Project Management Trilogy Challenges in Africa – where to from here? Challenges in the Era of Globalization

Abstract

In Africa like in other continents, projects are becoming a way in which organizations (public and private) fulfill their business plans. Project management still remains a Cinderella field across the continent. On average 8 out 10 projects managers are accidental or have inadequate PM knowledge base; PM training is characterized by curricula falling short of some fundamental knowledge areas of PM; and organizations (within public and private sectors) which are fundamentally supposed to be centered on programs and portfolios are in practice project oriented organizations (POO) by default characterized by archaic and fragmented systems. These challenges, which are referred to in this paper as „PM trilogy challenges‟ have significantly contributed to a confusing environment if not corrected could take away the potential of PM in business success and public sector development. Results of five research projects are used in this paper to identify the issues which have led to „PM trilogy challenges‟. Finally recommendations are advanced towards addressing these challenges.