Human Resource Management in Project Management: Ideas at the Cusp

Abstract

Human resource management is an important function when managing projects. Over the years, project management has developed and consolidated a robust theory base that lead to a body of knowledge that is unique to its practice and distinct within the larger management discipline. In this direction, this is an opportune moment to reflect on the themes explored within the project management literature that is specific to managing people. Using 104 peer-reviewed articles extracted from web of science database, 6 research themes have been identified that lie at the intersection of project management and human resource management. Co-occurrence of key words is the methodology employed. The themes are Human resource management as a critical success factor for projects, Project manager as an enabler of project success, Projects human resource as vehicle for organizational competitiveness, Project-Human Resource management as engines of innovation, People management competencies of project manager, and Contextual competencies of project manager.