Supervisors: Per Svejvig & Anders Fihl (Skanderborg Kommune)
Discussants: Ann-Kristina Løkke Møller & Ingo Kleindienst

Abstract
Throughout the first two years of my PhD, I have developed an iterative approach that integrates conceptual and empirical work. A systematic literature review, currently under review, positions unofficial projects as a nuanced form of a temporary organisation, revealing paradoxes between autonomy and control and between formality and flexibility (Bakker et al., 2011; Birkeland & Svejvig, 2025; Criscuolo et al., 2014; Melkonian & Picq, 2011). Drawing on insights from the systematic literature review and empirical work in a municipality and two volunteer organisations, the action research process has been continuously informed and reshaped as new discoveries emerged. By applying propelling mechanisms for small wins as interventions, I seek to mobilise a network of unofficial project actors while preserving their informal “magic” and avoiding imposed bureaucratic structures (Bours et al., 2022). The research sheds new light on a well-known tension between temporary and permanent organization, extending project management theory with new empirical nuances. 

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