The recursive nature of the VSA is reflected in project management by recognizing that a project operates as a viable system within a larger viable system (the organization). Each project has its own internal components, such as teams, resources, and processes, which must align with the goals and governance of the parent organization. Simultaneously, the project must adapt to external influences, such as market trends, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements, ensuring it remains relevant and viable in its broader context.

A key principle of VSA-informed project management is systemic coherence, which ensures that all elements of the project, including its objectives, processes, and resources, are harmonized with the larger organizational strategy. This coherence reduces inefficiencies and conflicts, enabling the project to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s overall viability.

Complexity is a fundamental consideration in VSA project management. Projects often involve multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and dynamic environmental conditions, all of which create significant complexity. The VSA emphasizes the need for project managers to embrace and manage this complexity rather than oversimplify it. This involves leveraging tools, frameworks, and strategies to address the variety and interdependencies within the project and its context. The principle of requisite variety is crucial here: the project team must possess the internal complexity (skills, knowledge, and processes) needed to match the complexity of the challenges it faces.

Adaptability is another core element of project management in the VSA framework. Projects operate in dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly. Effective project management involves continuously monitoring these changes, incorporating feedback, and adjusting plans and processes to stay aligned with the project’s objectives and the broader system’s needs. This adaptive capability ensures the project remains viable and responsive throughout its lifecycle.

Governance is central to VSA project management. It provides the structure, processes, and decision-making frameworks that guide the project toward its goals while maintaining alignment with organizational strategies. Governance mechanisms ensure accountability, transparency, and coordination across all project components, fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders.

Knowledge management plays a critical role in VSA project management. Projects generate and rely on vast amounts of knowledge, both tacit and explicit. Effective management of this knowledge ensures that lessons learned are captured, shared, and applied, contributing to the continuous improvement of both the project and the parent organization. This iterative learning process supports systemic viability by enhancing the organization’s ability to execute future projects more effectively.

Finally, sustainability is a key consideration in VSA project management. Projects are not only evaluated based on their immediate outcomes but also on their long-term contributions to the organization and its ecosystem. This perspective encourages project managers to consider the broader impact of their decisions, including economic, social, and environmental implications.

In summary, project management within the VSA framework is a systemic, relational, and adaptive process. It emphasizes the alignment of project goals with organizational strategies, the management of complexity and relationships, and the incorporation of feedback and learning to ensure both short-term success and long-term viability. By integrating these principles, VSA-informed project management fosters coherent, sustainable, and effective project outcomes that contribute to the resilience and adaptability of the entire system.