International audiencePurpose: Better identify, define and model complexity within the field of project management in order to manage better under conditions of complexity (and manage better complexity-induced risks). Design / Methodology / Approach: A large literature review enlightens the lack of consensus on project complexity and thus provides a broad view and a critical analysis of the underlying concepts. A project complexity framework and definition are then proposed. After underlining the stakes of project complexity in accordance with these proposals, a project complexity model is then built notably thanks to systems analysis.Findings: Proposal of standard project complexity framework and definition. Proposal of a synthesis of the relationships between the concepts of project uncertainty and project complexity. Proposal of a project complexity model (and validation thanks to industrial application).Research limitations / implications: The literature review and project complexity framework tries to be exhaustive even though it is likely to be completed. The final version of the model is still to be computed and tested.Practical implications: Avoid confusion when defining and managing a complex project, particularly between project team members (and as a consequence improve communication and information sharing). Better assess the propagation of a change within the project. Originality / Value: The paper proposes an original framework and definition of project complexity. The complexity model permits the navigation from any element of the project to any other (when detail is needed) and is as a consequence original and complementary with traditional project management models and tools

Project complexity is ever growing and needs to be understood and measured better to assist modern project management. The overall ambition of this paper is therefore to define a measure of project complexity in order to assist decision-making. A synthesised literature review on existing complexity measures is proposed in order to highlight their limitations. Then, we identify the multiple aspects of project complexity. We then propose a multi-criteria approach to project complexity evaluation, through the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process. In the end, it permits to define a relative project complexity measure. Complexity scales and subscales are defined in order to highlight the most complex alternatives and their principal sources of complexity within the set of criteria and sub-criteria which exist in the hierarchical structure. Finally, a case study within a start-up firm in the entertainment industry is performed. Conclusions and research perspectives are given in the end.

International audienceProject complexity is ever growing and needs to be understood, analysed and measured better to assist modern project management. The overall ambition of this paper is therefore to define a measure of project complexity in order to assist decision-making, notably when analysing several projects in a portfolio, or when studying different areas of a project. A synthesised literature review on existing complexity measures is firstly proposed in order to highlight their limitations. Then, we identify the multiple aspects of project complexity thanks to the construction and refinement of a project complexity framework thanks to an international Delphi study. We then propose a multi-criteria approach to project complexity evaluation, underlining the benefits of such an approach. In order to solve properly this multi-criteria problem, we first conduct a critical state of the art on multi-criteria methodologies. We then argue for the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process. In the end, this tool permits to define a relative project complexity measure, which can notably assist decision-making. Complexity scales and subscales are defined in order to highlight the most complex alternatives and their principal sources of complexity within the set of criteria and sub-criteria which exist in the hierarchical structure. Finally, a case study within a start-up firm in the entertainment industry (musicals production) is performed. Conclusions, limitations and perspectives of research are given in the end