Date of Award

Summer 7-12-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Tim McCarty

Second Advisor

Marylou Wilson

Third Advisor

Laurie Goodman

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative multi-case study explored the challenges, strategies, and recommendations that DOD project management team leaders experienced as they made complex decisions leading successful construction projects based on Parker’s (2008) model.

Methodology: A qualitative multi-case study research design described the challenges, strategies, and recommendations Department of Defense project management team leaders used as they made complex decisions leading successful construction projects.

Findings: Close examination of data collected from interviews and artifacts yielded 117 frequencies for DOD project management team leader's team characteristics, and six themes regarding the lived experiences, challenges, strategies, and recommendations. Five key findings and one unexpected finding were identified as to how DOD project management team leaders identify and describe as they navigate complex construction projects with their team.

Conclusions: The study supported that key elements within a team need to be identified, communicated, and exercised during the duration of a DOD project management team in construction. Key elements of the team structure identified were clear purpose, setting clear roles and work assignments, inclusive participation, active listening, and open communication and trust. These actions can be better supported through an outside agency in a learning setting to better prepare DOD project management team leaders.

Recommendations: Further research is recommended to replicate this qualitative multiple case study for DOD project management team leaders in different regions of the country. Furthermore, future research could narrow down the research to exclusively civilian, or military-only members. These future studies would add breadth and depth to the data, and a better overall understanding of how DOD project management teams function and could be more effective moving forward.

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