Project Management Maturity: Case study analysis using OPM3® model in manufacturing industry

Abstract

This research analyses the degree of maturity of project management practices. The study object were the organizations that develop their main activity in manufacturing machines for the mining and quarrying and construction industries, in the region of Tâmega e Sousa (Portugal). The theoretical background is the Organizational Project Management Maturity Model (OPM3®). The methodological approach adopted was case study research (multiple case study). The results give us cues to believe that the degree of maturity of this industry is very low. The three companies analysed revealed levels of maturity around 15%. The reasons behind the low level of maturity are related with the lack of adoption of organizational enablers and the low level use of project management practices: 48% of project management processes are not used, and 28% are classified into an ad-hoc stage. In a management context this research can be a starting point to improve project management in organizations. Yet, one can conclude that these organizations develop their daily operations within a project management perspective but this is not recognized by them. Even identifying processes that are part of recognized good project management practices, these organizations score for a relatively low maturity level. This research brought important practical contributions, by raising at least awareness of the project management value in the organizations studied.