Examination of Project Management Practices on Public Sector Organizations in an Emerging Economy

¹Edward Domina Attafuah | ²David Ackah (PhD)

¹University Hospital, University of Development Studies (UDS Tamale, Ghana)

²UNEM International Programme, Universadad Empresarial de Costa Rica

Email:  edwardattafuah12@gmail.com  | drackah@ipmp.edu.gh

Abstract

Projects continue to fail at an astounding rate regardless of the type of project, or the industry from which they originate, wasting billions of dollars each year. Several studies have been conducted to demonstrate the value of project management in developing countries including Ghana but very few literatures on project management practices are in Ghana, hence, this study sought to examine project management practices in the public sector organization in Ghana. This study adopted a case study design which used quantitative approach to collect data on the project management practices in the public sector in Ghana. The study focused on the Ghana Water Company Limited with operations in Nsawam. Only primary (questionnaire) data was employed for the study. The primary data was analyzed descriptively on one end and proportionally on another end. In analyzing the factors that influence project management compliance and project management practices, descriptive statistics was used. The results revealed that the institution has a project management unit and the unit has been in existence for more than 10 years and all projects are government based. Also, it was established that GWCL have adopted project management strategies such as total quality management, managing new technologies, training and development, environmental, health and safety attributes. The study revealed that factors such as financial factors, managerial factors, and technological factors affected GWCL compliance with the project management practices. The study concludes that there are some weaknesses in the project management practices in GWCL but can be minimized through transparency and accountability. This study recommends for the project unit of GWCL to continue to educate all key actors in the conduct of their activities in a professional way.

Keywords:  Project Management Practices, Public Sector Project Management, Project Management Practices Emerging Economy, Project Management for Development

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