Project management evolution: From traditional to responsive project management

Modern project management dates back to the 19th century, when Henry Gantt developed techniques for planning and controlling projects, such as the widely used Gantt chart. During the 1990s, developers of software in the information technology industry became concerned with the current techniques of project management. Traditional project management techniques can be problematic for projects such as information technology or construction projects. The key elements of responsive project management should include client interaction, team integration, and flexibility. Most responsive project management approaches are primarily developed for software development projects. Responsive project management enablers are defined as “internal or external factors to the organisation that are directly or indirectly related with the implementation of the project management approach that may impact the performance and use of a given practice, technique, or tool.” A key element of responsive project management is autonomy and self-organising project teams.