Project Management Research Articles

Understanding the Roles of Private Consultants as Innovation Intermediaries in Technology Transfer: A Case Study in the Portuguese National Innovation System

The fields of innovation systems and technology transfer (TT) have seen growing interest in recent years, especially in the context of open innovation. Private consultants, play a vital role in mediating and facilitating interactions among various stakeholders in the innovation process. However, the specific roles of private consultants as innovation intermediaries have received limited attention in the literature. This study presents a case analysis of a Portuguese consultancy firm involved in 219 TT projects between 2015 and 2021. The research identifies six key intermediary roles consistently played by the consultancy: funding and finance, project management, technology scouting, design and ideation, feasibility assessment, and marketing/business development. The study further reveals that the type of entity initiating the TT project may influence the roles performed by private consultants. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving nature and significance of private consultants as intermediaries in technology transfer.

A conceptual cost estimation model for building construction projects by hybrid Back-Propagation Neural Network and Dung Beetle Optimizer algorithm

ABSTRACT Accurate conceptual cost estimation is vital in construction project management for effective feasibility studies before project initiation. Relying on rough experiential estimates can lead to significant errors and constrain bid prices, risking financial losses. Machine learning (ML) offers a way to bypass expert input and manual quantity surveying, addressing the challenge of inadequate initial estimation data. However, a demand-oriented conceptual cost estimation model based on ML is lacking in the preliminary design phase to assess cost-influencing factors comprehensively. This research develops an optimal model by comparing the conceptual cost estimation performance of hybrid Dung Beetle Optimizer (DBO) + Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN), Genetic Algorithm (GA) + BPNN, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) + BPNN, and single BPNN. First, the 20 key input variables affecting conceptual cost estimation were determined by the SHAP and correlation matrix together; Second, after the simulation experiment by using a dataset of 117 general building projects in MATLAB, the DBO+BPNN model with 12 hidden layer neurons achieves the best performance in cost estimation by the performance comparison based on score maker methods with 2 correlation metrics and 5 accuracy metrics. Importantly, implementing this model can provide decision-makers with reliable conceptual cost information, enhancing project success likelihood.

EVALUASI PENGGUNAAN LPS PADA PROYEK KONSTRUKSI PEMBANGUNAN GEDUNG FASILITAS PENGEMBANGAN SKALA PILOT (GEDUNG NO 34) (STUDI KASUS: PEKERJAAN BORED PILE)

LPS is a project management system designed to control production in terms of project implementation schedules, aiming to enhance the relationship between work, performance, and productivity within a construction project. The object of this study was Building Project No. 34, which experienced delays in work on the lower structure, which caused delays in the duration of project implementation on subsequent work. In week 30, the project encountered delays in the lower structure work, resulting in a planned weight of 0.4920%, but the actual weight was only 0.4427%. Therefore, Building Project No. 34 tries to apply the LPS method, which is expected to improve project time performance. The study examines how LPS is used, what hinders it, and how to fix those issues in the No. 34 Building project. This study employed a questionnaire-based analysis of inhibiting factors and a time performance analysis. The results of the time performance analysis in week 30 were 0.3%, and in week 31 it was 0.2%. Using this planning simulation, the work could be completed on time or ahead of schedule (S Curve). There are a few things that make it hard to use LPS effectively: not having the right technical skills for it; believing that current technology is good enough that there is no need to implement LPS; not having clear standards and guidelines for its implementation; not being clear about each participant's roles, responsibilities, and functions; and lack of management involvement in providing motivation, training, and supervision, as well as discipline so that work is late.

Multi-Scale Information Collaborative Management Method in Hierarchical Construction Projects Based on Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been widely adopted in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry for information modeling and project-level based on information collected from multiple sources. Unfortunately, multi-scale building information is often organized in different formats according to different data management protocols, making it a challenge to extract the data needed for effective decision-making by different project participants. This study proposed a method for the effective exchanges of multi-scale information through BIM, This method includes establishing an information management protocol between microscale and mesoscale through format conversion, standard unification, and contract constraint, and establishing an information management protocol between mesoscale and macroscale through model analysis, data integration, and institutional guarantee. The three paths of model, data, and management are used to link up the collaborative management of information in the three dimensions of individual, group, and region. The authors validated the proposed method using a case study of a project in Xiong’an New District in China as an example. Results show that the proposed method could help with the transmission and utilization of multi-scale building information using BIM for effective project management, which in turn enables the urban planners to have overall control over the information of urban construction projects.

Establishment of a Low-Cost Reinforced Concrete Prefabricated Family Housing Construction System

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of an affordable and rapidly deployable prefabricated housing system adapted to urban contexts and emergency scenarios. The aim is to design an integrated system for the production, construction, and assembly of prefabricated reinforced concrete housing, offering accessible, efficient, and flexible housing solutions. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in key concepts and theories such as prefabrication in construction, modularity, environmental sustainability, housing resilience, advanced concrete technology, and project management on-site, providing a solid basis for understanding its context. Methodology: The study employs a comparative method, analyzing six representative housing units with built areas of 25.83 m², 33.39 m², 39.06 m², 42.21 m², 52.29 m², and 59.85 m². Data collection occurred in three stages: (1) search and review of experiences, (2) design and development of basic housing models, production, and assembly, (3) results analysis to evaluate technical and economic feasibility. Results and Discussion: The results confirm the feasibility of designing six models of basic family housing that comply with Peruvian standards and are accessible to low-income families. A production process for prefabricated elements is proposed, adaptable to any location and operable with minimal equipment. Among the evaluated models, VUF 04 stands out for its lowest cost, estimated at $311.43 USD per square meter of built area. Research Implications: The implications of this research are broad and significant, highlighting its potential to transform the design, production, and assembly of housing in urban and emergency contexts. By addressing multiple aspects, this study establishes a solid foundation for the implementation of sustainable, accessible, and efficient housing solutions. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in its decentralized and simplified production approach, carried out on-site with minimal equipment. Its value resides in democratizing access to affordable, efficient, and sustainable housing, providing an alternative model to centralized systems and laying the groundwork for future research on accessible and resilient construction.

Management Challenges in International Defense Programs: Eurofighter Typhoon Experience

Purpose: The study aims to search for, identify and study management problems that arise in the joint implementation of international defense programs, as well as to consider the results of the impact of such problems on the implementation of defense programs and possible ways to optimize it. Purpose: The study aims to search for, identify and study management problems that arise in the joint implementation of international defense programs, as well as to consider the results of the impact of such problems on the implementation of defense programs and possible ways to optimize it. Design/Method/Approach: The following scientific methods were used in the research: analytical - for decomposition of the management system to be studied into its individual components for the purpose of their further separate consideration, inductive - for generalization of the obtained results and identified patterns on similar management systems, synthetic - for assessing the overall impact of identified management problems on the management system as a whole. The research is based on the system approach. Findings: On the example of the Eurofighter program: (1) a list of applied problems of management of modern international defense projects was identified and formalized; (2) an analysis of the impact of management problems on the implementation of international defense projects was carried out; (3) ways of solving management problems and increasing the efficiency of the management system of international defense programs were proposed. Theoretical Implications: The theoretical value of the study lies in the fact that the analysis of the typology of relevant management problems complements the understanding of management problems faced by modern companies and government agencies in the implementation of international defense programs. Consideration of the causes of these difficulties, as well as the search for possible directions of their solutions can serve as a baseline for further research aimed at developing a methodology to improve the effectiveness of the management system of international defense programs. Practical Implications: The practical value of the research results lies in the fact that they can be used by large international companies and relevant government agencies to improve the efficiency of management of new joint defense programs, reduce the cost and time costs of their implementation, improve technical and economic performance and export potential of finished products in the current market conditions. Originality/Value: This study expands the understanding of current management problems faced by companies and government agencies in the joint implementation of international defense programs. The analysis of the identified management problems and the proposed ways to optimize them are of value to all parties involved in managing the joint management of international defense projects. Research Limitations/Future Research: The results of this study provide a basis for a more specialized and in-depth study of the individual management problems identified in this article. It is also reasonable to conduct similar studies for similar defense program management systems, including those implemented by representatives of other management schools, national cultures, and other types of end products (e.g., land or naval weapons). This will make it possible to expand the statistical sample of defense program management problems and form a universal applied methodology for optimizing emerging management problems. Paper Type: Empirical JEL Сlassіfіcatіon: H56, M11, M16, L64, O32

Complexity Assessment in Projects Using Small-World Networks for Risk Factor Reduction

Despite following standard practices of well-known project management methodologies, some projects fail to achieve expected results, incurring unexplained cost overruns or delays. These problems occur regardless of the type of project, the environment, or the project manager’s experience and are characteristic of complex projects. Such projects require special control using a multidimensional network approach that includes contractual aspects, supply and resource considerations, and information exchange between stakeholders. By modelling project elements as nodes and their interrelations as links within a network, we can analyze how components evolve and influence each other, a phenomenon known as coevolution. This network analysis allows us to observe not only the evolution of individual nodes but also the impact of their interrelations on the overall dynamics of the project. Two metrics are proposed to address the inherent complexity of these projects: one to assess Structural Complexity (SC) and the other to measure Dynamic Complexity (DC). These metrics are based on Boonstra and Reezigt’s studies on the dimensions and domains of complex projects. These two metrics have been combined to create a Global Complexity Index (GCI) for measuring project complexity under uncertainty using fuzzy logic. These concepts are applied to a case of study, the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, a complex project due to the intense interrelations, the integration of new technologies that require R&D, and its location next to a natural park. The application of the GCI allows constant monitoring of dynamic complexity, thus providing a tool for risk anticipation and decision support. Also, the integration of fuzzy logic in the model facilitates the incorporation of imprecise or partially defined information. It makes it possible to deal efficiently with the dynamic variation of complexity parameters in the project, adapting to the inherent uncertainties of the environment.

Engineering education: Nurturing a holistic skill set for future success through an introductory course

The choice of post-secondary courses is heavily influenced by individuals' perceptions of their chosen discipline. Freshmen often bring preconceived notions about engineering, impacting their course preferences. Students excelling in Physics and Mathematics typically gravitate towards engineering, believing it provides a competitive advantage. However, beyond technical skills, engineering demands proficiency in soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. This article, authored by teaching assistants of an introductory engineering design and communication course, delves into the holistic aspects of engineering. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of engineering by emphasizing critical skills such as project management, communication, teamwork, adaptability, safety, and ethics. Despite the belief that a strong background in physics and mathematics suffices for engineering success, this course stresses the importance of a well-rounded skill set. The authors emphasize the necessity of developing non-technical skills for a successful engineering career, challenging the conventional narrative, and advocating for a more comprehensive approach to engineering education. The authors underscore the importance of students' perspectives on these concepts and provide their recommendations and a call to action to improve the student perception of such courses.

Scripture Engagement and Bible Translation Project Management: The Case of Bono-Twi Bible Translation Project

Scripture Engagement and Bible Translation Project Management: The Case of Bono-Twi Bible Translation Project

Exploring a recurrent neural network (RNN) earned value based model for predicting lost labour value in construction projects

This study explores the application of deep learning techniques in forecasting labour losses in construction projects. By leveraging the predictive capabilities of ManHour Earned and Estimated ManHour values, this research aims to develop an accurate and reliable model for labour loss forecasting. Utilizing a dataset comprising 105 work items from industry practitioners who employed the Leonard and Moselhi methodology, this study investigates the efficacy of a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) architecture with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) cells. The model's performance is optimized through backpropagation and hyperparameter tuning, focusing on key parameters such as learning rate, batch size, dropout rate, and number of epochs. To ensure the model's generalizability and mitigate overfitting, regularization strategies and performance monitoring are employed. The predictive potential of the model is evaluated through integration into a real-time sequence production job and deployment into an enabled environment. Results demonstrate the model's capacity for accurate labour loss forecasting, enabling proactive measures to enhance productivity and minimize unnecessary claims. Although this study focuses on building projects, its findings have broader implications for process and manufacturing engineering, where productivity losses and associated labour losses are significant concerns. The practical application of this research lies in its potential to assess and counter labour loss claims, disputes, warrants, and demands in construction projects, ultimately contributing to improved project management and reduced financial losses.

Developing a National eLearning Clinical Induction Programme (EPICCNZ): Critical Factors for Successful Implementation

Recognition of under-provision in critical care beds across Aotearoa New Zealand resulted in substantial three-year government funding to increase bed numbers by 2024. This required significant staff recruitment and onboarding. To support this, a 15 month nurse-led project to develop a national eLearning induction programme for Critical Care was funded by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora. A core project team of critical care nurses and learning designers based at Wellington Regional Hospital developed the programme. An extensive communication strategy was used to engage with critical care units nationally, consulting with cultural and equity experts and service users. 102 orientation documents from critical care areas across the country informed development of the modules. Six week sprint cycles (three weeks writing content, three weeks module build) were used to develop each module. Modules were designed using a multi-media approach and built using Articulate Rise 360© and Storyline©. Three national stakeholder events were held together with monthly e-drop in sessions for feedback on module content. The Elearning Programme (Induction) in Critical Care New Zealand (EPICCNZ) was launched on 22 April 2024. Nine modules were made available to staff through the three national Learning Management Systems. In the first month, there were 1193 module enrolments with positive feedback from module users. Key to the success of EPICCNZ was central funding for dedicated project resource, strong yet flexible project management and design, informed training software selection and motivated, supportive stakeholder engagement. ##Te Reo Māori Translation #Te whakawhanake kōkiri ā-motu ā-ipurangi mō ngā akoranga tuatahi mō te kaimahi hou (EPICCNZ): ētahi ritenga taketake mō te eke o te whakatinana ki te taumata Ngā Ariā Matua Nā te mārama kua kore e whakaritea te rahi e tika ana o ngā moenga tiakinga mate taumaha puta noa i Aotearoa, i hua ake ai ētahi pūtea kāwanatanga rahi hei whakapiki i te maha o aua moenga i te takanga o te tau 2024. I hiahiatia ētahi rapunga kaimahi, whakangungutanga kaimahi nui mō tēnei mahi. Hei tautoko i tēnei āhua, i whāngaia tētahi kōkiri whakangungu kaimahi hou ā-motu ā-ipurangi 15 marama te roa, ki ngā pūtea e tika ana e Te Whatu Ora. Nā tētahi tira tapuhi tiaki tūroro kōkiri mātāmua i Te Hōhipera ā-Rohe o Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara i hautū te kōkiri. I whakamahia tētahi rautaki whakawhiti kōrero hei whakapā atu ki ngā wāhanga taurima tautiaki mate taumaha puta noa i te motu, me te kōrero tahi ki ētahi mātanga ahurea, mātanga tautika hoki, me ētahi kaiwhakamahi ratonga. Nā ētahi tuhinga arataki kaimahi hou 102 mai i ētahi wāhi tautiaki mate taumaha puta noa i te motu i āwhina te tāreinga o ngā kōwae. I whakamahia ētahi hurihanga whakaterenga e ono wiki te roa (e toru ngā wiki ki te tuhi i ngā akoranga, e toru wiki ki te hanga i te kōwae) hei hanga i ia kōwae. I hoahoatia ngā kōwae mā te whakamahi ara rongorau, ā, i hangaia mā te whakamahi i Articulate Rise 360© me Storyline©. E toru ngā rā nunui mō ngā kaipupuru pānga ā-motu i whakatūria, me ētahi wātū peka mai ā-marama mō te tuku urupare mō ngā kai o ngā kōwae. I whakarewaina te Elearning Programme (Induction) in Critical Care New Zealand (EPICCNZ) i te 22 Āperira 2024. E iwa ngā kōwae i whakawāteatia ki ngā kaimahi mā ētahi Pūnaha Akoranga ā-Motu e toru. I te marama tuatahi, 1193 ngā tomokanga kōwae, me te hokinga mai o ngā kupu whakapai a ngā kaiwhakamahi kōwae. Ko tētahi take matua o te ekenga taumata o EPICCNZ ko te whāinga pūtea matua mō te rawa kaupapa takitahi, he whakahaere pakari, tāwariwari hoki, te kōwhiri pūmanawa whakangungu i runga i te mārama, me te tuituinga o ngā kaipupuru pānga kaha ki te tautoko. Ngā Kupu Matua Tiaki mate taumaha, akoranga tuatahi mō te whakangungu kaimahi hou, me te arataki kaimahi hou, te akoranga tuihono, te whakawhanake kāhui kaimahi, akoranga tapuhi

Perspectives on Industry-Sponsored Capstone Projects Within Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western University

Capstone projects that are conducted in final year study within Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western University, traditionally, have been either student-originated, faculty-originated, or facilities-originated. Capstone projects provide students with an opportunity to apply what they have learned in their studies to an actual problem in a team setting. Recently, the capstone project course had experienced revisions with a desire to increase the number of industry and community-sponsored projects. Industry-sponsored capstone projects can provide value, not only to the sponsoring company, but also to the participants who are afforded the opportunity to work on a relevant industry problem. There are intrinsic benefits for students having worked on a project that can, depending on the outcome, be used by the industry sponsor to add value to their operations. Particularly, where student capstone projects are externally funded, there exists the expectation that the project outcomes will be in a usable form. In recognizing the value of industry-sponsored capstone projects, we have implemented a rigorous method of capstone project oversight based upon the experience of other academic institutions, existing literature, and employing conventional project management strategies and tools. This paper discusses some of the challenges associated with industry-driven capstone projects and some manners in which we have attempted to address them.

Life cycle analysis of innovation and investment projects at enterprises of the shipbuilding industry as a high-tech industry

To implement innovative investment projects of the life cycle in the shipbuilding industry as a high-tech industry, some organizational and technical measures are required. It will be important to determine the infrastructure, organization of management of innovative and investment shipbuilding projects, development of necessary mechanisms and methodology, formation of full mutual understanding between the manufacturer and the customer, development of an effective integrated information and logistics system. The purpose: It is a life cycle analysis for the expansion of innovative activities for shipbuilding enterprises as a high-tech industry. Novelty: the expansion of innovative investment projects in the shipbuilding industry is aimed at creating competitive high-tech shipbuilding products. Result: the expansion of innovative investment projects in high-tech sectors of the economy will accelerate the stable and innovative development of the shipbuilding industry and ensure the achievement and maintenance of high competitiveness of domestic shipbuilding products on the world market. The theoretical significance of the results the results obtained are that the analysis of the life cycle of innovative projects will stimulate the economic growth of enterprises in the shipbuilding industry and high-tech sectors of the domestic economy.

State Tolerance of Ambiguity Drives Performance and Well-Being Outcomes Within Project Managers: Evidence from a Five-Wave Longitudinal Study

This study investigates Tolerance of Ambiguity in project managers, focusing on how their ability to navigate ambiguous situations varies over time and influences their performance. In a four-week study of 275 project managers, we tracked changes in Tolerance of Ambiguity in project managers and found that these temporary fluctuations were significantly associated with positive mood, adaptive performance, and project progress. Factors such as self-control, coping skills, creativity, and supportive leadership emerged as key drivers of these changes. This study highlights Tolerance of Ambiguity as a dynamic, context-dependent competency in project managers, offering novel insights for enhancing project managers’ ability to navigate ambiguous situations.

Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on project efficiency enhancement

The study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on project management (PM) across different industries. It aims to assess how AI adoption in PM affects project efficiency. The study surveyed 159 project supervisors and specific project managers implementing projects from 7 industries in the Republic of Kazakhstan: software, green energy, engineering, construction, science, transport, and tourism. The research used variance and linear regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between AI adoption and project efficiency level measured by the Likert scale from 1 to 5 and test the associated hypotheses. The results show that AI adoption varies among industries, with software, construction, and scientific projects being the most active users. The study also found that the use of AI differed across eight project performance domains, with the stakeholder domain using voice technologies and process automation and the uncertainty domain using fewer tools. Projects with higher AI adoption rates showed higher efficiency scores (for example, in Software projects, the AI adoption rate is 3.2; the efficiency rate is 3.3), while those with lower efficiency levels (for example, in the Tourism industry, the AI adoption rate is 1.9; the efficiency rate is 2.2) showed the worst results. Decision-making systems, process automation, and voice technologies are the three most critical AI technologies PM professionals use to improve project efficiency. Acknowledgments This research has been funded by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP19680313).

What impacts the productivity performance of government construction projects?

PurposePrevious research has advanced in two-stage construction project productivity (CPP) evaluation by integrating site efficiency (SE) in the delivery and utilisation effectiveness (UE) in the post-delivery stages. The literature has separately addressed the factors affecting these three constructs. However, the interrelationships among them are rarely discussed together. This study aims to systematically identify the influencing factors of CPP, SE and UE and disentangle interrelationships among the three constructs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first reviews the literature about the two-stage project productivity evaluation framework for government construction projects. Then this paper proposes hypotheses regarding the relationships between the three constructs and identifies influencing factors associated with the constructs. Based on questionnaire survey from over 200 government construction project professionals in China, the structural equation modelling is adopted to validate the hypotheses.FindingsThe paper provides empirical insights that CPP can be directly influenced by UE to a large extent but indirectly impacted by SE through its effects on UE. The findings indicate that CPP is not a simple sum of SE and UE, and consequently reveals the complex, non-linear and indirect relationships between SE and CPP.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should further extend the timeframe boundary to merge the pre-delivery stage (e.g. design and planning), findings of which may propose a more generalised understanding and reduce the bias resulting from pre-delivery activities.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to construction facility management literature by explaining the mediating role of UE on the relationship between SE and CPP. Therefore, this paper offers practitioners an integrated management logic in strategically combining project and facility management into government project management.

Improving Improving Efficiency and Accuracy of Quantity Take-Off Through BIM Integration: A Case Study of the D Lecture Hall Building at Malikussaleh University

Abstract. Quantity Take-Off (QTO) calculation is a crucial step in construction planning to determine material needs with high accuracy. However, traditional methods such as manual calculations often fail to meet accuracy demands, especially in projects with complex designs. This study compares manual methods, Revit, and Clash Detection in generating QTO for the D Lecture Hall building project at Malikussaleh University. The aim of this research is to analyze the quantitative differences between methods and assess which method is the most effective. The research method involves calculating the QTO for structural and architectural elements using the three methods, followed by an analysis of the average differences in results. The findings show that the manual method has an average difference of 35.76% for structural elements and 43.14% for architectural elements when compared to Revit. The difference between manual and Clash Detection is slightly smaller, with 33.09% for structural elements and 42.41% for architectural elements. Conversely, the difference between Revit and Clash Detection is very small, only 1.51% for structural elements and 3.98% for architectural elements. While the QTO results between Revit and Clash Detection are almost identical, Clash Detection offers the additional advantage of validation, ensuring that the design is free from clashes between elements. This study concludes that Clash Detection is the most effective method in generating QTO because it not only provides accurate results but also ensures that the design is ready for implementation without technical errors. By integrating BIM technology, this research offers a more efficient and accurate approach to QTO calculation, serving as a guideline for construction project managers in handling complex designs more effectively. Keywords: Quantity Take-Off (QTO), Clash Detection, Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Identifying and assessing the impact of 4M1E factors on construction project delays in Afghanistan using structural equation modeling

AbstractConstruction projects in Afghanistan are often challenged by significant delays, posing severe challenges to their successful completion. This study aims to comprehensively assess the impact of various delay factors using the 4M1E framework Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Environment within the Afghan construction sector. By employing a validated Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach, the research investigates both direct and indirect effects of these factors on project delays. The analysis reveals that environmental and material factors are particularly influential, with environmental changes often exacerbating delays across other dimensions. The findings underscore the complex interdependencies among the 4M1E factors, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to manage the delay effectively. Practical recommendations are provided to enhance project management practices, with implications that extend beyond Afghanistan to other developing countries facing similar challenges. This study contributes to the academic discourse on construction delays, offering actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders in the construction industry.

Культурная политика России: проектный вектор креативного сектора

The dissemination of project management principles and the development of the creative sector in the context of cultural and civilizational changes are closely linked to the renewal of methodological approaches to the study of cultural policy in Russia. Humanistic ideas regarding quality of life, the reproduction of cultural identity, and the strengthening of human capital are oriented towards preserving value bases and creating opportunities for the development of a creative economy. The achievement of the outlined goals is facilitated by the innovation and thoughtfulness of the project management mechanism, based on humanitarian values and ideals. In accordance with these principles, three approaches to the strategy of modern cultural policy in Russia have been identified, generalized in conceptual value-semantic discourses. The system of targets that make up the essence of the state cultural policy includes the idea of value justifications for economic growth during the introduction of qualitatively new technologies and approaches into the system of innovative public administration.

Communication Skills and Timely Delivery of NGO Projects in Lagos State: A Study of Female Project Managers

The timely delivery of projects is a critical factor in the success of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), particularly in dynamic environments like Lagos State, Nigeria. However, many NGOs face challenges in meeting project deadlines because of ineffective communication among project managers. This study specifically focuses on female project managers because they have been shown to bring unique perspectives to project management, yet their role in the timely delivery of NGO projects has been underexplored. This study examined the influence of female project managers’ communication skills on the timely delivery of NGO projects in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. Adopting a survey research design, the study targeted female project managers at NGOs, with a sample size of 57, of which 49 valid responses were used for analysis. The study employed a questionnaire as the primary research instrument, and the reliability of the instrument was assessed using a test-retest method, while content and face validity were used to measure its validity. A simple linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between female project managers’ communication skills and timely delivery of NGO projects (R² = .590, p-value = .000). The findings highlight the critical role of communication skills in ensuring the success of NGO projects. Based on these results, it is recommended that NGOs in Lagos State prioritize the development and enhancement of communication skills in female project managers through targeted training programs, enabling them to navigate project complexities, foster collaboration, and ultimately achieve more timely and impactful project outcomes that contribute to sustainable social change within their communities.