The Use of Project Management Methodologies in Reducing Project Delays: Evidence from the Adentan Municipal Assembly in Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of project management methodologies in the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana to reduce project delays. To achieve this objective, a case study was conducted in the Adentan Municipal Assembly to determine whether the Assembly is applying the best practices of project management in its projects, to identify the factors causing delay in projects and recommend possible project management solutions to these issues. Projects in Controlled Environment 2 (PRINCE2) and Critical Path Methodologies were employed as the conceptual frameworks for the study. Adopting an exploratory approach, interviews were used to sample the experiences of staff in managing their projects. The results of the investigation provided evidence of the use of project management practices by the Adentan Municipal Assembly in managing projects within their jurisdiction; however, the identified practices did not fall within the context of best practice as described in PRINCE2, and the Critical Path Methodologies. Furthermore, cost, time and scope management were identified as the main project management knowledge areas that were used by the Assembly to ensure the completion of projects as scheduled. Absence of the use of Critical Path Method (CPM), poor stakeholder management, and quality issues emerged as the main setbacks in timely delivery of projects. The researchers, therefore, recommend the use of CPM, PRINCE2, and training of project team leaders in stakeholder and quality management at the Adentan Municipal Assembly. Also, creation of a quality assurance unit is recommended to address the issues regarding quality within the assembly.