Collaborative academic/practitioner research in project management: Examples and applications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a cost‐benefit interpretation of academic‐practitioner research by describing and analysing several recent relevant examples of academic‐practitioner research with a focus on doctoral theses carried out at universities and business schools in clusters of research centred in North America, Australia and Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

Using case study examples, a value proposition framework for undertaking collaborative research for higher degree level study is developed and presented.

Findings

Value proposition benefits from this level of collaborative research can be summarised as enhancing competencies at the individual and organisational level as well as providing participating universities with high‐quality candidates/students and opportunities for industry engagement. The project management (PM) professional bodies can also extend PM knowledge but they need to be prepared to provide active support.

Practical implications

A model for better defining the value proposition of collaborative research from a range of stakeholder perspectives is offered that can be adapted for researchers and industry research sponsors.

Originality/value

Few papers offer a value proposition framework for explaining collaborative research benefits. This paper addresses that need.

Citation

Walker, D.H.T., Anbari, F.T., Bredillet, C., Söderlund, J., Cicmil, S. and Thomas, J. (2008), "Collaborative academic/practitioner research in project management: Examples and applications", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 168-192. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538370810866313