Student research
APM is keen to support all students at all levels regarding their research into the management of projects.
Our research department encourages students to submit their surveys and would like to see the project management community becoming involved by completing the surveys, if applicable, and answering questions which will assist students in their studies.
Your input will help to develop the knowledge base of project management and drive the profession forward. Please see the Promote your research section below on how to upload your survey.
Disclaimer: Please note that whilst APM are keen to advertise these research opportunities it is the responsibility of each student to follow their University's ethical guidelines.
List of current research by students
The following is a list of current and recent requests from students for assistance and contributions to aid their research activities. Please note that some of these are date sensitive.
Social Sustainability in UK Public Procurement for VfM under the Procurement Act 2023
Synopsis My name is Davin Atmaja Lookman, and I am currently pursuing an MSc(Eng) in International Construction Management and Engineering at the School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds. As part of my dissertation, supervised by Dr Rodrigo Juarez, I am conducting research on the practical implementation of social sustainability within the Value for Money (VfM) framework in UK public sector construction projects.
The study aims to understand how social sustainability can be more effectively embedded into procurement processes in light of recent legislative changes such as the Procurement Act 2023. The research specifically focuses on identifying current practices, opportunities, and challenges in delivering socially sustainable outcomes alongside cost-effectiveness and quality.
Requirement Completion of a survey designed for professionals involved in public sector construction, procurement, sustainability, and related fields. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and all responses will be kept confidential and used solely for academic purposes.
Target audience All professionals who work in the UK's construction industry.
Survey closing date 31 July 2025
To critically evaluate transformation leadership soft skills in virtual project teams’ effectiveness across different industry sectors.
Synopsis I am currently studying for my MSc in project managment. My topic is to critically evaluate transformation leadership soft skills in virtual project teams’ effectiveness across different industry sectors.
Explore the critical soft skills that transformation leaders need to effectively lead virtual teams.
Identify challenges and opportunities in the application of transformational leadership soft skills.
To develop practical recommendations organisations can implement to aid in developing and enhancing the soft skills of transformation leaders working with virtual project teams.
Requirement I'm looking for participants to share their insights through an interview. Interviews are expected to be approximately 30 – 60 minutes and will be conducted via MS Teams at your convenience. All responses will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes (Informed consent forms will be sent prior to the interview). Your experiences are invaluable to my study! If you're willing to contribute to this important study please contact me to arrange an interview.
Target audience Project Managers, Team Leads
Survey closing date 31 July 2025
Project Governance
Synopsis Research Questionnaire to study the relationship between project governance and project success.
I am currently undertaking a study for my MSc research project focusing on the relationship between project governance and project success. I would very much appreciate if APM members can share your experience and prospective. To support my research, I kindly request participation in a brief questionnaire, which should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes .
Until 1950s project management wasn’t a recognised organised discipline as such there is limited research in this field. The data from this questionnaire will add to the growing data in project management that is helping to advance the expertise and capability of the discipline. This study will support the growing belief that project management improves the realisation of engineering projects.
This research project has been approved by Brunel University London’s Research Ethics Committee. Please be assured that any information provided will be treated in a strictest confidence.
Requirement Complete a questionnaire
Target audience Project and Programme Managers
Survey closing date 31st July 2025