During the development of the Half Double Methodology, several research reports have been developed. These reports have a strong focus on documenting and evaluating the performance of the methodology in a multitude of organizations. This gives a clear view on why it works, and which situations, challenges and
opportunities we need to be aware of. The research has been used actively during the development phases of the Half Double Methodology. This has created validation of the impact of the final methodology and ensured awareness of critical points and continuous improvements of the Half Double Methodology.
Get the report: Rode, A. L. G., & Svejvig, P. (2021). Project Half Double: Mid-term Evaluation of Phase 3 and Consolidation of Phase 1, 2 and 3.
Get the report: Rode, A. L. G. et al. (2019). Project Half Double: Results of phase 1 and phase 2.
Get the report: Svejvig, P. et al. (2016). Project Half Double: Preliminary Results for Phase 1.
The research track seeks to document and evaluate the experience with and impact of the Project Half Double method by comparing the pilot project with three other "reference projects" in each of the pilot companies. The evaluation is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, and the method is continuously developed in collaboration with the individual pilot companies. The research track in Project
Half Double primarily seeks to be able to compare the effect of the method across projects within the individual pilot organizations. The variables that can be used in this comparison are prepared in collaboration with the company. In order to be able to compare the effect across the projects, the same model is used to evaluate both the pilot project and the reference projects in each pilot company.
During phase 1 and 2 of Project Half Double, the research seeked to document and evaluate the experience of working with the Half Double Methodology through a multifaceted evaluation process combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. By developing a comprehensive comparative study, the research team was able to examine projects in 16 individual organizations comparing the effect of the Half Double Methodology across projects. Here, pilot projects implemented with the Half Double Methodology were compared with three reference projects in each organization not applying the methodology. This evaluation assesses the degree to which the Half Double Methodology would prove more successful and effective than traditional approaches to project management when it comes to reducing time to impact, increasing project success rate and development speed of products or services. At the same time, it evaluates the learnings and implications from each organization in terms of practicing the Half Double Methodology.
In phase 3, the research track continues to document and evaluate the Half Double Methodology applied to projects in organizations across Denmark. More specifically, this phase examines the diffusion and spread of the Half Double Methodology, and further examines the application of the methodology in a specific setting of several small- and medium sized organizations. This research continues to be a mulitfaceted comparison study of pilot projects. Furthermore, the research track will examine the scaling of the Half Double Methodology through survey data.
During its entire existence Half Double has drawn attention from researchers in academia. This has resulted in multiple
publications concerning the methodology. Below, the publications from academic journals and international conferences are listed.
The research track also plays an important role in creating awareness, progress and connections in international research environments. In addition to ongoing publishing of research related to Project Half Double’s methodology, evaluation, and role compared to previous research initiatives
(such as the British movement from 2006 called "Rethinking Project Management"), members of the team have also met with other thought leaders within the same fields such as Kristian Kreiner, Mark Winter, Aaron Shenhar, Mia Martinsuo, Ralf Müller, Andrew Davies and Agnar Johansen.
Professor Emeritus Kristian Kreiner, who is a former professor at Copenhagen Business School has reviewed the methodology and given his input to the considerations that must be made in order to increase the value and usability of the concept. One of the most important takeaways was the need to intensify focus on how the methodology can be applied to unique, local contexts where conditions for obtaining success differ.
The British government-funded initiative "Rethinking Project Management" has also been a major source of inspiration in the development of the Project Half Double Methodology. Dr. Mark Winter led the research project, and results and recommendations from the project were published in the International Journal of Project Management. One of the results of the initiative was five new directions for further research into project management, which, in many ways, are similar to the Project Half Double Methodology. In particular, special emphasis was on changing the approach to project practitioners so that they are considered as reflective practitioners instead of trained technicians. Dr. Winter's experience in this field has contributed to the Project Half Double Methodology developing reflective practitioners who can effectively learn, operate and adapt to complex project contexts – and thus pragmatically translate and apply the methodology in practice.
Dr. Aaron J. Shenhar is considered one of the world's leading researchers in the field of project management and technology management. Apart from giving feedback on the Half Double Methodology, Dr. Shenhar was the keynote speaker at the Project Half Double Conference in 2016. Dr. Shenhar’s approach to project characteristics is applied to analyze projects in Project Half Double.
Ralf Müller is an award winning professor of project management at BI Norwegian Business School. Müller is renowned for his research in the field of project management and the topics of project leadership and governance - two key aspects of the Half Double Methodology. In 2017 at a Project Half Double Thought Leader session, Ralf Müller was invited to share his insights on leadership and governance.
Miia Martinsuo is a professor of industrial management at Tampere University in Finland. Martinsuo is acknowledged for her research on management of project business and portfolios focusing on value management and uncertainty. In 2017 Project Half Double invited Martinsuo to share her thoughts on effective portfolio management and leadership in relation to Half Double at a Thought Leader session.
Andrew Davis is a renowned professor of innovation management. His research takes point of departure in the notion of innovation in complex projects and identifying practices for delivering successful projects within time, budget and scope. In 2018, Andrew Davis was invited as a keynote speaker on innovation, flexibility and project learnings at a Half Double Conference.
Agnar Johansen is a professor at Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Johansen’s works in the field of project management where he has a wide experience as researcher, lecturer and consultant. At a Half Double conference in 2018, Johansen shared his research of fast projects and knowledge gained from leading several development projects.
The Half Double Methodology Handbook and the Half Double Foundation Guide is available in bookstores worldwide.
Read more about the publications and how you can order your own copy.
Per Svejvig
Associate Professor, Aarhus University
Anna Le Gerstrøm Rode
Postdoc, Aarhus University
