Design science research and the co-creation of project management knowledge

Abstract

The selection of an appropriate research design that provides a balance between rigor and relevance is a critical decision for scholars. The objective of this paper is to discuss the Design Science Research approach in project management research. The paper introduces the theoretical foundations of Design Science Research, its potential for co-creating new knowledge with practitioners, its rigor and relevance, and its challenges. It then provides examples of successful Design Science Research papers in project management research and implications for project management scholars who consider using this approach in their research.