The industrial project. Studies of the work situation of project members

The aim of the thesis was to investigate and analyze how project members at operative level experience industrial project work. The project goal, alongside the time limits, methods applied, and cooperation, were envisaged to set the prerequisites for the work situation. Four empirical studies, based on both qualitative and quantitative methods, are encompassed by this thesis. In total, 31 companies and 298 respondents were involved in the studies. The studies were performed in product-development and construction settings within the mechanical engineering industry. The analysis shows that project work is characterized by: 1) Goal-focused cooperation in flexible and changeable work groups. Demands competence for cooperation; interaction and communication constantly adjusted to problem-solving processes; and joint activities for goal definition. 2) Treating time as a resource. A fast pace of work demands shared responsibilities in a team; unconstrained interaction and communication; and social support. Scarce time resources give rise to the risk of neglecting needs for long-term knowledge development. 3) Development and insecurity. Development makes contingency-based supervision and planning needed, together with team-based planning and goal formulation. High levels of development stimulate knowledge and improvements to routines and practices. Technological development also entails insecurity, which requires the ability mentally to cope with flexibility and continuous adjustments.