A critical analysis of project management methodologies used in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Burns, Leon (2025) A critical analysis of project management methodologies used in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Purpose: To understand if there is a relationship between various types of project management execution methodologies commonly used within the pharmaceutical industry for engineering and construction capital projects and project cost-overruns.

Approach: Literature review on project failings, project management tools and techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry in combination with semi-structured interviews with pharmaceutical industry professionals with significant capital project execution experience.

Findings: Research indicates that PMBOK or waterfall type project management methodology is the most preferred and reliable project management system for pharma construction projects. PMBOK in conjunction with PMO and specific elements of agile & lean methods, would make for a more fit for purpose methodology for the pharmaceutical industry.

Research Limitations: Semi-Structured interview approach & lack of published information regarding pharmaceutical project failures

Originality/Value: No historical data or literature to suggest this subject matter has been previously researched or documented. The value of this paper is in the data that has been collated on the perceived most appropriate types of PM methodologies for higher levels of cost control on pharmaceutical capital engineering projects.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Gibney, Desmond UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pharmaceutical Industry; Project Management; DMAIC (Define Measure Analyse Improve Control); Cost Control; Methodologies; PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge); Agile
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > Economics > Business H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > Chemical Industry > Pharmaceutical industry H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Project management
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	08 Jan 2026 11:59
Last Modified:	08 Jan 2026 11:59
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9071

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