Fit for purpose? Project management methods and international development projects in Africa

There is increasing recognition that project management is a key strategic resource, not only in terms of the delivery of positive change and innovation, but also in maintaining the resilience of businesses and social initiatives. Within the context of Africa, international development projects (IDPs) are often seen as the bedrock of both social and economic development, although relatively little is known about, (i) the inherent challenges IDPs pose as projects per se, (ii) the current range of project management approaches employed within the context of IDPs in Africa, and (iii) the limitations and opportunities related to these approaches. The proposed chapter will review recent history and the latest literature related to (i), (ii), and (iii) and will suggest potential areas for future research within the overall context of Africa. It will thus play an important tole in raising awareness of the need to consider project management methodology as a vital component within the context of IDPs executed in Africa, home to a significant number of such projects which span all sectors of the economy. Tentative findings suggest that, (i) the definition of IDPs is relatively well established but would benefit from greater promotion, (ii) there is a need for project management approaches to IDPs to be further articulated with their strengths and limitations more widely known, and, (iii) more research is required with regards to the need to develop a more “universal” project management methodology related to IDPs, while, at the same time, recognising the unique nature of every IDP executed within the context of Africa. The chapter is based on secondary data although the potential of primary data collection and analysis is suggested through the PhD work being pursued by one of the chapter authors. With project management being largely a practical discipline, the chapter will highlight the strengths and limitations of current project management methodologies related to IDPs and will raise key issues related to the development and execution of IDPs across Africa in the first instance. The importance of IDPs within the context of African nation building is relatively well established. Less well known (although sometimes linked to the high rate of project failure in Africa and other low- and middle-income settings) and under researched is the importance of project management methodology and IDPs. The proposed chapter will raise awareness of the key debates and will contribute to the emerging trend to ensure that the selection of an appropriate project management methodology is given equal importance with regards to the planning and execution of IDPs.