Can a project champion bias project selection and, if so, how can we avoid it?

Abstract

Purpose This paper sets out to empirically investigate whether a “project champion” can have an undue influence at the project selection stage and, if so, how this can be both identified and controlled. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology is based on a single case study and is part of a much wider research investigation. Findings The case clearly shows that a “project champion” can have a biased influence on project selection. It was shown that in this particular case the “project champion” deemed the project‐specific risks to be lower than that suggested by other appraisal team members and that the strategic benefits to be derived from the project to be higher. Both these influences make the project look more attractive and can result in a project being accepted, which may not be in the best interests of the organisation. By using the financial appraisal profile (FAP) model the organisation was able to identify this bias and reduce its influence. Research limitations/implications Generalisability is an issue with case studies. It is believed that this paper not only provides empirical evidence confirming what may have intuitively been suspected, but also provides a solution to the problem. Practical implications By empirically identifying the adverse influence a project champion may have at the project selection stage will allow practitioners to take account of this bias. Originality/value This paper presents a model and case study that shows how project champions play a role and how this role may be used in evaluation of projects. Project champion roles in this environment have been only rarely studied.

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