Dynamic Assembling in Project Networks: Learnings from the Humanitarian Context

Abstract

Project networks link specialists from different fields and organizations to work jointly on a shared activity for a limited period. In this structure, the central actor-the project owner-plays a key role acting as host, sponsor or parent of the project network. But, how do owners fulfil their role? We argue that the role of the project owner is to continuously reconfigure the relationships among the networks to quickly develop temporary organizations that respond to emerging needs. Using a humanitarian organization, we consider the important activity of the project owner as dynamic assembling. This capability relies on the owner's capacity to conceive, combine, coordinate and control the network. By adopting a dynamic view of the project, businesses could increase their capability to rapidly respond to trends. Playing a central role on multiple project network contributes to the owner's capability to dynamically combine resources and increase its innovation capacity.