Successful Project Management Research Articles

Analysis of Critical Success Factors of Agile Software Projects based on the Fuzzy Delphi Method

Agile software development initiatives have gained widespread recognition both domestically and internationally, particularly in the Chinese software industry. However, traditional enterprises often face challenges, such as inadequate project management and lower success rates, which can be attributed to a limited understanding of agile methodologies and effective implementation of agile practices. To address these challenges and identify the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in agile software projects, an extensive literature review was conducted. As a result, a CSFs model for agile projects in China was constructed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the CSFs model using the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). The research involved 30 authoritative experts from the Chinese agile software development industry and academia, each with more than 10 years of relevant industry knowledge and experience. The FDM was applied to collect data through questionnaires and verify theoretical success factors and dimensions in three rounds of the survey. Finally, a total of 28 factors were analyzed and ranked to develop an optimized CSFs model that has a significant impact on agile software development in China. The research findings provide a feasible set of CSFs for the effective implementation of agile software projects in China. This CSFs model also offers valuable insights for the broader adoption of agile practices in China, with the potential to greatly improve the success rate of agile software development and implementation.

Особенности проектного персонала в сравнении с операционным: практический анализ причин различий

This study examines the key differences between project management professionals and operational staff in modern organizations, focusing on the industrial construction sector. The research aims to identify the practical factors underlying the distinct competencies, motivational drivers, and organizational approaches essential for effective project management. Using a comparative analysis based on industry examples and professional insights, the study reveals that success in project management is closely linked to specific competencies. These include the ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge, tolerance to uncertainty, and strategic long-term planning skills. Such competencies are primarily developed through involvement in complex projects with unique objectives, requiring cross-functional collaboration and adaptive management techniques. The research also explores how organizational factors, including budget responsibility, dynamic work environments, and flexible employment structures, contribute to the specialized nature of project management roles. These elements often necessitate higher qualifications and, consequently, different compensation structures for project management professionals. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing these distinctions in project management practices, team composition strategies, professional development programs, and motivational frameworks. This study contributes to the evolving field of project management by offering practical guidelines for organizations seeking to enhance their project execution capabilities and competitiveness as the use of project-based approaches in industrial construction continues to expand.

Categorization of drug development projects

The aim of the article is to develop a categorization of drug development projects based on the identified determinants of project management at different stages of the drug development process. The authors assumed that the factors influencing the success of drug development project management are diverse and depend on the level of advancement of research work. The concept of Technology Readiness Levels, which is well operationalized and applied in a wide range of industrial sectors, was used as a benchmark for assessing the maturity of projects. The complex, costly and multi-stage drug discovery and development process has been referred to Technology Readiness Levels. To define the determinants of drug development project management, empirical material collected through the observation of 140 meetings of teams implementing a total of 7 projects with different levels of development work was used. The presented research results can be used for the stratification of drug development projects, which – thanks to the use of appropriately selected project management methods – will enable better organization of the work of R&D centers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Enhancing Project Management Success through Artificial Intelligence

The increasing complexity and dynamic nature of modern business environment demand innovative approaches to project management. This paper explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Large Language Models (LLMs) in revolutionizing project management practices across all ten knowledge areas outlined in the PMBOK® Guide. Through a comprehensive study of 84 organizations spanning diverse industries—construction, IT, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace in the EU, UK, USA, and the Middle East -– this research highlights how these advanced technologies enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making in project management. The study presents practical use cases illustrating the integration of AI-driven tools for scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, resource, procurement, communication, stakeholder, and integration management. From automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time monitoring to enabling predictive analytics and improving stakeholder engagement, these technologies deliver significant time and cost savings. This research emphasizes the originality of combining cutting-edge AI technologies with traditional project management frameworks, offering a forward-looking perspective on maximizing project success. By demonstrating their applicability in diverse real-world scenarios, the paper provides actionable insights for organizations seeking to adopt intelligent project management solutions. The findings underscore the vital role of AI, ML, and LLMs in shaping the future of project management, paving the way for more agile, efficient, and successful project delivery in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The Impact of Middle Managers on Project Management Success: A Critical Analysis

The Impact of Middle Managers on Project Management Success: A Critical Analysis

TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL PROJECT AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT UNDER MARTIAL LAW CONDITIONS

The article examines the transformation of social project and program management under martial law conditions in Ukraine. Effective management of such initiatives is critically important for maximizing social benefits, achieving a positive impact on society, and ensuring sustainable development. During wartime, managing social projects faces unique challenges, requiring rapid adaptation, reassessment of existing approaches, and the implementation of innovations. Traditional management methods may prove insufficient in a crisis, creating the need for new strategies in planning, coordination, and implementation to ensure stability and effectiveness in an unstable environment.A thorough analysis of recent studies and publications has revealed knowledge gaps in social project management under conflict conditions, underscoring the importance of further research in this field. The article discusses key differences between social and traditional projects, with a particular emphasis on their social value and significance for society. It explores how social projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals can contribute to systemic, long-term changes aimed at improving quality of life, social integration, and support for vulnerable population groups. The article also presents a classification of social projects based on various criteria, providing a structured analysis essential for effective management in crisis conditions. This classification includes the distribution of projects by scale, funding sources, and level of innovation, among other factors, allowing for better adaptation of management strategies to the specific needs of each project. By addressing the complexity and scope of social projects in a martial law context, the study highlights the relevance of flexible, responsive methods tailored to evolving demands. The study concludes that successful management of social projects under martial law requires a shift toward more flexible, inclusive approaches that account for the engagement of diverse stakeholders and adaptation to dynamic conditions. Such strategies enable social projects to not only meet immediate needs but also contribute to resilient, sustainable development in challenging times.

Project Management Using Critical Path Method (CPM) and Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

Project delivery within the established time line and project cost is one of the persistent issues in current project management practices. This work therefore aimed at assessing the appropriateness of Project Evaluation Review Technique and Critical Path Method in project management with a case study of a UNN lecture hall construction. Consequently, the research establishes the impact of these quantitative operations research tools on the efficient project management. Both of these project management techniques were explained and used in relation to the data that was obtained from the lecture hall construction project manager, concerning the project activities and the time taken for each of these activities. As indicated by the findings of this study, both the methods were posited to achieve success in project management where by relationship and connectivity of the activities that define a project life cycle persist as the key issues. As such, it was suggested that in view of the project critical activities determined by the CPM and/or PERT analyses, more resources and attention should be directed towards effective management of such activities to avoid the occasion of project delay as well as ensure the successful completion of projects.

The Impact of Stakeholder Communication and Coordination on Project Outcome

Stakeholder communication and coordination are crucial for project success. Effective communication keeps stakeholders informed about project progress, promoting openness and trust. Coordination allocates tasks and resources, preventing misunderstandings and enhancing decision- making. Poor engagement can lead to misunderstandings, rework, and missed deadlines. The impact of communication on project quality, highlighting that it goes beyond time, money, and quality standards, requiring stakeholder satisfaction. Effective stakeholder communication significantly influences project success in complex construction projects, reducing failure rates due to inadequate communication. Stakeholder conflicts in construction often arise from conflicting interests, leading to reworks, disputes, and cost overruns. Effective involvement of stakeholders during pre-construction stages is crucial, as demonstrated in Malaysia and New Zealand case studies. the importance of clear project scope and effective internal communication in enhancing project success, cost, and schedule performance among stakeholders. A survey of Turkish overseas stakeholders revealed that communication barriers negatively impact stakeholder management (SMP), while communication behaviours and strategies positively correlate with SMP. Effective communication is crucial for successful international project management. The construction failure factors (CFFs) and stakeholder coordination performance in high-rise building projects are linked, with consultants' lack of capability, overlapping construction sequences, and contractors' lack of experience being the most significant CFFs. Stakeholder involvement is crucial for infrastructure project success. Interviews with professionals reveal organizational characteristics, activities, and success factors. A framework model identifies three management levels and project success degrees. Effective communication and stakeholder coordination are crucial for successful construction projects, ensuring efficiency, clarity, and teamwork across all stages, reducing misunderstandings and promoting trust. Key Words: stakeholder, communication, project, time, qualitative.

Advancing gender equality through strategic project management: A framework for integrating gender-responsive policies in development projects

This review presents a strategic framework for integrating gender-responsive policies into project management to advance gender equality within development projects. Gender equality is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of sustainable development, yet significant gaps remain in effectively embedding gender considerations in project planning and execution. Through a review of successful case studies and current project management practices, this review explores how structured, gender-responsive strategies can enhance the impact of development projects across diverse sectors. The proposed framework emphasizes a systematic approach to incorporating gender perspectives from the project design phase through implementation and evaluation. Key components include conducting initial gender impact assessments, establishing gender-specific goals and indicators, and ensuring adequate budget allocations for gender-focused activities. Additionally, the framework underscores the importance of continuous monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and the collection of gender-disaggregated data to inform adaptive management. Challenges such as institutional constraints, cultural resistance, and limited gender-specific expertise among project teams are addressed with recommendations for building capacity and securing policy support. Best practices highlighted include fostering partnerships with local women’s organizations, engaging community leaders, and providing gender sensitivity training for project staff. This review concludes that integrating gender-responsive policies in project management not only advances gender equality but also contributes to more inclusive and effective development outcomes. The framework offers a replicable model for project managers and policymakers, advocating for a shift towards projects that prioritize equitable participation and benefits for all genders. By implementing these practices, development initiatives can create sustainable socio-economic improvements and foster gender-inclusive environments.

Cost Performance Comparison of Road Construction Projects Considering Bidding Condition and Project Characteristics

Developing road infrastructure facilities is important because it directly affects national competitiveness and has significant socio-economic ripple effects throughout the country. However, road construction projects are vulnerable to various risks and prone to cost overruns because they are funded by large-scale national budgets and conducted over long time periods. Therefore, tracking the changes in construction costs from planning to completion and providing insights for similar future projects is essential for successful project planning and management. Considering the bidding conditions and project characteristics of road construction projects, this study comparatively analyzed the construction cost growth of 170 road construction projects based on the bid award rate and facility-specific project characteristics, such as construction type, contract method, facility capacity, and construction cost components. This study analyzed the differences in cost performance between various sample groups using non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test), considering the non-normality of the collected sample. In addition, this study conducted multiple regression analysis to examine the causal relationship between all variables used in the analysis and cost performance and to identify critical factors. The results indicated that the construction cost growth of the group with a bid award rate of less than 70% was higher compared to that of other groups. Furthermore, the differences in construction cost growth based on project characteristics were more pronounced in the following groups: construction types (expansion/renovation and complex), contract method (long-term continuous), road length (≥7.5 km), % of bridge/tunnel length (<10%), construction cost (≤USD 100 mil.), % of direct construction cost (≥70%), and % of bridge/tunnel cost (both less and more than 50%). Furthermore, the regression model showed that % of direct construction cost, bid award rate, total road length, and contract method were shown to be critical factors in construction cost growth, which implies the importance of indirect cost management, PDS selection decisions that affect bid award rates, and risk management for complex projects from the perspective of construction cost growth management. These results empirically demonstrate that bidding conditions and project characteristics are key to understanding the pattern of construction cost growth in road construction projects. Hence, this study provides significant references that can be used by policy makers and clients to estimate cost buffers for future road projects.

Кластерне управління проєктами: підходи, виклики та перспективи

The article examines cluster project management as a modern innovative approach to organizing and coordinating projects. It establishes that cluster management is based on the consolidation of interrelated projects into clusters for the joint use of resources, enhancing the efficiency of innovative potential utilization, and stimulating innovation. Cluster management allows for resource optimization, improved communication, the development of synergy between projects, and decision-making flexibility. The article analyzes the main types of clusters, including geographical, sectoral, vertical, and horizontal, and their impact on the success of project management and the productivity of individual projects. It also discusses the key advantages of cluster management, including resource optimization, improved coordination among participants, increased overall productivity, and flexibility. The study reveals that the cluster approach helps reduce costs, avoid duplication of efforts, promotes rapid market response, and allows organizations to effectively adapt to market challenges. In addition to the advantages, the article highlights the challenges organizations face when applying the cluster approach. These include the need to adapt to external changes, competition among cluster participants, and intellectual property protection, which can pose a threat to innovation. A new approach to cluster project management is proposed, which integrates vertical and horizontal clusters with modern digital technologies, such as monitoring and management tools. This approach enhances the effectiveness, resilience, and innovativeness of projects in the context of globalization and digitalization. The article also explores successful examples of clusters, such as the Silicon Valley technology cluster and the California wine cluster, which illustrate the benefits of collaboration within a cluster system. The article emphasizes the importance of flexibility and continuous updating of management methodologies to ensure the success of clusters in today's competitive environment.

Cost Minimization with Project Crashing: Comparison of the Traditional Solution and Genetic Algorithm Approach

Existence of delays and cost overruns frequently puts the project viability in jeopardy. The integrated nature of these threats brings forward project scheduling as the primary determinant of project management success. The quality of project scheduling depends highly on the way resources are assigned to activities. In the project management literature, the efficiency of resource allocation is examined closely by the phenomenon called project crashing. This study introduces traditional and genetic algorithm approaches for the project crashing events and explains their steps in achieving the most efficient resource allocation. Within this context, the project crashing event is visualized, the insights of alternative approaches are described, and their implementations are illustrated with a case study. Besides, the procedures required for adopting the genetic algorithm approach to a typical problem are expressed. The case study illustration reveals the advantages and disadvantages of the genetic algorithm approach over the traditional approach. It is observed that the genetic algorithm approach can reach the solution in a single phase while the traditional approach requires multiple phases. On the other hand, the genetic algorithm approach may not reach the optimum solution unless the toolbox options are appropriately selected. This study presents the contribution of operational research to the project management body of knowledge by demonstrating the applicability and efficiency of genetic algorithm in the project crashing events. Researchers and industry practitioners may benefit from the proposed approach by following the indicated procedures to incorporate genetic algorithm into optimization issues in different fields.

Model of driving factors for success in public health project management using structural equation modeling

In a context where pandemic crises and chronic conditions are a constant and increasing threat, the success of public health projects is absolutely critical. However, little is known about the factors that influence the success of projects that aim to provide conditions for people to be healthy and prolong the life of the population as a whole. A mixed-method study was carried out to fill the literature gap, resulting in a new model of success factors for public health projects. The research work theorizes the success factors that impact public health project success, providing relevant knowledge for project managers and contributing to the successful management of public health projects.

Transferability of the competences acquired in the elite athlete career to the project manager role analysis

What personal competences of successful project managers are determined by their former career as an elite athlete? To answer the question, comprehensive research is carried out, implemented as part of the EEIG-EU/P-Kr/06.12/23 project. The primary aim is to establish conclusively which particular personality traits, identified and analysed using the Big Five Inventory-2 and supplemented by structured interviews, directly contribute to the success of former elite athletes transitioning into roles as effective project managers. We found that successful project managers who were also elite athletes possess personality traits that can be identified as positive determinants of success in either sport or professional careers. Among these personality traits, we can include a low level of neuroticism and a high level of conscientiousness, then extraversion and agreeableness. This paper contributes to a nuanced understanding of how the realms of sports and management intersect and overlap. The presented paper can serve as a basis for further research in the field of personality psychology and management studies.

Cost Contingency Strategies in Building Construction: Evaluating Project Risk Influence

Contingency costs are an important part of construction to achieve successful project management. In determining contingency costs, practitioners have used a very subjective approach. This study discussed the determination of the contingency cost of high-rise buildings in six research object projects, based on the results of risk evaluation. The risk evaluation used in this paper is based on the risks in the construction phase. The method used to know the relationship between risk and contingency costs is simple linear regression with tools. The results of this study indicate that the greater the level of risk, the greater the contingency costs incurred by the project. the risk level contributed 71.6% to the contingency cost, while the rest was influenced by other factors. The equation formed is, that if the risk increases by 1 unit, the total contingency cost will increase by 0.0916 units.

Management of innovative projects to ensure innovative development of enterprises

The subject of the study is theoretical provisions, methodology of adaptive management of innovation projects and innovative development of enterprises, methodological basis, practical proposals for its research in modern conditions. The purpose of the article is to summarize generalization of the theoretical basis of the features of innovative projects, the expediency of using organizational structures for managing the processes of their formation and implementation, analysis of adaptive methodologies for managing innovative projects to ensure the employment of workers, their innovative development, and development of practical recommendations on these issues for a working enterprise. The purpose is revealed by solving the following tasks: generalize the features of innovative projects that determine the success of their implementation; determine the feasibility of using organizational structures of enterprise management for the formation and implementation of innovative projects to ensure innovative development; identify and propose the use of adaptive management methodologies for innovative projects to achieve successful innovative development of enterprises; develop a hybrid organizational structure for innovation management; the main directions of innovative personnel management of enterprises to promote their employment and management of innovative development are proposed. To solve the tasks, the following methods were used: theoretical generalization, analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, structural and logical analysis, systemic and situational approaches, the method of working day photography, Agile adaptive management methodology, graphic method, and the authors' own practical experience. The conclusions and results of the article are as follows: it is proved that the management of innovation projects should take into account their features, be based on the use of project, matrix and hybrid organizational management structures and the application of adaptive methodologies for managing innovation development and the formation and implementation of innovation projects, such as Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean. For the operating enterprise Nebozvid LLC, using adaptive management methodologies, a hybrid organizational structure of the project department has been developed to ensure the innovative development of the enterprise through the implementation of innovative projects with the organization of small project teams. The main trends in innovative personnel management of enterprises are proposed, the use of which contributes to the success of innovative project management to ensure the innovative development of enterprises.

Management of IT projects of business analytics in the BANI environment

In the modern world, the business environment is becoming increasingly unstable, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (BANI – Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible). These new realities create serious challenges for the management of IT projects for the creation of business analytics, requiring managers to adapt new approaches and tools for effective project management. The article aims to investigate the specifics of IT project management in the BANI environment, identify key success factors, and develop recommendations for project managers. The study is based on an analysis of current literature, as well as on empirical data collected through surveys and interviews with experienced IT project managers. Key aspects considered include – flexibility and adaptability, effective communication, innovation and creativity, risk management, emotional intelligence. The results of the study emphasize the need to integrate agile methodologies (Agile, Scrum) and project management tools, such as JIRA, Trello and others, to ensure effective project management in the BANI environment. It also highlights the importance of continuous training and development of both technical and soft skills for successful IT project management. The study provides important insights and practical recommendations for IT project managers working in BANI environments, helping to improve their ability to adapt to new challenges and achieve successful results.

Factors Influencing the Success Criteria of ICT Project Management Case Study Constructions in Mogadishu

Being a developing nation, our nation's project construction is advanced in comparison to earlier years. Therefore, the overall goal of this study is to evaluate and examine the local elements influencing the success criteria of ICT project management in the construction sectors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the technical factors that affect the success of ICT project management in the Somali construction industry. To determine the organizational factors that affect the ICT project management success in the Somali construction industry. And to investigate the cultural factors that affect the success of ICT project management in the construction industry. The most recent study to look at environmental factors influencing the performance of ICT project management in the Somali construction industry. The report focuses on construction initiatives completed in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu. Both interviews and questionnaires were used to gather the data. The questionnaire was completed online using Google Form, and the respondents were clients, consultants, and contractors. The researchers used practical sampling to gather 100 surveys. There are four case study companies that I have chosen as an experiment construction companies are utilized as a case study for this research project. The data from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS to produce the average index from the study; Dalbile construction and contracting company, Bile home repair and Construction service, Qidmad Construction Company and Gaabow Construction Company. Due to the growing technological uncertainty, the building sector is dynamic. Building projects are getting easier and more advanced today. The coordination between the project participants is what has an impact on how well construction projects execute when using the design build method of procurement. The Somali government should establish and enforce strict penalties to combat fraudulence activities, the licensing of contractors and consultants should be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that they are qualified and have the tools necessary to perform their jobs, and the contractors should enhance their estimation methods and take into account all external factors that could affect their projects.

Analyzing the Digital Infrastructure Enabling Project Management Success: A Hybrid FAHP-FTOPSIS Approach

This research paper examines the digital infrastructure required to achieve project management success by analyzing the enabling elements of this digital infrastructure in terms of three pillars: digital readiness, digital fitness, and digital tools. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify these enabling elements and to develop a list of project management success indicators through which the success of project management can be measured. To evaluate and rank the digital infrastructure enabling elements, a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) was implemented using a hybrid approach combining Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS). The study used the digital infrastructure enabling elements as MCA alternatives and the project management success indicators identified in the literature review as MCA criteria. The results indicated that the enabling elements associated with digital tools are the most significant for project management success, with a FTOPSIS closeness coefficient (CCi) of 0.8525, followed by those related to digital fitness (CCi = 0.6481) and digital readiness (CCi = 0.1602). These findings have proven to be robust, as they remained consistent even when weights of the MCA criteria were adjusted in three new scenarios proposed in a scenario analysis. This research highlights the critical role of digital enabling elements in enhancing project management practice and achieving project management success. It also offers a strategic framework for organizations to develop and strengthen their digital infrastructure.

Assessing the Impact of Project Management Practices on the Success of Construction Projects in Zambia: A Case Study of the Construction Projects in Lusaka between 2022 and 2023

This study investigated the influence of project management practices on the success of construction projects within Zambia, focusing on selected construction projects from 2022 to 2023. The research objectives aimed at assessing current project management practices and strategies, and identifying challenges for improvement. The study used theoretical frameworks such as Project Success Theory and Project Management Theory to analyse findings comprehensively. A qualitative approach was used for this study. Interviews were utilised to collect data from construction companies and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The research results identified key project management practices as being crucial for success, including comprehensive planning, effective risk management, clear communication, and robust performance monitoring. Challenges such as limited awareness, stakeholder engagement issues, and deficiencies in practical implementation were uncovered. The study recommends enhancing training, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and performance monitoring. Furthermore, gaps for research include exploring gender diversity, regional variations, sustainability integration, and longitudinal project performance studies. This study contributed valuable insights to the construction industry, aiming to optimise project management practices and foster sustainable development in Zambia.