Sustainable Project Management. A Critical Literature Review

Abstract

This critical literature review shows the evolution of the scientific discussion on sustainable project management. Based on 129 scientific articles, a descriptive and thematic analysis of this new school of thought on project management was carried out. In this way the dominant narratives were discussed. They include the evolution and definition of sustainable project management, arguments for the implementation of sustainable practices, the impact of green transition on traditional project management methods, project features and the logic of sustainable development, the role of the project manager, stakeholders and organization, as well as the potential of this research orientation and its limitations. Attention was also drawn to the disproportion in interests in sustainable project management and the role and importance of projects during the climate crisis and considerations on management in the anthropocene. Conclusions from the literature indicate that sustainable project management is a concept that is still underexplored and has the potential for further  innovative research projects.