Project Management Competencies Research Articles

Enhancing Project Performance through Effective Team Communication: A Comprehensive Study Integrating Project Management Quotient, Trust, and Management Information Systems

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between project manager competence and project performance with the mediating role of team communication, employee trust, employee capability and team atmosphere. To achieve its objectives, this study used a quantitative research approach. Data was collected from 175 employees working on various projects in China. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. All items were measured on a five-point Likert scale adapted from previous studies. Collected data was analyzed by using SPSS. The findings of the study showed that the performance of a project is significantly affected by the competencies of project managers. Moreover, the findings also showed that this relationship is significantly and positively mediated by team communication, employee trust, employee capability and team atmosphere. The findings show that the effectiveness of project manager competencies in enhancing project performance is influenced by these mediating factors which contribute to the success of the project. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of project management by highlighting the multifaceted nature of project performance. It underscores the importance of holistic project management practices, where emphasis on both project manager competence and team dynamics is essential. Practically, the study offers insights for organizations and project managers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive skill development and fostering positive team environments. This study's originality lies in its comprehensive exploration of the mediating roles within the context of project manager competence and its implications in a globalized business environment.

Critical success factors influencing project success in turnkey mechanical engineering projects within a project-based organisation

A single case-study design approach was implemented in this qualitative study of 13 participants to identify critical success factors that influence project success in bespoke turnkey mechanical engineering projects within a project-based organisation. Using Nvivo and thematic analysis the study revealed important project success factors. The findings confirm the previous research and extend our understanding of turnkey projects by introducing additional factors such as avoidance of multitasking, availability of materials, and cost-effectiveness of work. A competent project manager with strong leadership skills was also found to be essential for setting clear goals, managing resources, avoiding multitasking, and ensuring a motivated team that cooperates and takes responsibility for results. Establishing realistic project plans, working cost-effectively, and implementing procurement and supply chain strategies were identified as critical elements in ensuring material availability to complete the project, resulting in the timely delivery of a quality product within budget. None of this would be possible without effective communication that ensures accurate information is communicated to the right project stakeholders.

The Erosion of Competencies in Managing Innovation Projects due to the Impact of Ubiquitous Artificial Intelligence Systems

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has had a profound impact on various aspects of business and technology. One area greatly influenced by AI is innovation project management, which plays a critical role in driving organizational growth and success. The purpose of the paper examines the erosion of competencies in innovation project management as a consequence of the increasing reliance on AI systems. The object is innovation project management relying on the expertise, experience, and decision-making capabilities of human managers. However, the introduction of AI systems in project management processes has brought about significant changes. AI-powered tools and algorithms can automate tasks, analyse vast amounts of data, and provide valuable insights and recommendations. While this presents numerous benefits, it also raises concerns about the diminishing role of human competencies in managing innovation projects. AI systems require vast amounts of training data to operate effectively. In the process, they might overlook or undervalue the tacit knowledge and domain expertise possessed by human project managers. The results emphasize the need for project managers to develop new competencies, such as understanding AI capabilities, interpreting AI-generated insights, and effectively integrating AI systems into project workflows. To mitigate the erosion of competencies, organizations should invest in training programs that equip project managers with the necessary skills to work alongside AI systems. Recognizing these challenges and proactively addressing them through training, collaboration, and a balanced approach to human-AI interaction is crucial for organizations seeking to leverage AI while maintaining a high level of project management expertise.

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Project Management Competencies—A Case Study of Pakistani Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Project Management Competencies—A Case Study of Pakistani Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Analysis of Agile Project Manager Competencies From Recruitment Signals

Analysis of Agile Project Manager Competencies From Recruitment Signals

Project management for sustainable development: Critical determinants of technological competency for project managers with smart technologies

AbstractTo achieve sustainable development in the construction industry through effective management of projects implementing smart technologies, the technological competency of project managers (PMs) has become increasingly important. This study aims to: (i) investigate the significant attributes of PMs' technological competency when implementing smart technologies for effective project management; (ii) develop a Technological Competency Framework (TCF) for PMs; and (iii) assess critical determinants in the TCF. To achieve these objectives, the attributes of PMs' technological competency and their relative importance were investigated and assessed through a comprehensive literature review, expert interviews, a structured questionnaire survey and statistical analyses. The results showed that the identified attributes in TCF were statistically significant, with project management knowledge, personal characteristics, and skills in managing projects having the highest priority. This study enriches the knowledge of technological competency for PMs in project management and provides guidance for the industry to implement smart technologies for sustainable development.

Development Of Micro Credential Design For Project Management To Improve The Quality Of Engineering Practices

The integration of engineering practices with project management responsibilities is commonplace in the field, offering an effective solution for executing engineering projects. However, the unique discipline of project management poses a challenge, revealing a limitation in the quality of human resources with expertise in both engineering and project management. This study aims to address this gap by developing a Project Management Micro-Credential Design to formally recognize engineers possessing project management competencies. Employing the Rapid Assessment Process (RAP) integrated with the Regional Model Competency Standard (RMCS), the research outlines a comprehensive design for the development of a micro-credential in engineering project management. Key components of the design include a competency-based skill set development model, an instructional design system for quality assurance, an outcome-based learning and teaching delivery structure (OBLT), a competency-based assessment (CBA) development framework, and an operational structure for micro-credential implementation. This designed framework is adaptable for application within Professional Organizations and Professional Education of Engineers, accommodating both integrated and packaged formats, such as the Indonesian Student Micro-Credential (KMMI). The study contributes to bridging the gap in project management expertise among engineers, presenting a structured approach to enhance their competencies and recognition within the engineering profession.

Competencies and Capabilities for the Management of Sustainable Rural Development Projects in the Value Chain: Perception from Small and Medium-Sized Business Agents in Jauja, Peru

The guinea pig value chain in Jauja, Peru, has been developed through the application of productive projects, institutional strengthening, and implementation of the Principles of Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI). Given the smallholding conditions of the Jauja territory and the proliferation of commercial guinea pig breeding, the actors in this chain constitute a key human capital for development. To improve the performance of the actors in the sustainable rural development of the territory of Jauja, Peru, the research carried out an evaluation of the competencies and capabilities for project management in 46 actors linked to the business programme on the CFS-RAI Principles, representing 1094 people in the guinea pig value chain in Jauja, using the Working With People (WWP) model and empirical instruments based on the Octagon method, project management competence evaluation, performance evaluation carried out by experts, attitudinal evaluation. and the Business Model Canvas. The results have helped to structure the actors of the value chain, who show an intermediate mastery of project management competencies (2.73/5), institutional capabilities in development (2.89/7), and a growing organisational management performance (26.2/100). In addition, trust and proactivity have been generated among the actors in the chain, with an interest in continuing with the implementation of the CFS-RAI Principles in order to achieve sustainability in their productive projects with commercial innovation. The results have allowed us to generate the design of an innovative programme for the development of competencies, which balances the three dimensions of project management competencies (perspective, people, and practice), as defined by the International Project Management Association (IPMA), in connection with the CFS-RAI Principles. Both processes complement the strengthening of human capital in agrifood value chains through sustainable project management and contributing to sustainable development in the region.

The Impact of Leader-Leader Exchange on Project Success in Non-profit Organisations

After many years of research on non-profit organisations (NPOs), the success rate of the projects they manage remains low. This is particularly due to the fact that the awareness of the need for project management competences to achieve project success is poor. This paper aims to close this awareness gap. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between leader-leader exchange (LLX), sharing values, result orientation and personal communication as critical project management competences and their impact on project success in NPOs. The research which is based on social exchange and leadership theories, includes a testing of the research model and hypotheses using the structural equation modelling and bootstrap method. Data were collected during a survey organized in March-May 2023 that targeted more than 100 NPOs in order to apply the quantitative research method. The research findings indicate that the mediating variable “Result-Orientation” has a stronger impact on project success than the positive effect “leadership” and “sharing values” have on project success. However, the significance of leadership and sharing values for project success is increased by personal communication as an important moderating variable. The contribution to the science of this paper lies in the fact that the quantitative method was applied for the first time for the impact study with the chosen project management competences on project success. The practical relevance of the research is to encourage the adoption of social exchange and leadership theories in NPOs, to increase project contribution to civil society.

Contribution mechanisms of project managers’ behavioural competencies towards the success of oil and gas projects

The Oil and Gas (O&G) industry is complex and hazardous. Its development relies on projects, where project management is a human-centred profession. Therefore, competent project managers (PMs) play a crucial role in this dynamic industry. Existing literature has primarily focused on the quantitative impact of project managers’ competencies (PMCs) on project success (PS). However, there has been little attention given to understanding the ‘how’ behind the contributions of PMCs, specifically behavioural competencies (BCs), to PS. As a result, this research aims to explore the perspectives of PMs regarding the contributions of BCs to the success of projects in the O&G industry. This paper takes an interpretive stance. Data was gathered through twenty semi-structured interviews with PMs from a refinery in the Kingdom of Bahrain and analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVIVO 12. The study revealed the ways in which BCs contribute to project success in the O&G industry. Five distinct mechanisms were identified for BCs’ contributions to PS: fostering team cohesiveness, enhancing work clarity, controlling project activities, conveying technical competencies, and advancing PMs’ careers. This study was conducted in an under-researched industry within a developing country and has provided a deeper understanding of the means by which BCs contribute to PS, rather than merely presenting them as an extensive ‘shopping list’.

Analyzing the impact of Consultant and Project Manager Competencies on Business Performance Mediated by Consulting Performance

Analyzing the impact of Consultant and Project Manager Competencies on Business Performance Mediated by Consulting Performance

Innovative instruments for increasing the efficiency of human resources management of IT-companies

The mechanism of improving the efficiency of human resources management at IT-companies updates the implementation of innovative management tools in the processes of hiring, developing, and evaluating their employees. The goal of the work is to deepen the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the effectiveness of HR management at IT-companies in the social and labor context and to develop scientific and applied recommendations regarding the mechanism of its enhancement in the conditions of formation of a new economy. Measures outlined in the paper to apply the competency approach, to introduce the talent management algorithm on a systematic basis, and to develop the system of key performance indicators should be considered as a component of scientific and practical recommendations for improving the efficiency of human resources management in IT enterprises in the social and labor dimension. In order to improve the efficiency of human resources management at IT enterprises, it is necessary to develop and introduce a perfect mechanism as a systemic integrity of economic, social, and organizational processes of creating preconditions for innovative development of the enterprise as a benefit for the employer and decent work as a benefit for the employees. The scientific platform of the theoretical and applied construct of such a mechanism should be the managerial paradigm of harmonization of social and labor relations, and its internal architectonics should be formed in compliance with the values of corporate social responsibility and contain innovative tools in the format of the goals and results management system in contrast to the functions management system. On the basis of understanding of the essence and regulatory consolidation of competencies as the ability of a person to perform a certain type of activity, the model of functional and behavioral competencies of the IT project manager is developed, the trajectory of development of talents in the field of computer programming is given, the methodological basis of construction and the algorithm of development of the key system are developed and performance indicators are implemented.

Identifying Factors Influencing Time and Cost Overruns in Public Construction Projects in Bhutan

Construction industries worldwide are impacted by time and cost overruns, resulting in significant financial loss and failure to complete projects on time. Clients, contractors, and consultants can plan properly for public construction projects if they have a better understanding of cost and time overruns. The Construction Development Board (now Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority) is the lead agency regulating and overseeing the government construction projects in Bhutan. However, in recent four years, from July 2017 to June 2021, about 50% of the total 2111 government construction projects experienced time and cost overruns, and the total financial loss was Nu. 2,578.86 million. Therefore, study was designed to examine the factors causing delays and cost escalations in the construction project implemented by government during the financial year July 2017 to June 2021. Thus, this study explores identifying factors influencing time and cost overruns to avoid time delays and financial losses. The primary data was collected through the questionnaire survey from engineers of 20 Dzongkhags and 4 Thromdes. The secondary data was collected from the CDB's annual reports, the Construction Association of Bhutan (CAB), and the National Statistics Bureau (NSB). The data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics method, and the relative importance index (RII) was calculated to rank the factors identified from literature reviews. The research results show that financial issue was the critical factor causing delays and cost escalation in the government construction project in Bhutan. Followed by the issue of delays and cost overruns due to shortage of local construction materials, inadequate experience of the contractor, poor site planning, shortage of skilled workers, unrealistic schedule, design change, contractual issues, and project manager competence.

The Project Manager’s Core Competencies in Smart Building Project Management

Project manager competencies have been widely discussed in the literature. Although many works present lists of competencies for project managers, specific competencies for smart buildings were not found. This work aimed to identify the main competencies of project managers for the management of smart building projects. The methodology consisted of a two-step approach using the guidelines of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) to perform broad and detailed bibliographic research. Initially, a literature review was carried out to identify the main research fields related to the management of smart building projects and the specificities of these fields that can influence the management of this type of project. Next, these specificities were related to the competencies of project managers mentioned in the literature, to identify a set of more relevant competencies for project managers of smart building projects. The results showed that the main research fields are related to scope, risks, costs, schedule, technologies and systems, sustainability, and general characterization, which consider objectives, barriers, challenges, and regulations. They also showed that the most relevant competencies for managing smart buildings projects are technical competencies, leadership, communication, budgeting, attitudes toward risk, strategic management, organization, and specifying real requirements. These findings show the importance of hard and soft skills for managing smart building projects.

Project manager competencies associated with the projects' success in the public sector.

Although project management is widely used in the public sector, many projects still fail even when project management tools and practices are employed. Several studies show that a project's success depends partly on the project manager's competencies; however, there is little empirical research on this subject in the public sector. This study aims to analyze the significant characteristics linked with the competencies of the public sector project manager and outlines a profile of these professional competencies characteristics that can lead to the success of projects. Through empirical research conducted with 77 project managers from 32 public organizations in Brazil, this study examined the relationship between project managers' competencies and the likelihood that projects will succeed. Using factor analysis and logistic regression, we looked at factors like time, cost, quality, and scope to determine their relationship to the likelihood that projects will succeed. The findings highlight the importance of project management knowledge, communication abilities, attitudes relating to motivation, trust, and emotional intelligence, and most traits defining project managers in the public sector. The employee's length of service was the single factor that had a negative impact on the project's outcomes. This study contributes to the current knowledge of project managers' competencies in the public sector, showing the main characteristics a successful project manager needs to have and can help direct efforts in selecting a more suitable professional, contributing to the reduction of the turnover of the workforce and the consequent loss of knowledge of the organization.

프로젝트 기반 학습 수행에 필요한 역량에 대한 대학생의 교육요구도 탐색

Objectives The purpose of this study was to understand the university students’ educational needs for the competencies required for the project based learning in order to provide implications for the teaching strategy. Methods To this end, a project performance competency test was administered to 120 university students in the metropolitan area. The Importance, performance, Borich index, and IPA matrix analysis were performed on the 49 items of the five competencies: creative problem solving, inquiry/research and analysis, project management, collaboration, presentation and report writing. Results The results were as follows. It was found that the performance of all items was lower than their importance. A total of 11 items were classified as ‘Concentrate here’ area, with high importance but low performance. These included 2 items in creative problem-solving competencies, 2 items in inquiry/research and analysis competencies, 1 item in project management competencies, and 6 items in presentation and report writing competencies which showed the highest number among the competencies. There was no item of ‘Concentrate here’ area in the collaboration competencies. 11 items were ranked within the 1st to 14th positions based on the educational needs according to the Borich index. 3 items of the top rankings were excluded from ‘Concentrate here’ area, 2 items falling into the ‘low-priority’ area and 1 item into the ‘Keep up the good work’ area. Conclusions Based on the results, pedagogical implications were derived for designing and implementing project based learning for university students, focusing on field handling ability, innovation, thinking skills, crisis management and leadership.

Differences between Public-Sector and Private-Sector Project Management Practices in Hungary from a Competency Point of View

Both sustainability and strategic goals are realized in the course of implementing projects and in this way, projects are crucial for companies. Despite the growing importance of projects and the vast resources allocated to them, the success rates achieved by these projects are still considered low. Numerous reasons have been identified in the literature for why a project might succeed or fail, and it has also been revealed that a competent project manager is a key factor in this process. However, papers have mainly focused on analyzing the required competencies in general, while the sector involved is rarely considered. Thus, this paper investigates, within an exploratory framework, the success and failure rates of projects and project management competencies in Hungarian public- and private-sector organizations by using the Mann–Whitney test. Based on the results, the authors reject the idea that public-sector organizations perform better than those in the private sector, but the analysis of the data also revealed that there were differences in the perceived importance of skills in the two sectors. Customer orientation and business acumen were considered significantly more important in the private sector than in the public sector, based on the sample available. This study also revealed possible correlations among the knowledge areas and skills required. In addition to contributions to the understanding of project success, this paper can also help to improve the project management frameworks applied in public and private companies. Furthermore, the findings can be adapted for projects that require a special attribute, such as sustainability.

Impact of project management competence and complexities on the performance of mega engineering projects in Pakistan

This study examines Pakistan's public engineering projects' success based on project complexity and management expertise, using 100 questionnaires and developing hypotheses to evaluate organisational, technical, and environmental factors. Results indicate that project performance is positively linked to Project Management (PM) competence, underscoring the significance of skilled project managers in achieving favourable outcomes. Furthermore, leadership, management skills, communication, ethics, and integrity are identified as key drivers of project performance. On the other hand, technical and organisational complexities were discovered to have a negative influence, although environmental complexity did not significantly affect project performance. Several complexities, such as project objectives, tasks, and economic conditions, emerged as influential factors affecting project execution. This research contributes to PM theory, offering practical insights beneficial for project managers overseeing significant engineering endeavours and other professionals in this field. On a broader scale, the findings may inform governmental policies to enhance project performance, including qualifications for project managers. This study provides valuable guidance for addressing project complexities and improving project success within Pakistan's public engineering projects.

The main competences of the project manager: a bibliographic pairing analysis

This study aims to identify the main lines of studies currently carried out and to identify the main competences of the project manager. The project manager's understanding of the most recent academic research scenarios can influence further academic research. This study offers an analytical understanding of the current lines of research on the topic of competence of the project manager. Considering that the identification of the main drivers that drive the most recent studies, such as theories, authors and works related to the subject of project manager competencies, are important, a bibliographic pairing analysis was carried out. A bibliometric study makes it possible to unite diverse bibliographic data with statistical analyses. The main results were the observation that the most current studies still observe referring to the project manager, the technical competences, the identification of the main competences and the definition of seven groups of competences and their respective representativeness in the current researches. The contributions of this study focus on the identification of current lines of study related to project managers' competencies, on the finding that there is an important movement towards soft skills and hard skills studies, and on the identification of the project manager's main competencies.

Revealing contribution mechanisms of project managers' technical competencies toward success in oil and gas projects

PurposeProject managers' competencies contribute toward project success in a considerable manner. The significance of technical competencies' (TCs) contribution toward success in Oil and Gas (O&G) projects is even higher due to the complexity and the technology-intensive nature of these projects. However, technical competencies have often been overlooked in favor of behavioral competencies or simply identified and listed in terms of their significance. Thus, there is currently very limited research-based knowledge concerning the contribution mechanisms of technical competencies toward project execution success. Hence, the aim of this study is to explore the contribution mechanisms of TCs toward success in O&G projects.Design/methodology/approachA case study was employed as the research strategy through which data was collected from project professionals in O&G projects in the Kingdom of Bahrain using semi-structured interviews. Transcripts of the interviews were then analyzed through thematic analysis method with the aid of NVIVO 12.FindingsThe findings reveal six mechanisms through which technical competencies of project managers contribute toward execution success in O&G projects. TCs not only act as a launch pad toward project success, but also help in optimizing engineering designs throughout the project life cycle.Originality/valueInstead of simply identifying and listing TCs, the obtained results enhance our current understanding of their contribution mechanisms toward project success in O&G projects.