JEFMS Journal

Google Scholar

Article Pdf

---

ABSTRACT:

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.

KEYWORDS:

Impact, Project Management Practices, Project Success, Lusaka.

REFERENCES:

1) Al-Nady, R., Ahmed, A., & Abdul-Rahman, H. (2016). Adaptive methodologies in project management: An overview. Journal of Project Management, 30(4), 55-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2016.05.003.

2) Aminbakhsh, S., Sheikhi, A., & Abolhasani, M. (2021). Resource allocation in construction projects: A review. International Journal of Project Management, 39(6), 567-583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2021.05.001.

3) Atkinson, R. (1999). Project management: Cost, time, and quality, two best guesses and a phenomenon, it’s time to accept other success criteria. International Journal of Project Management, 17(6), 337-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(98)00069-6.

4) Aubry, M., Hobbs, B., & Thuillier, D. (2020). A new framework for project management tools and strategies. Project Management Journal, 51(2), 27-40. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972819898945.

5) Baccarini, D. (2019). The project success criteria and the project management success. International Journal of Project Management, 17(3), 279-284. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0263-7863(98)00025-3.

6) Belout, A., & Gauvreau, C. (2023). Communication in project management: A critical factor for success. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(5), 04023018. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002539.

7) Besteiro, D., López, J., & Pérez, E. (2015). The impact of project management on project success: A review of empirical evidence. Project Management Review, 44(2), 60-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972815058329.

8) Brown, M., & Green, J. (2021). Transformational leadership and its impact on project performance. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 42(3), 415-430. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-09-2020-0401.

9) Chileshe, N., & Kikwasi, G. (2016). Risk management practices in developing countries: Evidence from Tanzania. Construction Management and Economics, 34(5), 379-394. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2016.1171587.

10) Covin, T. (2021). Project monitoring and control systems: A critical review. Project Management Journal, 52(4), 41-55. https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728211018923.

11) Davis, K. (2019). Project management education: Aligning curriculum with industry needs. Journal of Management Education, 43(1), 56-73. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562918774141.

12) Dvir, D., Sadeh, A., & Shenhar, A. J. (2016). The role of project management in achieving project success: A study of the Israeli project management environment. International Journal of Project Management, 34(1), 65-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.04.001.

13) Eva, N., McIntyre, J., & Kumar, R. (2017). Project management methodologies: A comparative review. International Journal of Project Management, 35(4), 567-578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2016.12.002.

14) Frefer, M., Abboud, M., & Kamel, M. (2018). Adapting project management methodologies to local contexts. Journal of Project Management Research, 33(2), 112-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2017.11.006.

15) Garcia, R., & Simpson, R. (2019). Project management tool utilization: A critical review. International Journal of Project Management, 37(5), 737-750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2019.03.006.

16) Garcia, R., & Simpson, R. (2021). Project management tools: Adoption and effectiveness. Project Management Journal, 52(2), 90-104. https://doi.org/10.1177/875697282110091.

17) Gachogu, P. (2019). Strategic planning in public secondary schools: Challenges and solutions. Educational Planning Journal, 32(1), 12-26. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739891319827884.

18) Hapompwe, C., Siwale, J., Kukano, C., & Chitanda, J. (2020). Impact of Development Projects on Displaced Residents: A Case Study of Mwomboshi Dam in Chisamba District, Zambia. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 10, Issue 7, ISSN 2250-3153. DOI: 10.29322/IJSRP.10.07.2020.p10334. http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.10.07.2020.p10334 .

19) Hapompwe, C., Banda, N. Chalwe, N.A. (2024). Examining Critical Success Factors for Africa’s Sustainable Industrial Development with Special Reference to Zambian Manufacturing Sector – Challenges, Prospects & Opportunities. Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Studies. ISSN (print): 2644-0490, ISS (online): 2644-0504, Volume 07 Issue 01. Article DOI: 10.47191/jefms/v7-i1-59

20) Hatch, N., & Dyer, J. (2019). Human capital and firm performance: A resource-based view. Journal of Business Strategy, 40(2), 35-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBS-04-2019-0076.

21) Johnson, M. (2019). Competency in project management: Tools and strategies. Journal of Project Management Education, 10(3), 42-59. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046580319835346.

22) Joslin, R., & Müller, R. (2018). Project management tools: A review of the effectiveness. Project Management Journal, 49(1), 22-38. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972817745278

23) Karimi, S. (2017). ERP implementation in SMEs: A case study. International Journal of Enterprise Information Systems, 13(2), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJEIS.2017040101.

24) Kaming, P., Olomolaiye, P., & Holt, G. (2018). Key factors influencing construction project success in developing countries. Construction Management and Economics, 36(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2018.142509

25) Lee, S., & Chen, J. (2020). Professional certifications in project management: Benefits and challenges. International Journal of Project Management, 38(1), 91-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2019.11.007.

26) Lee, S., Zhang, Z., & Chen, J. (2021). Agile methodologies in Central Southern Africa: Adaptation and challenges. African Journal of Management, 7(3), 229-247. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322373.2021.1921501.

27) Lim, C., & Mohamed, M. (2019). Project success: Beyond the iron triangle. International Journal of Project Management, 34(3), 507-516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2015.04.00.

28) Lungu, J. (2017). Challenges in the Zambian construction industry: A review. Journal of Construction Management, 21(4), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1177/1466420817692839.

29) Mir, F. A., & Pinnington, R. J. (2022). The impact of project management practices on project success: A comprehensive review. Project Management Journal, 53(2), 118-133. https://doi.org/10.1177/87569728221082345.

30) Mushota, J., Banda, M., & Munthali, K. (2020). Challenges in project management: Evidence from Zambia. International Journal of Project Management, 38(6), 775-787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2020.03.001.

31) Nguyen, T., Wang, Y., & Qian, Z. (2020). Effective project planning and risk management: Case studies in the construction industry. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(7), 04020073. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001884.

32) Nyaga, N. (2016). Project management skills and construction project performance: Evidence from Mombasa County. Journal of Project Management, 32(2), 159-175. https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972816624081.

33) Pinto, J.K. and Slevin, D.P., 1988. Project success: definitions and measurement techniques. Project Management Institute.