Evolution of project management dissertation topics in Poland : a comparative analysis of Project Master competition data (2015-2024)

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to analyse the evolution of project management thesis topics submitted to the Project Master competition in Poland between 2015 and 2024. The study aims to identify the main trends in terms of topics taken up by students in their theses and areas of increasing importance in the context of academic project education.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study used a descriptive-analytical qualitative approach, enriched with elements of quantitative analysis. A triangulation of methods was used: desk research, document analysis, open coding inspired by Grounded Theory and trend analysis. The metadata of 319 thesis titles submitted to the competition were analysed.

FINDINGS: The survey results indicate a growing interest in modern project management topics such as agile approach in project management (Agile) and artificial intelligence (AI), while maintaining the presence of classic topics such as project feasibility studies. Changes were also observed in the structure of the types of theses submitted, particularly the increase in the number of undergraduate and doctoral theses in recent years.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The conclusions of the survey can support universities in adapting educational programmes to current market trends and developing competences in line with labour market needs, as indicated by the themes of the theses submitted to the Project Master competition.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article brings a unique longitudinal perspective to the analysis of academic interest in the area of project management in Poland. It also reveals the role of academic competitions as tools for identifying subject trends and activating students in applied project knowledge.