ANNUAL CONGRESS 2025

Project Management in Urban Development. Case Studies from the DREAMER and PM4U Projects

Not scheduled

20m

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 08 | EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Speaker

Oleksii Yehorchenkov (SPECTRA Centre of Excellence EU at Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava)

Description

Urban development and spatial planning are complex processes that require interdisciplinary coordination, efficient resource allocation, and long-term strategic thinking [1-2]. This paper explores the critical importance of project management as a discipline in addressing the challenges inherent in urban development and spatial planning. The study emphasizes how project management methodologies contribute to achieving sustainable and inclusive urban growth by ensuring the effective integration of technical, social, and environmental considerations [3-5].
The research draws on insights and results from two ongoing projects: the DREAMER and the PM4U projects. Both initiatives highlight the transformative potential of project management in urban development and spatial planning. The DREAMER project focuses on empowering professionals and academics in project management for post-war recovery, clean energy, and digital transformation, while the PM4U project addresses the challenges of managing urban transformation projects in the EU, particularly in response to climate change and energy transitions.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes case studies and best practices from these projects, alongside other urban initiatives such as infrastructure development, urban renewal, and cross-border planning. The findings demonstrate that applying structured project management techniques, such as stakeholder analysis, risk assessment, and time management, significantly improves project outcomes. Additionally, it highlights how project management tools facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, and local communities [4].
A key focus of the study is the role of project management education, as demonstrated in the DREAMER and PM4U projects, in equipping professionals with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of urban development. The research identifies gaps in existing curricula and showcases how integrative frameworks, combining spatial planning and urban development principles, can better prepare future urban planners and project managers to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity.
The study concludes that embedding project management into urban development and spatial planning practices is essential for creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities. By showcasing the outcomes of the DREAMER and PM4U projects, this research underscores the value of innovative training programs and collaborative approaches in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

References

1. United Nations (2022) Sustainable Development Goals and Urban Development. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org
2. Rittel, H. W. J. and Webber, M. M. (1973) 'Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning', Policy Sciences, 4(2), pp. 155–169.
3. Project Management Institute (PMI) (2017) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), 6th edn. Newtown Square, PA: PMI.
4. Turner, J. R. (2016) Gower Handbook of Project Management, 5th edn. Routledge.
5. Yehorchenkov, O. and Yehorchenkova, N. (2025) 'Project management 101: Planning', Spektrum. Slovak University of Technology. Available at: https://www.stuba.sk/spektrum-doi/10.61544/hzku1054.html?page_id=17197