The Use of Project Management Techniques and Its Positive Impacts on Project Outcomes in New Zealand Businesses

Abstract

The use of project management (PM) is of immense value in achieving project success that ultimately assists businesses to thrive and contribute to the growth of an economy. This research has one main research question “How does the use of PM techniques have positive impact on project outcomes in New Zealand (NZ) businesses?”. The research adopted inductive approach to build theory and qualitative research methodology to address the main research question using four research objectives. This is an exploratory research using a case study research strategy that is coherent with the inductive qualitative research design. Two organisations representing the construction services and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services business in NZ were chosen. In-depth interviews were used to collect data, data analysis was completed through thematic analysis techniques. Findings were assessed through a theoretical construct mainly based on the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) PM framework. Findings indicated that the two organisations had strong focus on PM function supported by their organisational structures. Organisation A relied more on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Gantt chart technics while organisation B adopted an agile approach. Both considered designating project manager when deploying a formal PM function. While Company A has not implemented dedicated technology to support PM function, Company B has though not fully utilised. Hopefully, findings from this study will assist organisations in the construction and ICT services business sectors being significantly reliant on PM function to deliver project outcomes and to be successful in their businesses.