• View the PD process as a complex adaptive system (CAS).

• Rather than forming a singular plan for the project...

  • Plan its potential activities,

  • Set work policies, and

  • Let agents self-organize activities into the most valuable path to success.

• Adaptive project control continuously rebalances cost, schedule, and performance relative to goals to maximize value as a project unfolds.

  • Activity (mode) frequency provides an indication of its current value to the project.

  • Changes in technologies, methods, and/or personnel can increase an activity’s probability of adding value.

  • Singular plans will be challenged to guide projects effectively.

  • Greater variety in potential outcomes increases project value (options theory).

  • Projects on paths unlikely to lead to success can be abandoned.

  • High-value PD processes may require more activity options, not fewer (as suggested by Lean).

Key Publication: P20

Instead of focusing on a singular plan, invest in planning and learning about the options, and let value emerge.