Seboni, L and Tutesigensi, A (2015) Project manager-to-project allocations in practice: An empirical study of the decision-making practices of a multi-project based organization. Construction Management and Economics, 33(5-6), pp. 428-443. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
Empirical studies that examine how managers make project manager-to-project (PM2P) allocation decisions in multi-project settings are currently limited. Such decisions are crucial to organizational success. An empirical study of the PM2P practice, conducted in the context of Botswana, revealed ineffective processes in terms of optimality in decision-making. A conceptual model to guide effective PM2P practices was developed. The focus of this study is on deploying the model as a lens to study the PM2P practices of a large organization, with a view to identifying and illustrating strengths and weaknesses. A case study was undertaken in the mining industry, where core activities in terms of projects are underground mineral explorations at identified geographical regions. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to collect data from 15 informants, using an enumeration. Integrated analysis of both data types (using univariate descriptive analysis for the quantitative data, content and thematic analysis for the qualitative data) revealed strengths in PM2P practices, demonstrated by informants' recognition of some important criteria to be considered. The key weaknesses were exemplified by a lack of effective management tools and techniques to match project managers to projects. The findings provide a novel perspective through which improvements in working practices can be made.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision-making practices; human resource management; multi-project environment; project |
| Index terms: | empirical study, mining, Botswana, working practice, project manager, case study, thematic analysis, decision-making, exploration, project-based organization, human resource management, manager, interview |
| Subjects: | profession, data collection methods, organization, practitioner, environmental resource management, management, research methods, methods and analysis, Geography, decision analysis, geotechnical engineering |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Organizational Design, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here