Core competencies required of project managers

Abstract

Project management is internationally recognised as a management tool that is critical for success in the current work environment. In South Africa, initiatives are under way to produce internationally acceptable education and certification standards for the profession. The aim of this study is to identify the competencies and training needs required of project managers operating in South Africa's unique context. A questionnaire based on both previous international studies and personal interviews was administered by e-mail to members of the Project Management Institute of South Africa. Data was received from 128 respondents operating primarily in information technology, construction and engineering fields across the country. The results of the survey establish a rank ordered list of the competencies and training needs of South African project managers, and confirm that project management competencies are generic in nature. The findings are unique to South Africa, and proffer a set of core competencies which has important implications for the certification and training of South African project managers.

Project management in the public context: research field mapping

“…The factor is formed by works that propose an integrated model of managerial competencies relating management functions and internal organizational environment (Boyatzis, 1982), for strategic management consultants (Seibert, 2004) and for project managers (Birkhead, Sutherland, & Maxwell, 2000), withfocus on effectiveness in their workplace (Brill, Bishop, & Walker, 2006). Skulmoski, Hartman, and Demaere (2000) develop a competence profile of project managers and others involved and Barber (2004) indicates difficulties in analyzing the competencies and skills of project managers, as well as Toney ( 2001) their correct selection.…”

“…The PA1 factor -project management in public administration -is the most comprehensive component of the study. It uses CC1 when discussing the competencies of project managers (Birkhead, Sutherland, & Maxwell, 2000;Boyatzis, 1982;Brill, Bishop, & Walker, 2006;Dainty, Cheng, & Moore, 2005;Fisher, 2011;Toney, 2001;Udo & Koppensteiner, 2004) and particularities of public project managers (Virtanen, 2000). It also deals with project management practices (Crawford & Pollack, 2007;Kerzner, 2003;Morris, 2001;Project Management Institute, 2008 in the public environment (Wirick, 2009).…”

Gestão de projetos no contexto público: mapeamento do campo de investigação

“…Enquanto as distâncias entre nós estabelecem relações, a intensidade é indicada pela espessura das linhas. O fator é formado por trabalhos que propõem um modelo integrado de competências gerenciais relacionando funções gerenciais e ambiente organizacional interno (Boyatzis, 1982), para consultores estratégicos de gestão (Seibert, 2004) e para gestores de projetos (Birkhead, Sutherland, & Maxwell, 2000), com enfoque na eficácia em seu local de trabalho (Brill, Bishop, & Walker, 2006). Skulmoski, Hartman, e Demaere (2000) desenvolvem um perfil de competências de gerente de projetos e demais envolvidos e Barber (2004) indica dificuldades de analisar as competências e habilidades dos gerentes de projeto, assim como Toney (2001) sua correta seleção.…”

“…O fator PA1 -gestão de projetos na administração pública -é o componente mais abrangente do estudo. Recorre ao CC1 quando discute competências de gerentes de projetos (Birkhead, Sutherland, & Maxwell, 2000;Boyatzis, 1982;Brill, Bishop, & Walker, 2006;Dainty, Cheng, & Moore, 2005;Fisher, 2011;Toney, 2001;Udo & Koppensteiner, 2004) e particularidades de gerentes de projetos públicos (Virtanen, 2000). Trata, ainda, de práticas de gestão de projetos (Crawford & Pollack, 2007;Kerzner, 2003;Morris, 2001;Project Management Institute, 2008 no ambiente público (Wirick, 2009).…”

Project risk management in educational organizations

“…While general management skills provide a foundation for project management, the aforementioned skills underscore the need to develop substantially different competencies for a project manager (Birkhead et al, 2000). Headteachers, in their role of project managers, need to receive training that adequately prepares them for their new responsibilities.…”