Browsing by Author "Ala-Nissilä, Otto"

Working life is going through a transitional change as more tasks are being done in networks. Project is one form of organizing tasks to networks and they are becoming ever more common both in private and in public sector organisations. As tasks are given to networks, multiprofessional collaboration is daily. Merging different views adds its own challenge to work situations. This study examines how project managers expertise develops as they manage a multiprofessional project done in a network environment. The focus of the examination is in the development of project management expertise. The study was conducted following the framework set by phenomenology. The data used in this study was collected by interviewing four project managers who were working in projects funded by European Union structural funds. The interviews were half-structured thematical interviews and each one lasted between one and one and half hours. The transcribed data amounted to 77 pages, which were then analysed following the phenomenological method. The results of this study show that working as a project manager is also a place for learning. Through their project management experience, project managers acquired operating models that were in line with a project management standard. Formulating, upholding and strengthening a shared understanding of tasks and goals between project partners was central for all project managers. The results of this study emphasise the importance of social skills rather technical capabilities as being more important to project managers. Project management was portrayed as management of social interaction. This conclusion can be taken into account when recruiting project managers.