Local Project Management Research Articles

The significance of crisis identification using community‐driven model

AbstractWhile the identification of crisis situations has been one of the major social issues in Korea, the approach to addressing this issue is biased toward a government‐centric system, and consequently, there is limited research exploring the significance of a community‐driven crisis identification model. Focus group interviews were conducted among local volunteers and project managers actively engaged in the “Good Neighbors Project.” The exploration of the significance of community‐driven crisis identification, the challenges associated, and strategies to strengthen the community‐driven crisis identification model led to the identification of a total of eight sub‐themes. Based on the findings, to effectively identify individuals and families in crisis within the local community, it is necessary to expand the concept of crisis beyond its definition within the public sector, increase opportunities to communicate the significance of community‐driven crisis identification involving volunteers from the local community, and emphasize the need to enhance volunteers' competence.

Exploring factors influencing the microfinance program sustainability

Ensuring the sustainability of development interventions such as microfinance programs is essential for making sure that the financial access is available for the poor in long term. However, many project-based microfinance have faced sustainability issues. Therefore, exploring the factors affecting the sustainability of the programs is essential. Using institutionalist view of microfinance sustainability and considering project implementation aspects, this study aims to explore the factors that influence the sustainability of project-based microfinance institutions (MFIs). Quantitative approach by using a statistical tool is used to analyse the survey of the 85 microfinance bankers from 65 Microfinance institutions (MFIs). The result showed that project-based microfinance sustainability is influenced by local project characteristics, community support and project management. It implies that project implementation and its sustainability is concomitant. Project implementation that considers local community and is supported by project management could hold an important role in the sustainability of the project. Furthermore, developing sustainability strategies in planning and implementation stages is crucial. Hence, international development project actors should take them into account.

Evaluation of a multifaceted implementation strategy for semi-automated surveillance of surgical site infections after total hip or knee arthroplasty: a multicentre pilot study in the Netherlands

IntroductionTo promote the nation-wide implementation of semi-automated surveillance (AS) of surgical site infection after hip and knee arthroplasty, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) deployed a decentralised multifaceted implementation strategy. This strategy consisted of a protocol specifying minimum requirements for an AS system, supported by a user manual, education module, individual guidance for hospitals and user-group meetings. This study describes an effect evaluation and process evaluation of the implementation strategy for AS in five frontrunner hospitals.MethodsTo evaluate the effect of the implementation strategy, the achieved phase of implementation was determined in each frontrunner hospital at the end of the study period. The process evaluation consisted of (1) an evaluation of the feasibility of strategy elements, (2) an evaluation of barriers and facilitators for implementation and (3) an evaluation of the workload for implementation. Interviews were performed as a basis for a subsequent survey quantifying the results regarding the feasibility as well as barriers and facilitators. Workload was self-monitored per profession. Qualitative data were analysed using a framework analysis, whereas quantitative data were analysed descriptively.ResultsOne hospital finished the complete implementation process in 240 person-hours. Overall, the elements of the implementation strategy were often used, positively received and overall, the strategy was rated effective and feasible. During the implementation process, participants perceived the relative advantage of AS and had sufficient knowledge about AS. However, barriers regarding complexity of AS data extraction, data-infrastructure, and validation, lack of capacity and motivation at the IT department, and difficulties with assigning roles and responsibilities were experienced.ConclusionA decentralised multifaceted implementation strategy is suitable for the implementation of AS in hospitals. Effective local project management, including clear project leadership and ownership, obtaining commitment of higher management levels, active involvement of stakeholders, and appropriate allocation of roles and responsibilities is important for successful implementation and should be facilitated by the implementation strategy. Sufficient knowledge about AS, its requirements and the implementation process should be available among stakeholders by e.g. an education module. Furthermore, exchange of knowledge and experiences between hospitals should be encouraged in user-group meetings.

Fuzzy Assessment of Management Consulting Projects: Model Validation and Case Studies

Management consulting (MC) has been heavily involved in emerging business opportunities in mainland China. However, there are no well-known local MC project management models to help evaluate whether an MC project can be successful or not. This paper reports a model for the self-assessment of management consulting projects, which has been validated by 15 experts and 13 cases. The new model, with seven factors that are critical to the success of MC projects, was developed from a literature review. The model was then verified by developing a questionnaire that was sent to 15 experts and using Dempster–Shafer theory to obtain the weight of each part of the model. The model was applied to 13 real cases to verify its effectiveness in evaluating an MC project. This new MC model can help consulting teams to conduct assessments in the early and middle stages, and evaluate in the late stage, of consulting projects, and also can help teams improve the probability of project success and client satisfaction. It can be used by consultants, client companies, or both.

Prospects, drivers of and barriers to artificial intelligence adoption in project management

PurposeThe rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and differing attitudes towards its adoption in the building and environment (B&E) industry has an impact upon whether companies can meet changing demand and remain relevant and competitive. The emergence of Industry 4.0 technologies, coupled with the repercussions of COVID-19, increases the urgency and opportunities offered that companies must react to, as disruptive technologies impact how project management (PM) professionals work and necessitate acquisition of new skills. This paper attempts to identify the drivers of and barriers to, as well as the general perception and receptiveness of local PM professionals towards, AI adoption in PM and thereby propose potential strategies and recommendations to drive AI adoption in PM.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the findings gathered. A survey questionnaire was used as the primary method of gathering quantitative data from 60 local PM professionals. Statistical tests were performed to analyse the data. To substantiate and validate the findings, in-depth interviews with several experienced industry professionals were performed.FindingsIt is found that top drivers include support from top management and leadership, organisational readiness and the need for greater work productivity and efficiency. Top barriers were found to be the high cost of AI implementation and maintenance and the lack of top-down support and skilled employees trained in AI. These findings could be attributed to the present state of AI technologies being new and considerably underutilised in the industry. Hence, substantial top-down support with the right availability of resources and readiness, both in terms of cost and skilled employees, is paramount to kick-start AI implementation in PM.Originality/valueLittle research has been done on the use of AI in PM locally. AI's potential to improve the productivity and efficiency of PM processes in the B&E industry cannot be overlooked. An understanding of the drivers of, barriers to and attitudes towards AI adoption can facilitate more intentional and directed oversight of AI's strategic roll-out at both the governmental and corporate levels and thus mitigate potential challenges that may hinder the implementation process in the future.

EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF WATERFALL AND AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES – A CASE STUDY FROM MACAU'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The adoption of project management techniques is a crucial decision for corporate governance in construction companies since the management of areas such as risk, cost, and communications is essential for the success or failure of an endeavor. Nevertheless, different frameworks based on traditional or agile methodologies are available with several approaches, which may create several ways to manage projects. The primary purpose of this work is to investigate the adequate project management methodology for the construction industry from a general perspective and consider a case study from Macau. The methodology considered semi-structured interviews and a survey comparing international and local project managers from the construction industry. The interviews indicate that most construction project managers still follow empirical methods with no specific methodology but consider the adoption of traditional waterfall approaches. In contrast, according to the survey, most project managers and construction managers agree that the project's efficacy needs to increase, namely in planning, waste minimization, communication increase, and focus on the Client's feedback. In addition, there seems to be a clear indication that agile methodology could be implemented in several types of projects, including hospitality development projects. A hybrid development approach based on the Waterfall and Agile methodologies as a tool for the project management area may provide a more suitable methodology for project managers to follow.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROJECTS MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

The relevance of the research topic is due to the need for improvement and further development of scientific and methodological support for portfolio management processes in the context of the introduction of portfolio-oriented management in the field of local (territorial) self-government project management, including public participation (PP) projects.

The Optimization of Personnel Localization Management on international construction projects: cases study from China enterprises

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the key risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects under the major public emergencies represented by the novel coronavirus pneumonia pandemic (hereinafter COVID-19) and how the public emergency affected the Personnel Localization Management from three levels: staff turnover rate, the number of different personnel, the salary and performance of workers. The paper also helps to enhance the construction enterprises' response capacity of major public emergencies and provides a comprehensive framework of optimization strategies for the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects (hereinafter projects).Design/methodology/approachThe main research method of this paper is the case study, and ten representative international construction projects are selected for case study in China construction enterprises (hereinafter CCE). And this study used the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and comparative analysis to find out all potential risk factors under the COVID-19 and analyze how the epidemic affects the Personnel Localization Management of projects which based on the primary data from 10 projects obtained through in-depth interviews and the secondary data from China First Metallurgical Group and Central South Construction Group's Overseas Enterprise.FindingsThe findings show that the outbreak of the major public emergencies not only greatly increased eight risk factors but also directly led to an increase in staff turnover rate. Meanwhile, the numbers of Chinese and local managers and workers are all affected, and an increase in the number and the salary performance of local workers can be reduced, to a certain extent, to the cost-to-output ratio of the projects. The findings would help construction enterprises better cope with Personnel Localization Management and enhance the response capacity of major public emergencies.Research limitations/implicationsThis study will broaden researchers' horizons regarding “Personnel Localization Management under major public emergencies” and “risk factors of Personnel Localization Management in an international context.” Furthermore, construction enterprises looking for a better mechanism of Personnel Localization Management can benefit from research findings and lessons learned from the authors' case study during or before an outbreak of major public emergency. Lastly, the framework of optimization strategies for Personnel Localization Management can be used both for research purposes and practice issues in international construction projects.Practical implicationsThe findings from the authors' case study offer the direction for international construction enterprises in China and other countries to formulate effective measures, strengthen overseas business and establish a crisis management mechanism for Personnel Localization Management under major public emergencies, and the findings provide emergency plans for projects to improve the public crisis handling capacity and respond to major public emergencies such as the COVID-19.Social implicationsThis study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 on the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects from the perspective of personnel. This study provides a theoretical reference for the international construction industry to actively respond to major public emergencies. Besides, the research is conducive to improving the emergency response mechanism in the construction industry, and further promoting the high-quality and globalized development of international construction.Originality/valueThis study provides other researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of projects under the COVID-19 and insight for further research on localization management, risk management, and project management.

Novel solutions to old problems: improving the reliability of emergency equipment provision in critical care using accessible digital solutions

Reliable provision of emergency equipment in Critical Care is key to ensure patient safety during medical emergencies and transfers. A problem was identified in incident reports and external inspections of...

CASE STUDY: ELEARNING IN COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR MANAGING BY PROJECT

New Internet technologies have expanded the possibilities of interaction, overcoming geographical restrictions. The training within communities of practices that have their own identity, determined by both the specific competencies of its participants and the common domain (field of activity, mission, values, topic), paves the way gradually in different sectors and at different levels. The research aims at generalizing the experience in organization and implementation of e-learning on Management of Projects in Community of Practice: Sustainable Development for further use and formation of virtual environments for professional training, exchange of experience, and distribution of innovations.This article summarizes the typical components of a community of practice as the basis of professional educational systems creation and knowledge management method. The paper considers the essence and prerequisites of successful e-learning. It reveals peculiarities of the virtual learning environment of the "Local Development Project Management" electronic course, which combines all the learning activities and course goals, creates the effect of social presence and co-creation. The main points of the course design should draw attention to its topics, adjust each of its elements to the needs of participants in cognition and learning, motivation for actions, cooperation, and interaction. Methods used include analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, logical generalization, and comparison.

Driving digital health transformation in hospitals: a formative qualitative evaluation of the English Global Digital Exemplar programme

BackgroundThere is currently a strong drive internationally towards creating digitally advanced healthcare systems through coordinated efforts at a national level. The English Global Digital Exemplar (GDE) programme is a large-scale...

The influence of leadership styles on employee performance in construction firms

Currently, there is a dearth of research, examining how project managers' leadership styles influence the performance of construction company workers in Cape Town. Other research has discussed this subject on a national or international level. Still, comprehensive data on Cape Town construction firms is lacking. This has prevented local enterprises from understanding the role of their project managers’ leadership styles on employee performance outcomes. This article sought to ascertain how leadership styles influence employee performance in construction firms and to develop a conceptual framework for improving leadership and performance. Through quantitative techniques, 456 questionnaires were distributed at construction sites across Cape Town. Responses were then analysed using an ANOVA test (with the descriptive and regressive methods) and a post-hoc test (using the Bonferroni Method) and correlation analysis. The results reveal a statistically significant positive relationship between project managers’ leadership styles and the performance of subordinate employees. These findings have subsequently been used to develop a conceptual framework of leadership quality development tools, including training, empowerment, coaching, participation, and delegation. The research contributes to new knowledge that will promote local project managers’ leadership development, improve employee performance, and in doing so, increase successful project outcomes across the city.

Governing by Enabling in Multilevel Systems: Capacity Building and Local Climate Action in the European Union

AbstractThis article investigates whether, how and under what conditions European Union (EU) capacity‐building programmes actually contribute to improving the action capacity of target actors in view of common policy objectives. The empirical analysis focuses on the European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) technical facility that aims to enhance local authorities' project development and management capacities in the field of renewables and energy efficiency. Our findings show that favourable contextual conditions and the actual functional demand for more capacities cannot explain the implementation dynamics of this programme across EU countries. Conversely, the availability of basic starting resources or the ability to draw from EU funds emerge as key factors behind these dynamics. Evidence is provided demonstrating that the effectiveness of such programmes can be hampered by a persistent capacity trap if barriers to their implementation are not carefully considered in advance.

An early implementation assessment of Ontario\u2019s Healthy Kids Community Challenge: results from a survey of key stakeholders

BackgroundIn Ontario Canada, the Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC) is a program intended to reduce the prevalence and prevent childhood overweight and obesity through community-based initiatives to improve health behaviours. Guided by the RE-AIM framework and Durlak and DuPre’s Ecological Framework for Understanding Effective Implementation, the evaluation focused on two objectives: 1) to describe the organization of the program at the community level; and, 2) to identify opportunities for improvement through an early assessment of factors contributing to implementation.MethodsParticipants (n = 320) – members of the HKCC local steering committee, including the local project manager – completed a cross-sectional survey using SurveyMonkey and descriptive statistics were calculated. A sample (20%) of qualitative open-ended responses was thematically analyzed.ResultsResults indicated strong respondent agreement that the HKCC enhanced individual knowledge of access to health-promoting programs (88.3%) and messaging regarding healthy behaviours for healthy kids, with less for its effectiveness in reducing weight (53.1%). There was a high-level of adherence to HKCC social marketing messages and overall program structure, with few Local Project Manager reports of adaptations to theme one (9.2%) and theme two messages (15.4%). Fewer Local Project Managers (50%) reported the existence of private partnerships. While most respondents agreed they had the appropriate information to complete mandatory reporting, the usefulness of the HKCC online networking platform was in question (only 47% of Local Project Managers agreed that it was useful). Results reveal sufficient funding from the province to support program implementation, with a moderate level of local political commitment (63% of respondents).ConclusionsResults indicate that the HKCC was considered beneficial for enhancing access to health promoting programs, could be feasibly implemented with adherence to centrally-developed social marketing messages, and was amendable to local adaptation. Despite this, few private partnerships were reported. Going forward, there is opportunity to further evaluate factors contributing to HKCC program implementation, particularly as it relates to buy-in from intervention providers, and strategies for forming private sector partnerships to support long-term program sustainability.

A methodological framework for sustainable development with vulnerable communities

The Smart Community Development Framework (SCDF) is a methodological framework that selectively identifies and optimizes sustainable development approaches such as permaculture, sustainable livelihood approaches, community-based social marketing, environmental impact assessments and project management to effectively design and introduce clean social technologies for and with vulnerable communities. The framework was created and evaluated with the goal of ensuring community-empowered decision-making that will result in permanent and sustainable improvements to community design, infrastructure, and technology. The SCDF model is a workflow model that supports communities in establishing their vulnerability level and identifying problems; selecting targeted actions; determining resource availability and major obstacles; optimizing specific appropriate technologies and social programmes to address problems; assessing environment impact and implementation; analyzing empowerment; and developing power transfer guidelines. Local leaders, engineers, project managers and policymakers can use the SCDF model to collaborate in the formulation of effective action plans worldwide.

Causal factors and connections in construction accidents

The aim of this study was to add to the relatively sparse literature on accident causality in the construction industry by identifying frequent causal factors and connections between causal factors. Using the Construction Accident Causation (ConAC) framework, 176 relatively severe construction accidents investigated by the Labour Inspection Authority in 2015 were analysed. The seven factors most identified were (in rank order): (1) worker actions, (2) risk management, (3) immediate supervision, (4) usability of materials or equipment, (5) local hazards, (6) worker capabilities, and (7) project management. A set theoretic approach was used to identify causal connections between causal factors. Risk management, immediate supervision and worker actions were found to be key causal factors and strongly connected. The analyses identified seven causal factors consistently connected to worker actions, for example immediate supervision and local hazards. Immediate supervision was found to be strongly connected to both worker actions and risk management, underlining the importance of the supervisor controlling unsafe conditions/acts and planning the work to reduce risk. Strong connections were also found between risk management and immediate supervision, and between risk management and worker actions. Risk management and immediate supervision is to a large degree about planning and risk control at different levels, underlining the importance of risk being addressed at different levels and by different actors in construction projects.

Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network: Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP).

PurposeHealth research in low- and middle-income countries can generate novel scientific knowledge and improve clinical care, fostering population health improvements to prevent premature death. Project management is a critical part of the success of this research, applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish required goals. Here, we describe the development and implementation of tools to support a multifaceted study of prostate cancer in Africa, focusing on building strategic and operational capacity.MethodsApplying a learning organizational framework, we developed and implemented a project management toolkit (PMT) that includes a management process flowchart, a cyclical center-specific schedule of activities, periodic reporting and communication, and center-specific monitoring and evaluation metrics.ResultsThe PMT was successfully deployed during year one of the project with effective component implementation occurring through periodic cycles of dissemination and feedback to local center project managers. A specific evaluation was conducted 1 year after study initiation to obtain enrollment data, evaluate individual quality control management plans, and undertake risk log assessments and follow-up. Pilot data obtained identified areas in which centers required mentoring, strengthening, and capacity development. Strategies were implemented to improve project goals and operational capacity through local problem solving, conducting quality control checks and following compliancy with study aims. Moving forward, centers will perform quarterly evaluations and initiate strengthening measures as required.ConclusionThe PMT has fostered the development of both strategic and operational capacity across project centers. Investment in project management resources is essential to ensuring high-quality, impactful health research in low- and middle-income countries.

Analysing the Effectiveness of University Scientific Research Projects on the Knowledge Management

This paper briefly analyzes the connotation and characteristic of knowledge management. Elaborating the problems which exist in the present scientific research project management, analyzing the relationship between university scientific research project management and knowledge management; putting forward the knowledgeable, informatization, modernization and humanization strategy into the process of scientific research project management under the view of knowledge management, and exploring theory and method to make full use of knowledge management, establishing the comprehensive and whole process management mechanism in local university scientific research project management, so as to improve the efficiency of scientific research project management, promoting the development of local colleges and universities’ scientific research.

Challenges of implementing a large scale larviciding campaign against malaria in rural Burkina Faso - lessons learned and recommendations derived from the EMIRA project.

BackgroundRecent malaria control and elimination attempts show remarkable success in several parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Vector control via larval source management represents a new and to date underrepresented approach in low income countries to further reduce malaria transmission. Although the positive impact of such campaigns on malaria incidence has been researched, there is a lack of data on which prerequisites are needed for implementing such programs on a routine basis on large scale. Our objectives are to point out important steps in implementing an anti-malaria larviciding campaign in a resource and infrastructure restraint setting and share the lessons learned from our experience during a three-year intervention study in rural Burkina Faso.MethodsWe describe the approaches we followed and the challenges that have been encountered during the EMIRA project, a three-year study on the impact of environmental larviciding on vector ecology and human health. An inventory of all performed work packages and associated problems and peculiarities was assembled.ResultsKey to the successful implementation of the larviciding program within a health district was the support and infrastructure from the local research center run by the government. This included availability of trained scientific personnel for local project management, data collection and analysis by medical personnel, entomologists and demographers and teams of fieldworkers for the larviciding intervention. A detailed a priori assessment of the environment and vector breeding site ecology was essential to calculate personnel requirements and the need for larvicide and application apparel. In our case of a three-year project, solid funding for the whole duration was an important issue, which restricted the number of possible donors. We found the acquisition of qualified field personnel in fair numbers not to be always easy and training in application techniques and basic entomologic knowledge required several weeks of theoretical and practical formation. A further crucial point was to establish an effective quality control system that ensured the timely verification of larviciding success and facilitated in time data handling. While the experiences of running a larviciding campaign may vary globally, the experiences gained and the methods used in the Nouna health district may be employed in similar settings.ConclusionsOur observations highlight important components and strategies that should be taken into account when planning and running a similar larviciding program against malaria in a resource limited setting. A strong local partnership, meticulous planning with the possibility of ad-hoc adaption of project components and a reliable source of funding turned out to be crucial factors to successfully accomplish such a project.

Success Factors for Local Development Project Management Case of Taroudant Province - Morocco

The project development management success presents an ongoing challenge for managers. It is perceived as a means allowing to meet the effectiveness and efficiency challenges in complex and unstable environment. The purpose of this paper is to explore from different perspectives of the local players looking at the key success factors that can contribute to the local development project management success. According to Lim and M Zain (1999), success factors are defined as a set of circumstances, facts, or influences that lead to a result. However, very few researches worked on development project management success factors, and most of them lacked precision in the subject matter.Using local development project of Taroudant province (located in south of Morocco) as a case study, this paper explores the factors that seem to contribute to project management success. The latter have been classified into four categories: (1) factors related to the manager and the project team, (2) organizational factors, (3) factors related to the project, (4) factors related to the external environment. Our objective is to understand the degree of importance of these factors in the project lifecycle from the perspective of local players.The data collected was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results indicated that all factors are found to be vital in achieving the project management success. It was also revealed that the relative importance of these factors varies significantly at different phases of project lifecycle.