Do Classics Exist in Megaproject Management? (Introduction)
Bent Flyvbjerg, and J. Rodney Turner, 2017, "Do Classics Exist in Megaproject Management?", introduction to special issue on classics in megaproject management, International Journal of Project Management, published online July 31, DOI 10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.07.006
19 Pages Posted: 4 Aug 2017
Date Written: July 31, 2017
Abstract
This special issue asks, “Do classics exist in megaproject management?” We identify three types of classics: conventional, Kuhnian, and citation classics. We find that the answer to our question depends on the definition of “classic” employed. First, “citation classics” do exist in megaproject management, and they perform remarkably well when compared to the rest of the management literature. A preliminary Top Ten of citation classics is presented. Second, there is no indication that “conventional classics” exist in megaproject management, i.e., texts recognized as definitive by a majority of experts. Third, there is also no consensus as to whether “Kuhnian classics" exist, i.e., texts with paradigmatic clout. The importance of classics seems to be accepted, however, just as work to develop, discuss, and consolidate classics is seen as essential by megaproject scholars. A set of guidelines is presented for developing classics in megaproject management research.
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