Project Management Competencies Research Articles

Employer Fraud and Toxic Leadership and Collusion with PMC Operations: Implications for a Dual Metro Project in UP, India

This research is concentrated on the opinions of a PMC/Engineer staff of a dual metro construction project in UP, India, in relation to project fraud and underpinned by toxic leadership of the Employer. The research study employed a qualitative/interpretive methodology focused on grounded theory to extract meaning associated with the views and practices regarding the Employer and PMC Core Group collusion to negatively affect the project performance and management competence. The research scope was PMC/Engineer staff as part of the joint venture, contracted by the Employer, to oversee the project management and construction. The targeted population was made up of eleven (11) respondents, from a Project Management JV (PMC), located across a dual metro construction project having similar experiences of toxic leadership and fraud. The research outcomes comprised of four (4) main-themes - Employer, PMC Core Group, PMC, and ED; with Fourteen sub-themes (14) – illustrated by 276 discussion targets.The research outcome has raised important issues of project Employer derived fraud, where toxic leadership was used to deflect from the fraudulent activities underpinned by a PMC Core Group, acting as sycophantic fraud “enablers”. These included harassment, creation of fear, arrogation of contract, and a sense of impunity of the Employer MD/DWI and the PMC Core Group. The lack of risk management and project governance, attributed to significant procedural failures of the project stakeholders, including the European donor, has raised clear evidence of ongoing and associated fraud.

Australian doctoral graduates’ career transition from academia to industry: the PCAP internship competence framework

ABSTRACT PhD graduates often face significant hurdles when shifting from academic research to industry positions. Challenges can arise from a disconnect between the skill sets developed in university and those prized in industry settings. To address this issue, this study examines the crucial competences necessary for PhD graduates to make a successful transition from academia to industry. Grounded in Competency-Based Theory (CBT), the research involved qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews with 26 participants from the Australian Postgraduate Research Intern program. The paper proposes the PCAP framework as an innovative tool for managing PhD internships. It delineates four interactive clusters of competences: PhD competences (P), Contextual competences (C), Adaptation competences (A), and Project Management competences (P). The paper argues that proficiency across these interactive clusters is indispensable for PhD graduates aiming for a seamless transition into industry roles.

Examining the Relationship Between Project Complexity and Project Success: The Moderating Role of Project Management Competencies in Ghana’s Construction Sector

ABSTRACT This study seeks to examine the relationship between project complexity and project success in construction projects in Ghana while assessing the moderating role of project management competencies (PMC). Using a quantitative cross-section research design, data was collected from 141 respondents in organizations that undertake construction projects in Ghana. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS (v.23.0) and Smart PLS 3.0. The results established a negative relationship between Technological, Organizational, and Environmental complexity and project success. Technological complexity was seen as the dimension of complexity that significantly affects the success outcomes of projects. PMC’s moderating influence was insignificant. The findings suggest that, for projects to have an increased success rate, organizations must thoroughly investigate the kind of project complexity expected to be present in the project, and this will inform decisions on the caliber of skills/competencies needed for a successful execution of the project.

Engendering project management competencies in Saudi Arabian construction professionals

Purpose Persisting construction performance shortcomings in the Saudi Arabian construction industry requires engendering project management competencies in construction professionals’ roles and responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to determine significant construction project management competencies for Saudi Arabian construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional questionnaire survey used project managers’ competencies from the literature. Construction professionals participated in the survey. Normalisation was used to determine the critical individual competencies. Statistically significant differences due to designations and organisations were analysed. Factor analysis revealed the relationships among significant competencies. Findings The most critical individual competencies included communication, team building and leadership skills. However, Project managers and all other construction professionals had statistically significant differences in insights on some of the critical competencies. The results revealed seven components: behaviour and attitude-related competencies; fundamental project management-related competencies; pro-active, knowledge and creativity-related competencies; political and organisational-related competencies; stakeholder management and experience-related competencies; management-related competencies; and confidence, commitment and negotiation-related competencies. Research limitations/implications Evidently, inculcating project management competencies is essential for construction professionals to enhance project performance. The failure to get insights from the National Project Management Office officials was a limitation; however, views from construction professionals were sufficient as they are the most affected stakeholders. Originality/value The study determined project management competencies necessary for Saudi Arabian construction professionals to improve their project delivery performance.

A Model for Project Manager Competence Measurement in Iran Gas Engineering and Development Company

The purpose of this study is to build a Project Manager Competence Development (PMCD) model for Iran Gas Engineering and Development Company (IGEDC). The existent competence models in the related state-of-the-art are reviewed to generate and compile an initial list of project managers' competencies. Then, a Delphi analysis is used to complete the list and validate it. Further, the Best Worst Method (BWM) is employed to assign numerical weights to the competencies. As a result of the study, 16 competencies were identified in two categories: technical and behavioral. To show the applicability of the proposed PMCD, it is applied in a real-life study case. The results showed: (1) leadership competence has the highest weight, and (2) this fact that more than 99% of the total weight concerns only three competencies: leadership, project management knowledge, and judgment & decision making.

Assessment of Bitumen Paver and HMP Efficiency for a Road Project

One of the important and dependable sectors of the national economy is the equipment used in highway construction. In the process of building constructions, efficient utilization of labour, supplies, and machinery must be fervently pursued through competent project management. The adoption of innovative procedures and new equipment has resulted in a dramatic advance in construction technology in recent decades. The selection of the right type and size of construction equipment typically affects how productive a project is on the job site. Thus, it is essential that site managers and construction planners understand the primary equipment categories that are most frequently used in construction. Technical aspects and working conditions are taken into consideration in the article's method of calculating the operational productivity and cost of asphalt pavers. This increases the accuracy of decisions made about how to organize and manage highway maintenance activities on Chikhali-Tarsod NH-6.

The Trigger for Improving the Performance of Construction Management Consultants PT Hariara Bona Perkasa (PT. HBP)

Construction Management Supervisory Consultant is a business entity or individual that has a function as a supervisor in a development project. The criteria for good or poor performance results are based on the suitability of the quality plan, budget, time and fulfillment of other company performance based on the contract that has been received, as well as the Conditional Work Plan (RKS) and the Framework of Reference (KAK). This study aims to explore the main triggering factors that cause the improvement of PT. HBP in supervisory work. This study uses a quantitative method, using the results of the t-test which is processed using the structural equation model (SEM) and the SPSS program. The results showed that there was a significant and positive influence between leadership, schedule management and risk management which was included in resources & capabilities and Project Management Competencies. The results of the research analysis show that the main factor that triggers the improvement of the company's performance of PT. HBP is risk management with a one-sample T-statistic value of 2,215 followed by leadership 1,890 and Schedule Management 1,179. Therefore, in this study, it can be concluded that risk management, leadership and schedule management are the main factors that trigger the improvement of PT. HBP.

Significance of competencies of project managers on the performance of projects within NGOs in Mogadishu, Somalia

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the competencies of project managers on the performance of projects within Non-Governmental Organizations in Mogadishu, Somalia. Descriptive research design was used, and the target population consisted of 78 managers and 390 senior employees in the 78 NGOs in Mogadishu. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique, and the sample size was 216 respondents chosen using Yamane’s (1967) formula. The data was collected using questionnaire, and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in the data analysis. The study findings indicated that employees’ skills and competencies influence NGO performance and there was an information sharing within the project team employees. The NGO had a competent project manager, NGO adhered to the project management process, all members were aware of the project's nature and that there was active involvement of external stakeholders. The result indicated that the intercept between Skills and Competencies of project managers and Performance of Project becomes better by β = 0.709, p<0.01 meaning that when Skills and Competencies of project managers is improved by a single unit, the project performance also significantly improves by 70.9%. The study concluded that skills and competencies of the project managers is a must for any successful delivery of project assignment. The ingredients of soft, technical and professional skills offers an effective combination for the success of any project. The study recommends that NGOs embrace the merit-based selection of individuals for any position based on the competencies required for effective performance of their roles.

The evolution of the project management competence concept – A systematic literature review

This research aims to get closer to the definition of project management (PM) competence and understand its models by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR). The focus of this study is on the individual level PM competence of the project manager and the project team members. The paper introduces the competence models of the most important project management standards, which provide a guideline for professionals and serve as a base for the different PM qualifications. The literature review reveals which PM competence groups and elements have become the focus of attention in certain periods, which new competences have been uncovered, how the concept models have changed (in their professional content and regarding their structure), and how these results could be built into the upcoming standards and how they could shape the concept of project management competence in the future and serve as a basis for new research.

Leadership skill, professional competence and innovation ability of project managers in construction industries: Basis for project manager's leadership framework

Leadership skill, professional competence and innovation ability of project managers in construction industries: Basis for project manager's leadership framework

Project manager’s personality: traits and competencies

Expanding the project management application scope in different sectors of economy and social life spheres stimulates the search and use of project success new factors. Researchers and practitioners note that the personality of a project manager’s personality is a significant factor affecting the project management effectiveness. At the same time, the scientific literature has not developed a coherent picture explaining the elements and role of a project manager’s personality. In search of an answer to this question, the study, built as a scientific literature systematic analysis, reveals that a project manager’s personality manifests itself as a set of personal competencies. Among the most significant personality competencies, experts include result-orientedness, optimism, honesty, adaptability, creativity, and intuition. Project manager’s personal competencies act as the core of the project management competency model and significantly affect professional technical competencies, primarily leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence. The novelty of the results obtained lies in the streamlining and deepening of theoretical ideas about a project manager’s personality and its role in the project management competencies formation. The study results are recommended to be used in training programs development for project managers and personnel selection.

A Review on Dominant Factors of Project Manager Competency in Various Implementations for the Construction Industry

A Review on Dominant Factors of Project Manager Competency in Various Implementations for the Construction Industry

Mastering translation project management: what, when, and where

ABSTRACT The paper presents the findings from a survey of 43 translation project managers (TPMs) in Lithuania, focusing on assessing Translation Project Management (TPM) competence. Utilizing a revised version of Plaza-Lara's (2022) TPM model, the study identifies the market's expectations regarding when TPM competencies should be acquired. The results reveal that the majority of skills and abilities, particularly those within ‘(Extra)linguistic,' ‘Psycho-psychological' and ‘Strategic' domains, are preferably acquired before entering the role, while ‘Translation project management' and ‘Instrumental' sub-competencies can be developed in a short time frame. Notably, attributes like language proficiency, effective communication and responsibility are universally acknowledged as pre-requisites. Skills attainable after a few months at work or training correspond closely with the academic syllabi of universities that have already included TPM in their curricula. This underscores a significant convergence between educational curricula and the prevailing demands of the job market that universities should look into to better equip graduates for diverse career opportunities.

Project Manager's Competencies as Catalysts for Project Success: The Mediating Role of Functional Manager Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement

Project Manager's Competencies as Catalysts for Project Success: The Mediating Role of Functional Manager Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management Competencies in AI-Driven Environments: A Qualitative Assessment

The objective of this paper is to provide an evaluation of project management skills and competence in AI-driven environments as an essential scope due to their pivotal role in producing effective outcomes in the fast-paced world of rapidly evolving technology. This study employs a cross-sectional research design and qualitative survey methodology to examine project management in the context of AI integration. The study involved a broad base, which includes players from various sectors like technology, finance, health, and manufacturing, so its findings and recommendations are all-encompassing. This study achieves this by utilizing datasets obtained from industry-leading AI companies, academic research institutions, and governmental agencies. These datasets comprise project management metrics, AI implementation case studies, and surveys conducted among project managers and stakeholders in AI-driven industries in addition to literature sources, using sophisticated statistical techniques. The findings show and present the changes that the practice of project management faces in the era of AI and provide the most helpful guidance for project managers, stakeholders, and organisations that strive to cope with this dynamic and changing environment. The research result shows that by emphasising skill-based development programmes, cultivating an innovation- friendly culture, and adopting AI-driven technologies, organisations can be at the forefront of technological growth, gaining a competitive advantage in the highly dynamic business environment. The research shows that in the future, the enhanced use of AI technologies will keep changing the project management landscape. This research strengthens the theoretical underpinnings of project management in AI-powered projects and ensures the enhancement of project management's actual efficacy in response to technological advancements. This will aid project managers deliver the most important skills necessary for effective project management in AI-driven environments.

Discovering the importance of health informatics education competencies in healthcare practice. A focus group interview

BackgroundAs healthcare and especially health technology evolve rapidly, new challenges require healthcare professionals to take on new roles. Consequently, the demand for health informatics competencies is increasing, and achieving these competencies using frameworks, such as Technology Informatics Guiding Reform (TIGER), is crucial for future healthcare. AimThe study examines essential health informatics and educational competencies and health informatics challenges based on TIGER Core Competency Areas. Rather than examine each country independently, the focus is on uncovering commonalities and shared experiences across diverse contexts. MethodsSix focus group interviews were conducted with twenty-one respondents from three different countries (Germany (n = 7), Portugal (n = 6), and Finland (n = 8)). These interviews took place online in respondents’ native languages. All interviews were transcribed and then summarized by each country. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework was applied, which included familiarization with the data, generating initial subcategories, identifying, and refining themes, and conducting a final analysis to uncover patterns within the data. ResultsAgreed upon by all three countries, competencies in project management, communication, application in direct patient care, digital literacy, ethics in health IT, education, and information and knowledge management were identified as challenges in healthcare. Competencies such as communication, information and communication technology, project management, and education were identified as crucial for inclusion in educational programs, emphasizing their critical role in healthcare education. ConclusionsDespite working with digital tools daily, there is an urgent need to include health informatics competencies in the education of healthcare professionals. Competencies related to application in direct patient care, IT-background knowledge, IT-supported and IT-related management are critical in educational and professional settings are seen as challenging but critical in healthcare.

Improving project management skills by integrating a boardgame into educational paths

The increasing demand for practical project management skills makes crucial the adoption of innovative educational approaches. This study presents an experiment carefully designed to assess the effectiveness of an innovative project management educational boardgame named PMBoG. Two samples from a class of university students, enrolled in a bachelor's degree management course, participated in the experiment. One sample joined PMBoG sessions playing with and against other colleagues, the other sample did not participate in the sessions. After game sessions, both groups took a project management test to evaluate their capacity to make decisions or countermeasures based on classical project management issues. The test also included a questionnaire about game evaluations and peer feedback. Preliminary analysis using multiple statistical tests (t-test, ANOVA, Tuckey and Effect Size) indicates that participants in the experimental group demonstrated statistically significant higher performance compared to those who did not participate in the game sessions. The results suggest that the adoption of PMBoG positively impacts on increase of students' project management competencies. The study underscores the importance of incorporating experience-based and student-centered education tools in project management education, enhancing students' readiness for real-world project scenarios.

The Effect of High Risk Behavior on Project Success in the Existence of Competency of Project Manager as a Moderator

Efficient project management is necessary for the success and survival of information technology sector of Pakistan in this rapidly changing technology era. The aim of the study is to check the complex relation among high risk behavior and success of projects in the information technology sector of Pakistan by keeping in place competency of project managers as a moderator. Consideration of efficient project management and rapidly technological changes is necessary for success of information technology sector as this sector is facing worldwide competitiveness and plenty of risk of failure. Instant study contains 330 sample size from information technology sector of Pakistan. Quantitative technique is used in this study. Theoretical framework of this study built on the relationship of high risk behavior, project manager competency and project success of information technology sector of Pakistan. The core motive of this study is to check the effect of high risk behavior in the projects on the success of information technology sector projects of Pakistan in the existence of competency of project managers as a moderator. Data analysis and findings of this study reflects that there is positive association among high risk behavior and success of information technology projects and competency of projects managers positively enhances this relationship. Both hypothesis of the study accepted. This study is important for both researchers and practitioners. From researchers’ point of view, it opens more avenues for further research and for practitioners it gave recommendations for enhancement of the success of the projects that ultimately leads to success of that organization.

Best Practices and Implementation Challenges in Effective Project Management

The purpose of this research paper is to explore the most effective project management practices and analyze the challenges organizations face during their implementation. By adopting best practices, organizations can avoid common mistakes and achieve the best possible project outcomes. This process involves establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) as the project's central hub, selecting an appropriate methodology, developing project manager competencies, and managing change and risk effectively. Additionally, assessing implementation challenges based on a critical success factor approach can help organizations overcome common issues and lead the project to success. These challenges include barriers such as unsupportive top management, ineffective stakeholders, PMO inefficiency, insufficient project planning, and factors related to people. By tackling these challenges, organizations can build a solid foundation for their projects and ensure they are on the right track to accomplish their goals.

Influences of critical success factors on nonprofit outcomes of ODA education construction projects: a case of Vietnam

Purpose Official development assistance (ODA) education projects have played a crucial role in improving education and training fields in developing countries, but are often facing several considerable challenges (e.g. long implementation time). Thus, this study aims to identify critical success factors (CSFs) in ODA education projects and investigate the influences of CSFs on ODA project performance measured by 11 nonprofit outcomes (NPOs). Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review and expert interviews were conducted to compile a list of 35 potential success factors for ODA education projects. Using a survey questionnaire, 143 valid responses were collected from practitioners joining ODA projects in Vietnam. Various statistical methods (e.g. mean score method, Spearman rank correlation test, analysis of variance test, factor analysis and regression analysis) were used to analyze the collected data. Findings This research identified seven CSFs for ODA education projects in Vietnam: comprehensive project management competency (C1), clarity and compliance in project execution (C2), transparency and committed funding (C3), external context conditions (C4), well-controlled design and project management procedures (C5), preparations in equipment and complexity insight (C6) and punctual site delivery (C7). Furthermore, the results of regression analysis indicated that comprehensive project management competency (C1) and transparency and committed funding (C3) could significantly affect various NPOs. Originality/value This study offers significant insights for practitioners (e.g. project managers) to improve ODA projects’ performance and effectiveness in the education and training sector of a developing country context (like Vietnam).