Al Qaeda's Operations: Project Management Analysis

Author: Zwikael, Ofer

Source: Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, Volume 30, Number 3, March 2007 , pp. 267-280(14)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

In recent years, Al Qaeda succeeded in perpetrating several terrorist attacks that were successfully calculated and executed. Each operation may be considered to be analyzed as a project. This article analyzes the events taken by Al Qaeda prior to their operations, focusing on planning, controlling, and decision-making processes, using common tools from the project management area. This unique approach enables an understanding of the operational aspects of Al Qaeda and the managerial processes that its leaders were focused on. It was found that Al Qaeda's greatest managerial strength lies in human resource management, which includes team members recruiting, developing a clear organizational structure, team developing and team members motivating. Al Qaeda's greatest weakness lies in time management, resulting with many operations' schedule delays.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10576100601148464

Affiliations: 1: Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

Publication date: 2007-03-01

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