Analysis of large projects based on sustainability dimensions and with an agility approach using data envelopment analysis; case study of large projects of Isfahan Municipality

The current study aims to provide a framework for evaluating the large projects based on the sustainability dimensions and with agility approach using data envelopment analysis.

To this end, sustainability indicators, agility indices in project management and project management critical success factors are identified. By calculating the large projects efficiency numbers in each of attitudes include financial, social and environmental, three dimensions of sustainability and by drawing a regional graph based on the projects’ efficiency numbers in both attitudes of agiliy and project management critical success factors, the project performance is studied in both attitudes. 

Graphs and efficiency results in sustainability attutudes show that among 27 projects, just three projects are efficient in all three attitudes. In addidtion, to deliver product/service in the shortest time is the meaning of delivering value to the customer with extending the agility in project management. Also, to protect the resources for the next generation, project manager can dedicate the financial and social resources in order to control the environmental impacts of the projects in parallel with the sustainable development principles which which can be translated to be responding efficiently and effectively to the customers while meeting the requirements of the sustainable development. 

The project as a temprory organization should be managed in such a way that while adapting to the changes and being agile in responsiveness, it also keeps the time range, cost and qulity for delivering the created product/service. Agility has been proposed as an approach to gain and keep the competitiveness in a changing and unpredictable environment and it focuses on meeting customers needs while sustainability attitude does focus on the reduction of the udesireable affects of the meeting customers demands. To integrate these two concepts in the field of project management leads to the efficiency and success of the project, comprehensively.