scholarly journals Project Managers as Knowledge Workers: Competencies for Effective Project Management in Developing Countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Armstrong Amoah ◽  
Frederic Marimon
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Hard Skills ◽  
Key Competencies ◽  
Primary Contribution

Studies have shown that project managers are responsible for the successful management of various projects. Increasingly, this success depends on the project manager being a knowledge worker (KW)—i.e., possessing and utilizing both “hard” and “soft” skills/competencies to manage assigned projects. Nonetheless, there has not been enough studies on what these competencies are, especially in the context of developing countries (DCs). This study, therefore, seeks to conceptualize project managers as KWs by identifying the key competencies and their relationships needed to effectively manage projects in DCs. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted among 112 project management (PM) practitioners in Ghana. The opinions from the respondents were edited, summarized and categorized by creating word queries, thus, making it easier to make deductions from them. Finally, content analysis was conducted to help establish links in the responses so as to deduce appropriate recommendations. The findings provide a set of “soft” and “hard” skills/competencies and their unique combinations for effective PM in DCs. The primary contribution of this study stems from highlighting the key competencies that project managers need to ensure effective PM in DCs, thus, helping these countries to make a more efficient use of their scarce resources.

scholarly journals Insights of project managers into the problems in project management

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Vincent Livesey
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Team Management ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Hard Skills ◽  
Importance Index

A Delphi study using project managers who had managed projects in excess of $500 million was used to confirm the significance and frequency of problems resulting from the nature of projects. Using the results obtained from the Delphi study a ranking of the problems experienced in these projects was obtained by calculating a Relative Importance Index. Additionally, the Delphi panel members were asked their views concerning the need for traditional project management skills (hard skills) and team management skills (soft skills) as project size increased from below $50 million to over $500 million. A substantial increase in the need for both skills was indicated with the increase in the need for soft skills being the most significant.

scholarly journals Goleman-Boyatzis Model of Emotional Intelligence for Dealing with Problems in Project Management

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-45
Author(s):  
Peter Vincent Livesey
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Management Skills

As projects grow in size and complexity the sizes of teams needed to manage them also increases. This places greater emphasis on the need for the project manager to develop people management skills, commonly called soft skills, of which emotional intelligence (EI) has been recognised as an important component. The objective of this research was to investigate the relevance of the Goleman-Boyatzis model of EI in dealing with the problems in large projects identified via a literature review. To achieve this end, a Delphi study using project managers who had been involved in the management of projects in excess of $500 million was used. The responses from the Delphi panel were analysed and the results showed that the competencies contained in the Goleman-Boyatzis model had a relevance of 95% or greater to the problems presented to the panel. A ranking of the various competencies contained within the model was also developed, some competencies being found to be more important than others. By confirming the importance of emotional intelligence, as described by the model, this research adds to the understanding of the necessary skills needed by a project manager to successfully manage large projects. 

scholarly journals A Correlational Study on Project Management Methodology and Project Success

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-65
Author(s):  
Michael Pace
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Correlational Study ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Moderating Variables ◽  
Multiple Project Management ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This non-experimental correlational study extends previous research investigating the relationship between project management methodology and reported project success, as well as the moderating variables of industry and project manager experience. The sample included North American project managers with five years’ experience, 25 years of age or older, and experience with multiple project management methodologies. The survey instrument consisted of 58 questions, utilizing a 5-point Likert scale to record responses. The survey contained three sections, including demographic information, questions related to a successful project, and questions related to a less-than successful (failed / challenged) project. 367 usable responses were received. The examination of the constructs included Pearson’s correlation coefficient as well as linear regression to determine the impact of moderating variables. Results indicated that project management methodology has a weak correlation with reported project success, and this correlation is not moderated by industry nor project manager experience. The results did not align with previously conducted studies, illustrating a need to continue the study of methods impacting success including investigating additional moderating variables.

scholarly journals Leadership Qualities in Project Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (521) ◽  
pp. 240-245
Author(s):  
H. Y. Luchko ◽  
◽  
I. V. Kohut ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
External Environment ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Effective Management ◽  
Leadership Qualities ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
Management Standard ◽  
The Individual

This article is aimed at researching the phenomenon of leadership, analyzing the qualities of project leaders and defining the key qualities that project managers should have to effectively manage teams and achieve maximum results. The article defines that in order to ensure effective management of the project team with dynamic changes in the external environment, the project manager must be not only a director, but also a leader at the same time. It is precisely the leadership qualities of the project manager, which provide the ability to coordinate the team’s work in such a manner that certain results be achieved, i.e., the expectations of the main stakeholders be fulfilled or exceeded. The article examines the most characteristic traits inherent in leaders, which are highlighted by various researchers of the «traits theory». It is determined that of importance for a project manager is not only certain traits of the leader, but also professional competence. The criteria for assessing the level of competence of project managers in accordance with the ICB4 standard, as well as the necessary skills in relation to the individual competence of «Leadership», are specified. The main qualities and skills of the leader-manager according to the latest version of the PMBOOK project management standard are also considered. The research carried out by the authors resulted in distinguishing the most important qualities of the leader, which, combined with the necessary professional knowledge and skills, will allow project managers to become successful and effective in team cohesion to achieve the best results in project activities. The traits allocated as result of the research, such as responsibility, perseverance, ability to cooperate, kindness and others, will allow project managers to be successful leaders of their teams and to effectively manage projects and programs.

Critical Behavioral Competencies for IT Project Managers

2012 ◽  
pp. 165-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazel Taylor ◽  
Jill Palzkill Woelfer
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
It Project Management ◽  
Management Competencies ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
It Project ◽  
Key Competencies ◽  
And Training ◽  
Critical Situations ◽  
Behavioral Competencies

What behavioral competencies do experienced IT project managers apply when facing critical situations in their projects, and how have they developed those competencies? In this paper, the authors answer these questions. The authors interviewed 23 experienced IT project managers from 11 organizations, focusing on critical situations that they now managed differently from their earlier, novice, practices, and on how they had learned to develop these different approaches. The authors discuss a variety of management development and training interventions. They use a thematic analysis to identify the key competencies being applied and learning methods experienced by this set of managers. Results suggest that IT project managers are drawing on a different set of competencies from those required for project management in other industries. Additionally, this paper reveals the importance of informal learning channels, often involving project experiences, for the development of IT project management competencies.

‘Smart' Project Management

2016 ◽  
pp. 179-192
Author(s):  
Céline M. Silvius ◽  
Gilbert Silvius
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Team Collaboration ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Explorative Study ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Share Information

Mobile devices and applications are changing the way individuals gather, process and share information. A development which also applies to project management. This chapter reports an explorative study on the functionality of 50 project management apps. The apps were analyzed on the variables: type of functionality, project management processes supported, methodology/standard supported, topics covered, website support, languages supported, project roles supported, number of team members supported and number of projects supported. Our analysis showed that the functionality of project management apps today is mainly focused on two application areas: (A) Supporting the role of the project manager individually in the planning/organizing processes of the project and (B) Supporting team communication and team collaboration. Lacking in functionality seems to be the communication/collaboration with project sponsor and other stakeholders. Based on our study we recommend project managers to be selective when starting to use project management apps.

Project Manager Profile Characterization in Energy Sector

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 64-84
Author(s):  
Germán Eduardo Giraldo González ◽  
César Augusto Leal Coronado ◽  
Gabriel Humberto Pulido Casas
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Environmental Risks ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Management Standards ◽  
Modern Project

This article describes and analyzes the fundamental characteristics of the project-manager profile in energy sector. This article includes a literature review, qualitative analysis based on expert's interviews, quantitative analysis based on surveys of project managers and finally, analysis and benchmarking of internationally recognized modern project management standards. This exercise contributes to the culture of project development and project management, specifically the recognition of the project manager's role and contribution to the successful project delivery. The identified profile shows satisfactory levels of education, training and experience, with some weaknesses in managing project complexities (environmental, risks, methodologies, communication and social responsibility).

scholarly journals Project management education in Croatia

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 255-278
Author(s):  
Ivana Bestvina Bukvić ◽  
Iva Buljubašić ◽  
Marija Ivić
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
It Industry ◽  
Study Programs ◽  
Project Management Professionals ◽  
Education Model ◽  
Additional Level

Since today's dynamic and competitive business environment increasingly requires additional level of competence, the project manager is, certainly, a profession whose value and demand is growing. As to reach the project objective, the project manager should have an adequate education, which is the reason why the corporations, especially in the Information Technology (IT) industry, are among leaders in investment to project management education and certification. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the identification and understanding of the project management education model in Croatia and explore possibilities for its improvements, especially in the field of the project management in the IT industry. For that reason, through 2018 and 2019, authors conducted the research on availability of project management education programs in Croatia, opportunities for international certification as well as attitudes of the project management professionals in IT sector on the existing education model. The study suggests that there is a growing trend of project managers’ certification, especially in the IT industry, as well as a variety of informal programs for project management education. Simultaneously, there is a lack of project management university study programs. Empirical results show that project management study programs lack the practical segment and are, in most cases, offering only fundamental theoretical knowledge. Therefore, authors, on the basis of the literature review and analysis of IT sector needs assessment, provide recommendations of the domains, to be included into future university study programs.

An empirical examination of the relationship between adult attention deficit and the operational effectiveness of project managers

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graeme Coetzer
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
Symptom Clusters ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Operational Effectiveness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multimodal Management ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between adult attention deficit (AAD) and the operational effectiveness of project managers (OEPM). Design/methodology/approach – In total, 160 actively employed business graduate students participated in a business course where they were assigned to four person project teams responsible for completing a major business project. The project contained four sub-projects each of which was managed by a different team member. At the end of the semester each team member rated the others on their operational effectiveness as a project manager. Each subject identified a close associate who completed an observer version of the Brown Attention Deficit Scale. Product moment correlations were used to test the hypotheses that AAD and each of the symptom clusters are negatively associated with OEPM. Simultaneous linear regression was used to test the hypothesis that difficulties activating and organizing to work (DAOW) is uniquely associated with OEPM after controlling for the influence of all the other symptom clusters. Findings – AAD and each of the symptom clusters is negatively associated with OEPM, and DAOW is uniquely associated with OEPM. Research limitations/implications – Research study is limited by use of an indirect work sample (working graduate students) and future research requires direct workplace samples of project managers. The influence of creativity within the relationship between AAD and project management effectiveness requires further investigation and may reveal beneficial aspects of the disorder. Practical implications – Individuals and organizations wanting to ensure timely and successful completion of key tasks and projects need to be aware of the influence of AAD on OEPM. The provision of intensive project management training/coaching, regular performance feedback, project management tools and an organized work space free of distractions is suggested for disordered project managers. Disordered project managers are especially vulnerable during the task activation and organization phase which may be addressed through the use of peer coaching and constructive team support. The effective design and management of project teams represents a significant opportunity for distributing the potential creative benefits of the disorder while managing the deficits. Pairing disordered employees with coworkers who are less creative but have better administrative skills may be mutually beneficial. Employee assistance programs that raise awareness and provide access to assessment are an important part of multimodal management of the disorder. Social implications – Increasing social, economic and legal pressures to provide reasonable accommodation for functional but disordered employees, be more inclusive and take appropriate advantage of employee diversity underscores the general social value of this research. Originality/value – This research study is the first examination of the influence of AAD within the nomological network that determines project manager effectiveness. The results are of value to researchers, organizational development specialists, human resource management specialists, managers and employees who are seeking effective multimodal management of the disorder in the workplace.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document