PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR – AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

2012 ◽  
Vol 01 (08) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
OLATEJU Olawale I. ◽  
ABDUL-AZEEZ Ibraheem A. ◽  
ALAMUTU Salimonu A.
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Tools And Techniques

The application of Project Management (PM) tools and techniques in public sector is gradually becoming an important issue in developing economies, especially in a country like Nigeria where projects of different size and structures are undertaken. The paper examined the application of the project management practice in public sector in Nigeria. The PM Lifecycles, tools and techniques were presented. The study was carried out in Lagos because of its metropolitan nature and rapidly growing economy. Twenty three copies of questionnaire were administered to 23 public institutions in Lagos to generate primary data. The descriptive analysis techniques using percentages and table presentations coupled with coefficient of correlation were used for data analysis. The study revealed that application of PM tools and techniques is an essential management approach that tends to achieve specified objectives within specific time and budget limits through optimum use of resources. Furthermore the study noted that there is lack of in-depth knowledge of PM tools and techniques in public sector institutions sampled, also high cost of application was also observed by the respondents. The study recommended among others that PM tools and techniques should be applied gradually especially in old government institutions where resistance to change is perceived to be high.

scholarly journals The Interplay of Risk Management and Uncertainty: A Project Management Practice Perspective.

2009 ◽  
pp. 74-84
Author(s):  
Claude Besner ◽  
Brian Hobbs
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Project Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
General Tendency ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Empirical Perspective ◽  
Contextual Variability ◽  
Tools And Techniques

THE PAPER EMPIRICALLY MEASURES THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN RISK MANAGEMENT AND UNCERTAINTY AND THE CONTEXTUAL VARIABILITY OF RISK MANAGEMENT PRACTICE. THE RESEARCH FIRST CLARIFIES THE CONCEPTS OF UNCERTAINTY, RISK AND RISK MANAGEMENT. THE RESEARCH DEFINES RISK MANAGEMENT FROM AN EMPIRICAL PERSPECTIVE I.E., FROM AN EMPIRICALLY IDENTIFIED SET OF TOOLS THAT IS ACTUALLY USED TO PERFORM RISK MANAGEMENT. THIS TOOLSET IS DERIVED FROM THE RESULTS OF AN ONGOING MAJOR WORLDWIDE SURVEY ON WHAT EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS ACTUALLY DO TO MANAGE THEIR PROJECTS. THIS PAPER USES A SAMPLE OF 1,296 RESPONSES FOR WHICH THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN RISK MANAGEMENT AND UNCERTAINTY COULD BE MEASURED. The results are very coherent. They verify and empirically validate many of the propositions drawn from a review of the literature. But results challenge some of the propositions found in the conventional project management literature and some commonly held views. The research shows that the use of risk management practices and tools is negatively related to the degree of project uncertainty. This somewhat counter-intuitive result is consistent with a general tendency for all project management tools and techniques to be used more intensively in better defined contexts. The dominant project management paradigm is oriented towards reducing or controlling uncertainty, but is less well adapted to unforeseeable events and high levels of uncertainty. A better understanding of the reality of the actual practice leads to a discussion about supplementing the current paradigm with new approaches to manage the uncertainty that cannot be removed or reduced by the conventional project management approach.

A Goal-Driven Management Approach based on Knowledge Exploitation for e-Government Projects

2012 ◽  
pp. 206-223
Author(s):  
Demetrios Sarantis ◽  
Yannis Charalabidis ◽  
Dimitris Askounis
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Public Officials ◽  
It Projects ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Government Project

The implementation of electronic Government projects in public sector organisations is a challenging task, due to technical, organisational and cultural specificities of the domain. Research shows that such IT projects have higher failure rates than similar approaches in the private sector, also indicating the lack of a method to transfer knowledge and apply best management practices in an effective way. The proposed management approach aims to recognise structure and reuse past successful attempts, in ways that support the overall viability of an e-Government project. After stating the fundamental principles of project management that apply to public sector IT projects, the authors present a conceptual model for e-Government project management, including entities such as dimensions, goals, activities, deliverables and roles that can be structured and adapted to cover all types of relevant projects in an out-of-the-box approach. This knowledge base of predefined project components can then be populated and utilised in making more informed decisions for effective project management of e-Government initiatives. This way, the proposed method supports public officials and practitioners in learning from past experience projects and in designing and running e-Government projects in a more systematic manner, thus, significantly increasing the likelihood of project success.

A Goal-Driven Management Approach based on Knowledge Exploitation for e-Government Projects

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 14-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demetrios Sarantis ◽  
Yannis Charalabidis ◽  
Dimitris Askounis
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Electronic Government ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Public Officials ◽  
It Projects ◽  
Best Management ◽  
Government Project

The implementation of electronic Government projects in public sector organisations is a challenging task, due to technical, organisational and cultural specificities of the domain. Research shows that such IT projects have higher failure rates than similar approaches in the private sector, also indicating the lack of a method to transfer knowledge and apply best management practices in an effective way. The proposed management approach aims to recognise structure and reuse past successful attempts, in ways that support the overall viability of an e-Government project. After stating the fundamental principles of project management that apply to public sector IT projects, the authors present a conceptual model for e-Government project management, including entities such as dimensions, goals, activities, deliverables and roles that can be structured and adapted to cover all types of relevant projects in an out-of-the-box approach. This knowledge base of predefined project components can then be populated and utilised in making more informed decisions for effective project management of e-Government initiatives. This way, the proposed method supports public officials and practitioners in learning from past experience projects and in designing and running e-Government projects in a more systematic manner, thus, significantly increasing the likelihood of project success.

Project Management Practice, Generic or Contextual: A Reality Check

2008 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude Besner ◽  
Brian Hobbs
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Reality Check ◽  
Levels Of Use ◽  
The Common ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Tools And Techniques ◽  
Patterns Of Practice ◽  
Levels Of Support

The purpose of this research is to contribute to a better understanding of project management practice by investigating the use of project management tools and techniques and the levels of support provided by organizations for their use. The study examines both general levels of use and variations among project types and contexts. Many aspects of project management practice are common to most projects in most contexts, while others vary significantly among different types of projects and among projects in different contexts. The purpose of this paper is to present empirical results that show both the common elements and the significant variations. The paper is based on a survey of 750 project management practitioners. The use of tools and techniques is seen here as an indicator of the realities of practice. The study found some aspects of practice to be common across all types of projects and all contexts, but on this background of similar patterns of practice, several statistically signifi-cant differences have also been identified. The primary focus of this paper is on these variations in practice.

Incorporating agile practices in public sector it management: A nudge toward adaptive governance

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Maija Ylinen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
It Management ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Adaptive Governance ◽  
Public Sector Organizations ◽  
It Department

Public sector organizations are moving from digitalization toward digital transformation. However, this fast-paced and fundamental transformation can be difficult to manage with traditional approaches. One solution is the application of agile methods and adaptive governance. Currently, it is not clear whether the agile mindset can be successfully adopted by public sector organizations, which value stability over agility. To provide a much-needed example of how the agile approach can be introduced in the context of the public sector, this paper presents the findings of a single case study of a municipal IT department. The case shows how the IT department adopted an agile IT management approach in response to the growing demand for digital services and the effects of the digital transformation inside the IT department and throughout the municipality. The findings reveal that introducing agile IT management in public sector IT departments can help improve operational flexibility, collaboration, and customer service despite barriers, such as traditional operational structures, and resistance to change. Consequently, bottom-up agile experiments can drive large-scale agile transformations, especially if such transformations are also accepted at the organizational level.

Advancing capital project management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Grandage
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industry Standards ◽  
Project Failures

PurposeEffective project management is critical for reducing project failures, cost overruns and schedule delays. Yet, research in this area is lacking. This study provides original research on capital project management in US state governments, with special attention to earned value management (EVM). EVM is a technique used to provide early warning indicators of performance issues and facilitate corrective action during project execution.Design/methodology/approachA multi-method design involving document review, focus groups, surveys, interviews and case studies is used to unearth primary data from statewide project management offices (PMO) responsible for overseeing large-scale information technology (IT) acquisitions. A strategic framework is developed, facilitating a descriptive analysis of management strategies.FindingsResults from 31 states indicate the vast majority have taken key initial steps in formulating a statewide strategy, such as establishing a PMO, adopting industry standards and defining guidelines for agencies. However, agencies are only required to follow guidelines issued by the statewide PMO in 14 states. EVM is currently used in 18 states, with most defining clear criteria for application and tailoring practices according to project context.Originality/valueThis study introduces the EVM concept to public budgeting research, provides a blueprint for EVM policy development and offers novel analysis of capital project management reforms and strategies.

scholarly journals RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PRACTICES AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 271-276
Author(s):  
Aneta Kucińska Landwójtowicz
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Production Company

Continuous Improvement is a concept recognized in literature and management practice as essential in today's business environment. This article deals with the analysis of the importance and placement of project management in the implementation and application of Continuous Improvement (CI) practices in manufacturing companies. The first part of the article presents the conclusions resulting from the literature review of the improvement projects management. The problems appearing in this area of the organization's activity were analyzed. Then are presented the results of the empirical research carried out in the production company. A case study has allowed the characteristics of the realized projects to be determined and the identification of the factors that are conducive to and obstructive to the achievements of their objectives.

scholarly journals Examining issues influencing effective facilities management practice on selected public sector buildings in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Petronella Minenhle Ndlovu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Public Works ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Facilities Management ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Repair Work

The facilities management (FM) industry has been confronted with a number of challenges and obstacles when it comes to the implementation of effective and efficient facilities management in public sector buildings. Thus, this study: investigates the current nature and extent of facilities management practice in public sector buildings; determines the technical roles of the facilities management team in the life cycle of public sector buildings; determines the competencies required for effective FM practices in public sector buildings; investigatesthe challengesinhibiting effective FM practice in public sector buildings, determines the drivers and enablers for effective FM practice in public sector buildings; and also recommends strategies for effective FM in public sector buildings in South Africa. The study utilized primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained from the respondents through a questionnaire survey of 39 inspectors of the provincial Public Works department in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The questionnaire elicited information on issues influencing effective facilities management practices on selected public sector buildings. The secondary data was generated from literature from which the research instrument was developed. Data analysis was carried out using mean item score, percentage, factor analysis and T-test. The research findings indicated that most organizations were predominantly utilizing unplanned maintenance strategies and as such, involved repair work and corrective maintenance rather than predictive and preventive maintenance. The study also found insufficient funding, irregular, or fixed budgeting and the absence of a policy guideline for infrastructural development and maintenance of buildings as the major challenge affecting FM practices in the study area. The predominant drivers of FM practices are design of organizational structure, spirit of teamwork and sharing of FM knowledge and skills. The availability of policy/regulations supporting the maintenance of public buildings, availability of funds, hiring of better skilled professionals and an increase in the level of awareness of FM benefits were found to be enablers of FM practices. Based on these findings, the study recommends the need to employ a planned maintenance strategy in the day-to-day maintenance of public sector buildings. Furthermore, there is a need to have a policy in place that stands as a guideline for all work, strategies and processes for FM in public sector buildings. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge by providing useful information on factors that could enhance the effectiveness of facilities management in public sectors buildings in South Africa and beyond.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting International Business of Service Sector Based Indian Public Sector Undertakings: A Preferential Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Ankur Panwar ◽  
Amarjeet Kaur Malhotra
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
International Business ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
International Market ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Entry Modes ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Primary Data Analysis

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India are the entities which have the status of being Government-owned companies. Internationalization of activities is unavoidable these days in order to sustain. There are number of decisions involved when a PSU decides to enter International market. Tackling factors affecting international business are the most crucial decisions which a PSU has to make. Studies have been carried out in the field of International business and PSUs however, there is an absolute dearth of studies regarding awareness about factors affecting international business of service sector based Indian PSUs. This paper analyzes various factors affecting International business for service sector based Indian PSUs. This paper encompasses the boundary of entire International market and effort has been made to cover all continent and prominent regions/ countries. Responses to our questionnaire are collected from employees of service sector based Indian PSUs, employees of International organizations and related experts in the field of international business. This research study is exploratory in nature. The judgemental or purposive sampling method is used in the study. The data collected from various sources is interpreted and analysed with the help of need based statistical techniques. The descriptive analysis of the responses obtained from them has been done in the study. In descriptive analysis the measure of central tendency (mean, median), dispersion (standard deviation), minimum and maximum scores are estimated. Preferential mapping has also been used in the study to know the preferences of the respondents. In this research paper various factors affecting international business for service sector based Indian PSUs, in various international regions e.g. Africa, Middle East, Western Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, Latin America & the Caribbean and preferred entry modes, promotional & operational strategies for most important factors have been found out through secondary data information and primary data analysis.

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