Project management: the promise for developing countries

Abstract

This paper views the project management approach as having great potential for revitalizing the sluggish and ineffective management practices often encountered in developing countries. However, its unqualified adoption is strongly rejected. The application of project management is recommended only when certain technical, political, and environmental conditions are met. Even then, it will only work when it is incorporated into an indigenous framework based on local values, beliefs, and behavioural patterns. It is argued that, even when all cultural and political aspects are properly considered, careful consideration of other factors, such as the nature of the task, the type and size of the project, and the technology, must be considered in order to ensure the success of the endeavour. Some guidelines are offered for the successful introduction of project management when the environmental as well as the organizational conditions warrant such adaptation.