Simulation, a tool to boost understanding and innovation in Project Management

Abstract

In Project Management, creativity is used as a tool for conflict management and decision making in relevant project phases. A more ambitious vision would consider creativity as a common behavioral element of team members, who employ creativity not just as a set of techniques but as the motivation to assume risks when making decisions. However, this approach must be confronted to the need to guarantee efficiency, and Simulation may be the approach to merge both requirements. This paper presents the case study in the new product development function in an industrial firm, where the use of simulation as knowledge generator overcomes previous paradigms focused on the early detection of errors. Building on top of that case study, the authors propose the application of simulation in Project Management processes in such a way that the behavior of projects may be assessed and knowledge may be gained to then be employed in the selection of the more adequate and innovative alternatives, early in the definition phases of the project. When used by the project team, simulation will also serve as a cohesive and motivation tool.