Beyond the Blueprint: A Critical Review of Construction Project Management through the Lens of Systems Thinking

In recent decades, the discourse approach for analyzing specific genres and professional discourse communities has gained significant traction. The globalization of knowledge and the synergy between disciplines have opened up new avenues for interdisciplinary studies. This paper critically examines Construction Project Management (CPM) through the lens of systems thinking, challenging traditional linear methodologies that dominate the field. While conventional approaches like the Critical Path Method (CPM), Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), and Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) provide structured frameworks, they often fail to account for the dynamic complexity, emergent behaviors, and feedback loops inherent in modern construction projects. By integrating systems thinking principles—such as holism, interconnectivity, feedback mechanisms, and adaptive learning—this paper proposes a conceptual shift from rigid, blueprint-driven management to a more flexible, resilient, and stakeholder-inclusive approach. A case study analysis of a metro rail project illustrates how systems thinking can uncover hidden inefficiencies, improve decision-making, and enhance project adaptability. The findings suggest that future CPM methodologies should blend traditional tools with systems dynamics, causal-loop modeling, and continuous stakeholder feedback to better navigate uncertainty and complexity.

کلیدواژه ها:

Interdisciplinary ، Construction Project Management (CPM) ، Systems Thinking