Sustainability in project management: A comprehensive review
1 University of Bedfordshire, UK.
2 SPACEPOINTE LIMITED, Rivers State, Nigeria.
3 Ulster University, UK.
4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, the University of Alabama, USA.
5 INEC Nigeria.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 21(01), 656–677
Publication history:
Received on 27 November 2023; revised on 06 January 2024; accepted on 08 January 2024
Abstract:
This comprehensive review paper delves into the integration of sustainability principles within the realm of project management. The primary objective is to analyze how sustainability is being incorporated into project management practices and to identify the emerging trends and challenges in this integration. The methodology involves a systematic review of existing literature, encompassing academic journals, industry reports, and case studies, to provide a holistic view of the current state of sustainability in project management. Key findings reveal that sustainability in project management is increasingly gaining attention, driven by the growing recognition of environmental, social, and economic impacts. The study identifies three core dimensions of sustainability in project management: environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic viability. It highlights the evolving role of project managers in embedding these dimensions into project life cycles, from initiation to closure. The review also uncovers a range of tools and frameworks being employed to facilitate sustainable project management, such as life cycle assessment, stakeholder engagement strategies, and sustainability balanced scorecards. However, challenges persist, including a lack of standardized guidelines, difficulties in measuring sustainability outcomes, and resistance to change in traditional project management practices. The paper concludes that while strides have been made in integrating sustainability into project management, there is a need for more robust frameworks and educational efforts to enhance the adoption and effectiveness of sustainable practices. Future research directions are suggested, focusing on the development of standardized sustainability metrics and the exploration of the role of technology in enhancing sustainable project management practices.
Keywords:
Sustainability; Project Management; Integration; Principles; Sustainability Concepts
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0