PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF FOREVER FAMILY PROJECT, SELAMTA FAMILY PROGRAM

Abstract

The current study sought to describe the project management practices and the general challenges while practicing project management of a selected NGO called Selamta Family Program. Though there are three ongoing projects under this program, the Forever Family project is the specific project selected for the study for its longevity and accessibility. The study used a mixed research approach and primary data sources were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews. A total of 21 respondents were selected using purposive sampling technique and the selected participants for the survey questionnaire have all responded. And a total of 5 respondents at the top management level that participated in the survey questionnaire were also selected for the interview. The survey data obtained through Google Forms was logged into SPSS and analyzed using descriptive statistics that include frequency distribution, percentages, and measures of central tendencies (mean), and standard deviation. On the other hand, the interview responses were narrated based on the results of the quantitative survey for elaboration. The study findings indicated the majority of the project management knowledge areas like project integration, time, cost, quality, and stakeholder management areas are practiced at full scale with higher mean results and supportive qualitative results. Project communication and HR management had also positive quantitative results but the qualitative outcomes and the researcher’s judgment indicated that the two areas of project management were not practiced at full scale. In addition, both the quantitative and qualitative outcomes implied that project procurement management is practiced on an average level. On the other hand, with low mean result and supportive qualitative analysis the research found out risk management and scope management practices were not implemented at all. Regarding project management challenges, low project management knowledge is indicated within the team and project management technical skills and the level of attention given to the technical practices are challenging the project at moderate level. Finally, the study suggested that the project management team provide or set up an ongoing training on technical components of project management to increase the level of practices of communication, HR, and procurement management and start implementing scope and risk management processes as well.