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Complexity theory is a subset of chaos theory, it focuses on how groups of living things behave. It's primary advancement came through its application in biology with the pursuit for an explanation regarding the evolutionary complexity of living organisms (5). Mikulecky in The emergence of complexity: science coming of age or science growing old? offers a concise definition of complexity: “Complexity is the property of a real world system that is manifest in the inability of any one formalism being adequate to capture all its properties” (1). This carries major implications in the ability of project managers to follow through on each project parameter. Complexity theory aims to define how order and patterns arise out of seemingly chaotic systems and how complex behavior and structures emerge from simple underlying rules (2). It's focus is to determine how systems consisting of many elements can lead to well organized and predictable behavior. Although, it is not possible to calculate the chaos that is inevitable in a project, it is possible to study the implications of complexity theory in order to develop better strategies for dealing with the changes that are brought about through disorder and unpredictable circumstances. To put it simply, the current “control systems” that are currently in the project manager's tool box are not the entities in control: people control their actions and the environment dictates many variables. The philosophies and ideas behind complexity theory should be used to encourage different managerial thought process regarding the way systems and organizations operate. A fundamental point regarding complexity theory in the context of project management is that a project team is a social network: a socia...

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...st activity that emphasizes reductionist techniques and control methods (4). These characteristics assume stability and predictability, which prevents organizations from ushering in required change. Furthermore, these project management practices reduce people to predictable parts in a machine and therefore discourages learning and flexibility. The traditional approaches to project management appear to maintain validity when the goal of the project remains stable and the work is straightforward and obvious; however, there is a growing acceptance that for projects that are complex, uncertain, and time-limited, conventional methods might be inappropriate (4). In light of this information, it can be concluded that chaos and complexity perspectives offer a more profound view of the dynamic nature of projects and can offer empowerment to the project managers leading them.