PART IVManaging the Dimensions of Project Complexity

“Traditional management techniques are based on a desire to structure and simplify in order to ‘stabilise’ complex situations. Yet, sometimes, startling and creative solutions can emerge from that very instability. The trick is to know when ‘sticking to the knitting’ will be the most productive approach, and when moving a project to the ‘edge of chaos’ might deliver unexpected performance.”

—HUGH CRAIL, PA CONSULTING

Taking one industry as an example, an examination of initiatives that are underway in financial services organizations around the globe reveals that most of the big firms are actively acquiring smaller companies, while pursuing at least these three interrelated goals:1

  • Developing ...

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