Abstract
This paper introduces a method to conduct systematic research using modified grounded theory (MGT) in sustainable project management as an extended version of classical grounded theory. MGT allows for data collection from responders, followed by data analysis to generate findings into a set of categories. Recently, academic papers have revealed a lack of systematic approaches to conducting research in the sustainable project management field, an increasingly important area of study. The current research employs a method to investigate the sustainability practice in Jordan and the complexities and capabilities of sustainable project management. However, despite previous efforts within sustainable project management, researchers still seek consensus on the methodology for its consideration. Therefore, this study describes a novel step-by-step approach for conducting research to achieve this goal. Sustainable project management is challenging since it tends to be either qualitative or quantitative; hence, the identification of the appropriate research method is a hard task for a researcher. As a result, several research methods are often employed, and MGT is introduced as an effective approach. Indeed, since sustainable project management is an emerging field in Jordan, adopting a new research method should be considered over traditional approaches.•This paper introduces a new approach to investigating complexities and capabilities within sustainable project management.•The paper presents a brief description of the microanalysis of qualitative data.•The method establishes guidelines for generating theories from the ground up.