Completion Date
Winter 2-15-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Program or Discipline Name
Project Management
First Advisor
Dr. Tedd Wheeler
Abstract
In a knowledge-driven economy where project-based work structures dominate, project management methodologies have become central to how organizations plan, collaborate, and communicate. However, these frameworks are often built around neurotypical assumptions of communication fluency, executive functioning, and time perception—creating systemic barriers for neurodivergent professionals. This study, Designing Inclusive Planning, Collaboration, and Communication Practices for Neurodivergent Individuals in Project-Based Environments, investigates how project management methodologies and tools can be adapted to foster more inclusive participation and performance. Grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm and informed by principles from Project Management and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), the research adopts a qualitative, exploratory approach. Through interviews and interface evaluations, it examines three core domains: (1) communication barriers in team-based collaboration, (2) challenges with long-term planning and executive functioning, and (3) the cognitive accessibility of project management tools. By integrating insights from neurodiversity and inclusive design, the study aims to develop evidence-based recommendations for redesigning communication practices, planning structures, and digital interfaces within project-based environments. Ultimately, it positions inclusivity not merely as an ethical obligation but as a strategic enhancement to teamwork, creativity, and organizational effectiveness—proposing improvements to project management systems that better align with diverse cognitive strengths and working styles.
Recommended Citation
Janakiraman, S. (2026). Designing Inclusive Planning, Collaboration, and Communication Practices for Neurodivergent Individuals in Project-Based Environments. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/dandt/92