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The reasons for and prevention of IT project failure.

- Nuss, Jacques Erich

Authors: Nuss, Jacques Erich
Date: 2012-08-16
Subjects: Project management , Information technology , Business failures
Type: Thesis
Identifier: uj:2554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6007
Description: M.A. , The rate of change in the business arena is continuously increasing and companies are constantly seeking innovative products, services and knowledge-enabled processes to enable them to compete effectively against each other. IT plays an important role as an enabler of these processes. The problem is that the implementations of IT projects, commissioned to support and enable the business functions, often fail. The high rate of failing IT projects is a real and relevant concern of the business environment. Companies are wasting a significant portion of their resources on failed IT projects. More than often, IT projects fail to realize their intended purpose of reducing operating costs, increasing worker productivity, increasing cycle times and eventually increasing companies' market share. Management of these companies continues to complain about costly IT expenditure returning only a portion of the expected return on investment. The phenomenon of IT project failure has been in existence for many years and has in more recent years become a relevant topic calling for investigation and further study. Accordingly, this document is the culmination of the results of a study of the reasons why IT projects fail and offers possible measures to be taken to counter the failure of IT projects. The most significant and relevant reasons for IT project failure are listed in this document. These reasons span from the internal project environment through to the external project environment. Aligning these reasons with the environment of any anticiPated IT project will establish a base from which a successful IT project could be initiated. It is hoped that this document will serve as valuable input to the decision makers in the IT and business arenas that need to be made aware of the reasons for IT project failure in order for them to better manage their IT projects.
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A conceptual framework for information technology project management auditing

- Muka, Jean-Paul Mbuyamba

Authors: Muka, Jean-Paul Mbuyamba
Date: 2012-11-06
Subjects: Information technology management , Project management , Electronic data procesing - Auditing , Information audits
Type: Thesis
Identifier: uj:7356 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8112
Description: M.Tech. , In this age of ever-increasing competition, organisations are facing unprecedented pressure to meet the combined obligations of showing returns to shareholders, and staying ahead of the competition. To meet these obligations, organisations have become increasingly dependent on technology, as an enabler. This dependency suggests that technology projects have become strategically more important than ever for organisations; yet the success of technology projects remains questionable. Furthermore, organisations do not have simple mechanisms to allow them to quickly and accurately trace the causes of IT project management failures. One of the causes of project management failures is the inability and/or unwillingness of project managers to adhere to project management best practices adopted by their organisations. This research proposes a simple and repeatable model to help organisations determine whether they are indeed following the project management best practices which they purport to follow. The research methods consisted firstly of a wide review of relevant literature on auditing, project management, and IT governance. Secondly, empirical data was collected and analysed. Thirdly, modelling was used to develop a conceptual model for auditing IT project management. The empirical study is based on a semi-structured interview, involving ten project managers in charge of IT projects. The findings from this research confirm that project managers do not adhere to project management best practices which they purport to follow. Consequently, this dissertation concludes that IT project managers must adhere to best practices adopted by their organisations, regardless of how impractical or inconvenient that may seem; the proposed model for auditing IT project management helps them achieve just that.
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Risk Management to ensure the successful and effective management of projects

- Masekoameng, Veronica

Authors: Masekoameng, Veronica
Date: 2017
Subjects: Construction industry - Management , Construction industry - Risk management , Project management
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/376963 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242266 , uj:24983
Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: It is the viewpoint of this research that risk is an integral part of the project tasks in the construction industry, with the main goal being to minimize the impacts of the risks to more viable levels. Based on the feedback received from the interview, risk management is believed to have an impact on the outcome of the project. It can therefore be concluded that there exist a cause-and-effect relationship between the outcome of a project and managing risk. The nature of the outcome is primarily based on the effective and efficient management of the risk that are identified. Secondly the outcome is also based on the proper risk management process that is followed. The aims and objects of this research, is to review risk management on each phase of the project lifecycle. The project lifecycle will be followed; this involves the initiation, planning and execution and closeout phases This will be followed by the exploration of project risks and their potential complications and problems that could be encountered thorough the project life-cycle. The potential complications may negatively affect the project budget, schedule and quality if they are not identified, monitored, controlled and managed. However, many projects tend to fail due to mismanagement of the aspects of the projects. Subsequently project management functions and process will be investigated to aid the research in achieving its aims. This has the potential to also highlight why project management is favoured world-wide in many disciplines as a go to for the management of a range of projects. The tools and techniques that have been developed to aid project managers in managing projects from their inception to the end of their lifecycles will be explored. Finally, recommendations to further improve project success by utilising project risk management are made.
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An assessment of the maturity and implementation of assurance frameworks on building construction projects within construction companies in South Africa

- Govender, Trevor Desigan

Authors: Govender, Trevor Desigan
Date: 2013-05-27
Subjects: Project management , Engineering management , Construction projects - Management , Construction industry - Quality control
Type: Mini-Dissertation
Identifier: uj:7547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8405
Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , In the wake of the recent global financial crisis, the engineering and building construction industry has been faced with great uncertainty. Emerging from the crisis, investors are taking a cautious approach to how, with, and through whom they invest money. Organisation’s shareholders and stakeholders are therefore seeking new ways to run their businesses looking at cost optimisation and enhanced performance to increase their profitability. Companies are moving towards ensuring tighter control through stronger governance, closer risk management and compliance to statutory and regulatory requirements. To achieve this, assurance frameworks are being used to test, monitor and report to senior management on the organisation’s status. This dissertation highlights the importance of governance, risk and compliance control mechanisms specifically in the building construction sector within construction companies in South Africa. It will assess the maturity of such assurance frameworks and its implementation on building construction projects undertaken by large construction companies. These practices will be compared to the assurance frameworks as recommended and implemented by international leading practice. The dissertation will review the impacts that effective and weak assurance practices have on an organisation’s projects, their businesses and their statutory liability. To understand this, the research conducted interviews, surveys and case studies on large Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed construction companies in South Africa. The data was analysed: quantitatively, qualitatively, statistically as well as trended conclusions are made. The dissertation ends by pointing to the advantages of proper assurance controls on building construction projects and presents a template of an assurance framework that may be developed by construction companies into assurance programmes and other tools for use in their environment.
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Identification of stakeholders in the capital project life cycle for a state owned enterprise

- Maphanga, Penny

Authors: Maphanga, Penny
Date: 2018
Subjects: Engineering - Management , Industrial management , Project management , Technological innovations - Management
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393703 , uj:32584
Description: Abstract : The aim of this study was to identify stakeholders in Capital projects and to assess the process of identification of stakeholders in capital projects. The stakeholder identification process was assessed throughout the stages of a project cycle in a State Owned Enterprises (SOE). The research followed a case study approach and it was conducted in a bulk water supplier SOE. The study found that identification of stakeholders is a known phenomenon in the organization however it has not fully matured. This study has also formed a foundation for academics who want to study and advance stakeholder identification within the SOE environment. It has thus recommended that the organization advance their stakeholder identification processes to ensure that project delays due to unhappy stakeholders is minimized. The advantage of proper stakeholder identification is that it will minimize project variations and improve projects completion time as stakeholder identification will be part of the organization project management processes. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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A holistic approach to information technology project management auditing

- Mukendi, John Nyabadi

Authors: Mukendi, John Nyabadi
Date: 2012-10-25
Subjects: Project management , Information technology projects - Management , Corporate governance
Type: Thesis
Identifier: uj:10446 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7911
Description: M.Tech. (Information Technology) , Increasingly, more now than before, the corporate world has been paying more attention to the prominent topic of “governance”. The absence of governance in an organisation or ineffective governance has become synonymous with all that is wrong. It is regarded to be the root cause of all evils – not only in the corporate environment, but also in society. Following corporate scandals of recent years that have exposed corporate malpractices and mismanagement, corporate governance is increasingly being recognised worldwide as a best practice and an effective mechanism that not only promotes corporate efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability, but is also a tool for combating corporate corruption. The audit function is considered one of the main supporting pillars of corporate governance, as it plays an important role in helping management attain its business goals and strategic objectives. This is realised through a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of the organisation’s system of internal control, risk management and governance processes. The failure of the audit function is said to have been one of the critical contributors to recent global corporate scandals. Robust auditing is believed to be the cornerstone of modern corporate governance. The use of auditing in project management processes increases the probability of project success. Using corporate governance as a best practice and audit as one of its sub-sets, this research study deals with the topical issue of failures in Information Technology (IT) projects. The study strives to address this problem by adopting a holistic approach to IT project management auditing that includes corporate governance principles over and above the traditional principles and processes for auditing IT projects. Over the past 15 to 20 years, the rate of failure of IT projects has changed little in continual surveys, showing that more than half of all IT projects overrun their schedules and budgets. This situation has continued in spite of new technologies, innovative methods, tools and different management methods. Although most organisations heavily rely on IT-enabled projects for competitive advantage, it is estimated that worldwide over $6.2 trillion is being wasted annually on IT project failures. One of the reasons for this situation has allegedly been the failure of project governance. Thus, the importance and added value of this research study lies in adopting a holistic approach to IT project management auditing. The study involves corporations and not government agencies or other institutions. The study adopts a qualitative research approach and uses semi-structured face-to-face interviews as the primary method for data collection. It is intended that this study fills a gap in the research literature on the topic.
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Application of project management methodologies in the execution of medical gases installations to improve synergy within South African hospitals

- Nyambe, B.G.S.

Authors: Nyambe, B.G.S.
Date: 2018
Subjects: Project management , Medical instruments and apparatus industry , Gases - Therapeutic use , Low temperature engineering , Gas pipelines
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/284694 , uj:30758
Description: Abstract: This minor dissertation studies the application of project management methodologies in the execution of medical gases installations within South African hospitals. This was done in order to improve synergy during the execution of the medical gases installation with the rest of the hospital build programme. Medical gases installation in general as a gas reticulation system is made up of a combination of equipment that together or as individually are used to transmit medical gases for medicinal use in hospitals. These are gases that are regarded as life supporting within the hospital operations. They are not only used for healing or curing diseases but are used to support processes/machines that perform such functions. The installations are expected to be designed, installed and commissioned to meet the minimum requirements of SANS 7396-1/2, SANS 10260, EIGA guides and SANS 347-PER. South African National Standards (SANS) 7396 part 1 deals with the pipeline system for compressed medical gases and vacuum and part 2 deals with Anaesthetic gas scavenging disposal system. SANS 10260 deals with the supply and storage of cryogenic gases in South Africa, HTM and EIGA describes the general scientific considerations of gas behaviour and what to consider during designing of a safe gas system. The supplied gas is produced as a cryogenic gas in a liquid form from atmospheric air through an air separation unit process of distillation. It is however packaged in a vapour form in cylinders or directly in a bulk liquid storage tank and using a vaporizer is converted into vapour. According to SANS requirements, three sources of supply are required for each gas reticulation supply system in a hospital. Medical gases installations by their nature are projects and should follow project management doctrines in order to execute them in a manner that is acceptable and satisfies customer requirements. According to PMBOK, a project is not a fixed endeavour that gets to be undertaken, it is a short term activity that is aimed to create a unique product, service or end result. As this principle applies with the type of installations carried out in supplying and installing reticulation systems that transmit medical gases to the hospitals point of use such as theatres, ICU’s, wards etc. As result of the nature of the medical gases reticulation system, the study aims to bring to the sector project management principles to ensure this critical task is always executed safely and within acceptable best practice. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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Conflict management in projects

- Yusuf, Ajibola Sarafadeen

Authors: Yusuf, Ajibola Sarafadeen
Date: 2016
Subjects: Conflict management , Project management
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/370513 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225246 , uj:22745
Description: Abstract: Projects encounter conflicts during execution. Conflicts are an unavoidable natural phenomenon which if timely identified ought to be effectively managed. Continuous monitoring of project signals pointing to the existence of distinct projects is essential. Delay in interventions of conflicts necessitates worst business scenario within organisations. This jeopardizes business useful time consequently resulting in delay relative to executing project activities. Avoiding delay in business time together with executing project activities is paramount in the set objectives of any project manager, organization or stakeholder. An essential determinant of productivity, efficiency, performance together with job contentment of any business establishment is conflict, acting as an independent variable of project behaviour. Investigating projects behaviour strategically necessitates a positive effect on dependent business variables. This is achievable by examining, understanding and having a comprehensive overview of individual elements of project behaviour, which is essential for the success of any project. This dissertation investigates how conflicts in projects can be effectively managed. Also identifying, examining, and analysing distinct causes and effects of conflicts together with numerous approaches conflicts manifest during project execution. Quantitative and qualitative investigation approach is adopted in collecting data. This dissertation data is collected from different software, mechanical design, construction inclusive of structural, roads and water projects .etc. Results illustrate high rate of conflicts is a major impediment to the success of any project. This dissertation outputs identified several types and causes of conflicts when executing a project. The dissertation concludes that issues relative to conflict management in projects have attained an optimal. Effective adoption of relevant strategies can no longer be ignored. Further conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions for future investigations are also presented. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Cost control for increased productivity in an engineering project environment

- Dirker, H.G.

Authors: Dirker, H.G.
Date: 2012-08-17
Subjects: Project management , Engineering -- Management -- Case studies , Cost control , Information storage and retrieval systems
Type: Thesis
Identifier: uj:2647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6092
Description: M.Ing. , Project cost control constitutes one of the three most important aspects in managing a project effectively. The other two items are time and quality. In order to control the cost aspect of a project as effectively as possible, up-to-date information is needed. This points to a properly integrated cost control system that simultaneously supports all the needs of project management. Fortunately in todays engineering environment, information systems have evolved to such a level that simultaneous support to all aspects of project management is achievable. It is the goal of this thesis to investigate how to do proper cost control and status reporting in the correct manner and as effectively as possible by making use of modern information systems in order to increase to productivity levels of organisations. Ways in which the cost controlling process can be integrated with the status reporting process will be investigated. A case study will be done in the author's own project engineering environment and improvements to the process will be made in order to increase productivity levels in the author's working environment.
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Project success depends on effective communication

- Fourie, Marco Louis

Authors: Fourie, Marco Louis
Date: 2015
Subjects: Communication in management , Project management , Communication in organizations , Business communication
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/56957 , uj:16361
Description: Abstract: Companies all over the world rise and fall; this is mostly due to a lack of effective management and leadership. Management and leadership are often mistaken for one another, but the true definitions indicate that the two are as different as night and day, yet still remain part of one another. In leading companies, the need for effective communication is critical, as it promotes and allows the enhancement of achievements. NASA embarked on one of the most complex projects to date, namely the Apollo Program (1967–1975). This project consisted of many elements, in which communication played a major role. The project was a success, yet it was accomplished with only rotary dial phones and typewriters as communication channels. Therefore, communication and the effective action behind it could affect the success of a project or company. Communication within an organisation is seen as a vital resource. However, in reality it sometimes happens that insufficient attention is dedicated to the concept, process, and content of communication in the workplace, thus leading to the intended message being misunderstood. The managing of this resource is required to have a basic objective, in covering all communication facets within an organisation, and its immediate environment. Success in communicating efficiently and effectively requires a change of values within the culture of the organisation. This document elucidated on new investigations through empirical research to provide solutions to questions such as:  “What makes a project successful?”  “What does effective communication endorse?”; and  “What is the link between success and effective communication?” To deliver a conclusive answer for the key objective of this investigation, which is to endorse new ways of thinking in the project management sector. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Challenges facing projects due to a lack of resources

- Bhika, Bervesh D.

Authors: Bhika, Bervesh D.
Date: 2017
Subjects: Engineering - Management , Project management
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/383375 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269310 , uj:28609
Description: M.Ing. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: One of the major challenges facing many Engineering companies today is the lack of sufficient resources to staff all projects concurrently. The objective of this study is to understand the challenges on engineering projects due to the lack of resources. The aim is to assess the problem in South Africa and develop a suitable strategy and action, to manage the challenge of limited Engineering resources. This dissertation will be limited to researching the challenges facing Civil Engineering projects due to the lack engineering resources in South Africa. All projects require human resources because they play an important role in any project. These resources may contribute to either a projects success or failure. Therefore having the correct people for the project is extremely important. Projects compete against each other for resources, and this result in Engineers assigned to several projects at the same time. The most common and widely experienced challenge on a project is insufficient team skills. Organisations should consider outsourcing of work versus in-house; leadership’s skills; human management and skills management, to ensure project success when it comes to skilled resources. The main findings of this research study revealed that the highest impact on a projects success is to comply with the planned budget, time frame and performance criteria. This is followed by having competent project team members. Other factors for a projects success included having clearly defined goals, directions, roles and responsibilities. Further improvements from various organisations (viz. Government, Companies and Universities) are also required for a project to succeed.
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Critical success factors in information technology projects

- Pieterse, Martin

Authors: Pieterse, Martin
Date: 2012-01-25
Subjects: Project management , Success in business
Type: Mini-Dissertation
Identifier: uj:1967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4324
Description: M.Comm. , This study investigates the factors that are critical to success with Information Technology projects. The intention is to identify a set of factors that will increase the probability of an Information Technology project succeeding. To understand Information Technology project success, Information Technology in the business environment is investigated and found to be the various hardware and software used in information systems, including computers and networking equipment. These systems and components that comprise Information Technology can provide the business organisation with significant competitive advantage. Information Technology systems within the business are developed following a process known as the Software Development Lifecycle. The process of developing Information Technology systems is normally managed as a project. This study shows that a project can be defined as a grouping of related tasks and activities that consume some of the limited resources of an organisation for a fixed period of time and that has a measurable objective as its goal. Projects normally follow the same path, from project concept initiation, planning, plan development, execution through to project closeout. Critical success factors in Information Technology projects A project is deemed to be successful if it delivers the objectives stated for the project, is delivered on time, within the cost estimates and to expected quality, if it is profitable for the contractor, and if necessary it is terminated early. Despite the competitive advantage that Information Technology can provide the business and the fact that projects are well defined, more than half of IT projects still fail. There are, however, a number of reasons that can be contributed to IT projects failing, the main factor being lack of management and leadership in projects. Investigation reveals that a number of factors do exist that are critical to IT project success. These factors can be summarised as customer involvement, a positive attitude towards project success, flexible project tools, defined criteria for success and keeping to schedules and budgets.
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Critical success factors in project management : an exploratory study of Eskom distribution projects

- Mathiba, Nyambeni

Authors: Mathiba, Nyambeni
Date: 2017
Subjects: Eskom (Firm) - Management , Project management , Project management - Case studies
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269830 , uj:28670
Description: Abstract: Background: Project management has become central to the management of organisational undertakings. The successful running of projects is crucial particularly for public enterprises that offer essential services, since the failure of such projects can negatively impact the organisation itself, society and other stakeholders. In managing projects, there exist critical success factors that govern the performance outcome of the project. Purpose – The current study focuses on projects undertaken at Eskom distribution (Gauteng region). The purpose of the proposed research is to answer two critical questions: What are the critical success factors that are relevant to the success of Eskom Distribution projects? And, are projects affected most by factors related to the project manager, project itself, organisational issues or external influences? The research will be focused on the theoretical background and past experiences of project stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The current research applies a quantitative design approach. Field research was developed within Eskom Distribution by analysing the current project management methodology and applying a questionnaire survey targeting project stakeholders involved in various projects. Findings – The research indicated that ‘senior management support’, ‘clear and realistic project objectives’ and ‘detailed and clear scope/plan’ are the three most important CSFs that affect Eskom Distribution projects. Factors relating to the project were found to have an overall wider impact on the success of projects. Value – The identification of the relevant or important critical success factors that influence Eskom projects will help project stakeholders to concentrate on the most significant factors and ensure that the right support is given to enhance project performance. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Evaluating the use of project management techniques in infrastructure delivery by South African small and medium sized contractors

- Agumba, Justus Ngala

Authors: Agumba, Justus Ngala
Date: 2008-07-16T12:54:49Z
Subjects: Project management , Construction industry , Small business
Type: Thesis
Identifier: uj:7289 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/802
Description: South Africa is currently faced with the challenge of reducing the huge backlog of infrastructure delivery to communities that were previously disadvantaged. Given the prioritization of empowerment by the South African government, the previously disadvantaged and marginalized sector of the construction industry that comprises mainly, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is the preferred vehicle of delivery. However, consequent to their historic position outside of the mainstream construction industry, they lack the requisite project management expertise and experience to make good on this objective. This study investigates the characteristics of the personnel managing SMEs and the SMEs themselves, the usage, necessity, importance and adequate use of the techniques, effectiveness and potential applicability of various project management techniques to improve the performance of the SMEs in delivering the much-needed infrastructure. The study also identifies those external and internal factors that are detrimental to the effective implementation of project management techniques. Given the aforementioned, a descriptive survey was conducted among contractors who were either registered members of the Gauteng Master Builders Association (GMBA) or the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) in Gauteng. The data was collected using a semi-structured, structured and open-ended interview questionnaire, and analysed using descriptive analysis, severity index and content analysis respectively. The findings indicate that experienced and educated personnel manage SMEs. There is usage of essential project management techniques, which the contractors agreed are necessary and important in managing their projects. There is inadequate use of project management techniques among the SMEs. When used, the techniques brought about improvement in the delivery of projects. The research also established various factors that deterred the adequate implementation of project management techniques, namely, lack of adequate project information from professionals, time and financial constraints. The research concludes by suggesting that if significant improvements in the delivery of construction projects are to be attained, the findings stated need to be taken into consideration. , Mr. F.C. Fester Prof. F.A.O. Otieno Mr. I.O. Adegoke
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The design and implementation of a systems engineering framework for small scale rural Community Engagement projects. a case study

- Naidoo, Rene

Authors: Naidoo, Rene
Date: 2017
Subjects: Systems engineering , Project management , Community development
Language: English
Type: Masters (Thesis)
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/284315 , uj:30701
Description: M.Ing. (Electrical Engineering) , Abstract: Successful projects are those that meet business requirements, are delivered and maintained on schedule, are delivered and maintained within budget and deliver the expected business value and return on investment. CE (Community Engagement) projects that are engineering focused, rely on the same strategy of success. However, there are a number of CE projects that fail due to a number of factors such as a lack of funds to finance operations and purchase resources required for the project, poor management of resources and finances, poor management of the overall project, lack of youth involvement in community-based project, lack of monitoring and evaluation of community projects and lack of stakeholder participation. Furthermore, CE projects conducted by engineers can suffer while being conducted due to the poor approach of engineers to such projects. Engineers believe in problem solving through the standard “hard” engineering approach. However, this approach frequently ignores the social aspects within these projects. It was deemed necessary that in order to prevent CE projects (that are engineering focused) from failing, to target the root of the cause by encouraging engineering institutions to incorporate CE projects as part of the curriculum. This would cultivate engineering students into ‘community engaging experts’ and allow students to gain a “hands on experience” by physically participating in engaging projects and interacting with communities. Therefore, it was hypothesised that the design and implementation of a CE framework, (CEF) designed for engineering institutions will assist in the successful conducting of CE projects and also allow for student teams to socially interact with communities and physically engage in these projects. The CEF was integrated with systems engineering, project management and CE literature. The framework was built off the (South Africa National Standard) SANS-15288 Systems Life Cycle standards and incorporated processes from project management theory and CE theory, such as work breakdown structures and community selection procedures. The framework was tested on an existing CE project (conducted by The University of Johannesburg), called The Gwakwani project, which ended off successfully with phase 1 in 2014. Phase 2 included the design and installation of a system solution to solve the community’s lighting dilemma. The installation of individual solar lighting units and the donation of hand held solar lighting units (sponsored by Schneider Electric), encompassed this community service initiative. The implementation was tested and evaluated based on the project procedure and whether individual stakeholder requirements were met. The evaluation consisted of a survey analysis (through indicators) and the received data was analysed statistically. The survey revealed information of firstly the implementation of the lighting units and secondly determined the validity of the framework through implication.
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Maturity of project scope management in MTN South Africa: a gap analysis leading to a roadmap for excellence

- Loh, Ned

Authors: Loh, Ned
Date: 2011-10-03T07:25:21Z
Subjects: MTN SA , Project management
Type: Thesis
Identifier: uj:7220 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3858
Description: M.Tech. , In the volatile telecommunication industry, innovation is the key to success. Mobile Telephone Network South Africa (MTN SA) needs to launch new products and services consistently to stay on the competitive edge. Consequently, effective project management becomes the key to gaining the competitive advantage by turning new product or service concepts into reality. According to Nokes and Kelly (2007:153–156), there is a high correlation between project success and effective project scope management. The effectiveness of project scope management can drastically affect the success of projects, as changes to the project scope may severely affect the project value creation, timeline, quality and cost. Accordingly, high project scope management maturity would contribute tremendously to the effectiveness of project management. The purpose of this present research is to define a roadmap to guide MTN’s Business Optimisation (BO) department to project scope management excellence. To meet this aim, the researcher utilises the concept of a Project Management Maturity Model (PMMM), as a guideline for the creation of a project scope management maturity model. The created project scope management maturity model is then utilised to provide an effective means to measure MTN SA’s project scope management maturity and identify the gaps prohibiting MTN SA from project scope excellence (Kerzner, 2004:193). Based on the literature review on the elements of project scope excellence, this paper suggests that there is a general misunderstanding regarding the definition of maturity. Many believe that process rigorousness indicates maturity, and have forgotten the criticality of the organisational culture that fosters an environment for project scope excellence and the effective use of the project scope process. iii This research offers a comparative study on the most popular and effective maturity models in the market, to identify the models that truly contribute to project scope management success and excellence. Finally, the research tailors the models to a project scope management focused maturity model, to assess MTN SA’s project scope management maturity from all aspects, and proposes a roadmap toward project scope management excellence.
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