Scale in Project Management: A Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

Scale is commonly deployed as a descriptor in the extant project management literature without an associated discussion of what this means. Following a literature review and synthesis of 172 papers we identify three findings. First, most papers addressed the foundational concept of scale obliquely, suggesting a conceptual gap. Second, where scale is mentioned, it is mostly in association with large-scale projects and megaprojects. There are few papers discussing small- to medium-scale projects. Third, the limited categorization of scale is linked to limited discussion of its managerial implications. We then synthesize this research to establish a project scale framework and position future research avenues.