Research Approach of the PMG

The research approach of the PROJEKTMANAGEMENT GROUP is based on three scientific paradigms:

• Radical Constructivism,
• Social Systems Theory and
• Qualitative social research.

Radical Constructivism
The definition “Radical Constructivism” was introduced by Ernst von Glasersfeld (vgl. Glaserfeld E. von (1992): Konstruktion der Wirklichkeit und des Begriffs der Objektivität, in: Gumin, H. Meier H.: Einführung in den Konstruktivismus, München). and aims at the development of a modell of human cognition possibilities.

Social Systems Theory
The basics of this theory is the theory of self-referential social systems by Niklas Luhmann (Vgl. Luhmann N. (1984): Soziale Systeme: Grundriss einer allgemeinen Theorie, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main.). Luhmann divides social systems in social systems in interaction systems (e.g. a cocktail party ), organisations respective formal organised social systems (e.g. companies) and societies. An especially important characteristic is the development of specific structures as values, rules and environmental relationships, which exist independently of other system members but compose the identity of the social system.

Qualitative social research
By following the radical constructivism and the social systems theory it is necessary to adapt the research methodes.
Methodes are required, which allow a qualitative approach of the system specific reality. Main characteristics of qualitative social research (vgl. Lamnek S.: Qualitative Sozialforschung 1 (1993)) are:  the interpretation of empircal data, observation of a variety of characteristics in a cyclical research process, using multi methodes of qualitative research methodes in case studies, team work, focus on development of theses, not testing theses.