Advancing project studies under the design science paradigm

Abstract

This paper examines how the design science paradigm has been incorporated and progressively consolidated within Project Studies, and how this trajectory can inform future research. It analyses publication patterns, intellectual configuration, artefact types, problem classes, analytical levels, methodological approaches and theoretical foundations. A bibliometric study was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science. Bibliographic coupling was used to identify intellectual proximities among publications, complemented by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to uncover latent intellectual dimensions and by network analysis to assess the internal consistency of publication groups and support a mapping of the field. Research in project studies under the design science paradigm has expanded significantly since 2020. The EFA identifies six emerging thematic domains. Artefact production is predominantly conceptual and methodological, while contributions mainly take the form of nascent design theory. However, systems, instantiations, implementation in intended application environments, explicitly defined problem classes, and recurrent theoretical foundations remain limited. The analysis supports a multilevel taxonomy of eight problem classes across macro, meso and micro levels and reveals uneven consolidation of the design science paradigm within project studies. The study advances project studies by identifying six emerging thematic domains, developing a multilevel taxonomy of problem classes and proposing a framework for future research under the design science paradigm. By linking problem-class delimitation, analytical level, prescriptive contribution, methodological approach, theoretical foundation, artefact and design knowledge configuration and evaluation logic, the study supports more cumulative, theoretically grounded and practice-relevant research.