It is widely recognized that research regarding complexity in projects has been inspired
by Baccarini through his publication in 1996. Since then, research on this topic has been
developing to other areas such as healthcare, IT, military, manufacturing, engineering,
construction, and more. From theory point of view, the topic has also been researched
in relation to various theories such as organization theory, PMI (Project Management
Institute) view, system theory, complexity theory, among others. Interestingly, there is
currently still no agreement among the researchers regarding the definition of complexity
itself. Despite of this fact, studying complexity is important and will potentially improve
project management practices, including in brownfield projects, where research has not
much been pursued.
Brownfield projects are important in securing sustained energy supply, as well as in
realizing the transformation within the energy industry. This master’s thesis explores
complexity in large oil and gas modification projects and aims to classify the complexity
encountered by the individuals participating in such projects. A new framework for
classifying project complexity is proposed by implementing grounded theory methodology
over the data gathered through interviews and observations.
