Embedding Divergent Thinking Into Project Team Decision Making
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EMBEDDING DIVERGENT THINKING INTO PROJECT TEAM DECISION MAKING A thesis submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Mark Ross Boyes Master of Business Administration (Executive) with Distinction, RMIT University School of Property, Construction and Project Management College of Design and Social Context RMIT University June 2019 Declaration I certify that except where due acknowledgement has been made, the work is that of the author alone; the work has not been submitted previously, in whole or in part, to qualify for any other academic award; the content of the thesis is the result of work which has been carried out since the official commencement date of the approved research program; any editorial work, paid or unpaid, carried out by a third party is acknowledged; and, ethics procedures and guidelines have been followed. I acknowledge the support I have received for my research through the provision of an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. Mark Ross Boyes Date: 14th June 2019 Copyright statement This work is copyright ©Mark Boyes 2019 Apart from use permitted by the Copyright Act of 1968, no part of this work can be reproduced or stored in a document management system (electronic or hardcopy) without the written permission of the author. Permission is granted to RMIT University to store in the Australian Thesis Repository and make it available for the purpose of personal study. Permissions for other purposes can be obtained from: [email protected] Mark BOYES PhD Thesis Page 2 Acknowledgements This work was carried out between 2014 and 2019 at RMIT University in Melbourne Australia, during which time many personal obstacles had to be overcome, including the unexpected passing of my mother in 2016; therefore, this thesis is dedicated to her; Diane Elizabeth Boyes (1942-2016). It is my undisputable pleasure to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to my friend, Associate Supervisor and mentor Dr Arthur Shelley, CEO Intelligent Answers. Without Arthur, there would be no thesis. Arthur’s infectious enthusiasm inspired this research project and he incessantly challenged, poked and prodded to ensure it was carried out and delivered to a point where it could make a difference. A great deal of praise and appreciation goes to my Senior Supervisor Dr Eric Too, his guidance and focus on academic rigour kept the research project at a high level and on track. I would also like to thank Professor Kerry London for her leadership, encouragement and support in the early days, which helped lay a solid foundation for this research project. To the staff at RMITs School of Property, Construction and Project Management, a colossal thank you for keeping the clerical tasks on target, orderly and stress-free. The staff at the school were always a pleasure to speak to and they were quick to respond to any queries. Finally, my joy knows no bounds as this thesis draws to a conclusion; a feeling that is shared by my family. No more long nights and weekends nailed to the computer or travelling to conduct field research. To Kyle and Lucas Boyes (and Bailey the dog), thank you for your patience, back scratches, hugs, cups of tea and reminding me to check out every now and then to spend quality time with the ones you love. To Sue, thank you for your scholarly assistance and emotional support along this journey. Mark Boyes Mark BOYES PhD Thesis Page 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents ................................................................................................... 4 Glossary ................................................................................................................. 8 Table of Tables ....................................................................................................... 9 Table of Figures .....................................................................................................10 Abstract.................................................................................................................12 1 Introduction ....................................................................................................14 1.1 Chapter Introduction.......................................................................................... 14 1.2 Rational, prior experiences and context .............................................................. 14 1.3 The Opportunity & Significance .......................................................................... 16 1.4 Research Problem .............................................................................................. 19 1.5 Research Objectives ........................................................................................... 22 1.6 Research Questions............................................................................................ 23 1.7 Research Strategy .............................................................................................. 24 1.8 Research Methodology ...................................................................................... 25 1.9 Research Limitations .......................................................................................... 28 1.10 Thesis Structure ............................................................................................. 30 2 Literature Review ............................................................................................32 2.1 Chapter Introduction.......................................................................................... 32 2.2 Project Management ......................................................................................... 32 2.2.1 The Evolution of Project Management .............................................................. 34 2.2.2 Project Outcomes .............................................................................................. 42 2.2.3 Project Outcomes Summary .............................................................................. 47 2.3 Rethinking Project Management ........................................................................ 48 2.3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 48 2.3.2 Decision making ................................................................................................. 48 2.3.3 A new approach ................................................................................................. 53 2.3.4 Rethinking PM Summary ................................................................................... 61 2.4 Creativity in Projects .......................................................................................... 63 Mark BOYES PhD Thesis Page 4 2.4.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 63 2.4.2 Defining creativity .............................................................................................. 64 2.4.3 Divergent Thinking Terminology ........................................................................ 67 2.4.4 Divergent Thinking Summary............................................................................. 93 2.5 Literature Review Framework ............................................................................ 95 2.5.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 95 2.5.2 Rational for the Framework ............................................................................... 95 2.5.3 Key Framework Concepts .................................................................................. 96 2.5.4 Literature Review Framework & Scope ............................................................. 98 2.6 Research Gap Statement .................................................................................... 99 2.7 Chapter Summary ............................................................................................ 100 3 Research Methodology .................................................................................. 104 3.1 Chapter Introduction........................................................................................ 104 3.2 Research Paradigm .......................................................................................... 107 3.2.1 Research Design Overview .............................................................................. 112 3.3 Model Development ........................................................................................ 114 3.3.1 Model Justification ........................................................................................... 117 3.4 Justification for approach ................................................................................. 119 3.5 Research Methods ........................................................................................... 123 3.5.1 Research Sample .............................................................................................. 125 3.5.2 Overview of Information Needed .................................................................... 128 3.5.3 Data Collection ................................................................................................. 130 3.5.4 Data Analysis and Synthesis ............................................................................. 131 3.6 Ethical Considerations .....................................................................................