Managing Projects in an Embedded System Development Context: An In-Depth Case Study from an Improvisational Perspective

This paper reports the findings of an empirical investigation into developing and managing an embedded system project in the context of structured process management. This research adopts an interpretive case study approach and explores project managers' and developers' experiences in embedded system development within a turbulent environment. The study describes the complex undertaking of managing embedded system development, which, in this case, involved improvisational and bricolage practices. It analyses the various influences on the management of an embedded system development project in this setting, along with the organizational responses to such influences. The paper indicates that improvisation and bricolage might be possible tactics for coping with challenges, and lead to a smooth transition of organizational processes. In this case setting, best practices and principles became informal rules and standards, both of which enabled the project manager to cope with difficulties throughout the project.