening, formation of a common understanding and adaptation to a changing reality. The article considers sensemaking as a methodological tool in project management that allows analysing the processes of interpretation, collective reflection and coordination of meanings. The author relies on classical and modern researches, revealing how sensemaking helps to manage risks, determine the success of a project taking into account the perception of stakeholders, eliminate cultural barriers in distributed teams and comprehend strategic development in the context of digitalization. Special attention is paid to prospective sensemaking — comprehension of the future, formation of projective meanings and flexible goal management. The work emphasizes the applied potential of the method, its ability to complement traditional project management tools by taking into account the human factor, and suggests directions for further development. Sensemaking is presented as a valuable resource for both researchers and practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of project work in today's turbulent environment.

Scientific Research and Development Russian Journal of Project ManagementVol. 14(4)
Far Eastern Federal University (RU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
Education and Professional Development
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Sensemaking in Project Management — E. Ilyina · Scientific Research and Development Russian Journal of Project Management (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS