A Multiscale Sustainability Assessment Framework and Index for Project Management

Abstract

This research seeks to create a thorough framework for assessing sustainability in project management through a multiscale and multicriteria methodology. A Sustainable Project Management Framework (SPMF) utilizing the PESTEL model is suggested, together with a Sustainable Project Management Index (SPMI) for quantitative evaluation. The approach incorporates literature analysis, focus group conversations, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess the relative significance of sustainability elements. The framework undergoes empirical testing on two farming projects in East Kazakhstan. The results show that political and economic influences are predominant in the initial stages of projects, whereas social and environmental aspects become more significant during the execution and oversight phases. The findings further indicate that sustainability priorities differ based on project type and context. The suggested SPMI offers a versatile and methodical framework for evaluating sustainability performance in various sectors. This research adds to the existing literature by presenting a dynamic, multiscale method that incorporates both temporal and contextual aspects of sustainability into project management, providing valuable insights for decision-makers and project managers.