Strategies for Improving the Performance of Project Managers in South Sudan

Strategies for Improving the Performance of Project Managers in South Sudan by John Paul Mogere Ong’ondi MBA, Walden University, 2014 BS, Kenyatta University, 2008 AS, JKUAT, 2003 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Abstract Business leaders persistently face the challenges of project failures. Lack of proper project alignment with business strategies is a major contributor to less successful project outcomes. One major concern of project managers in South Sudan is that misalignment of the project management processes with business strategies could result in project delays and cost overruns. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies 8 project managers from 2 telecommunication companies use to align project management processes with business strategies to improve project performance in Juba, South Sudan. Using hoshin kanri as the conceptual framework for this study, semistructured face-toface interviews were conducted with purposely selected participants. Four themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the interview data and archival documents are effective communication among project stakeholders, stakeholder engagement in project management processes, competence of project manager in leadership decisions, and executive commitment and support to project team. The findings of the study may lead to proper project alignment and successful project outcome. Business leaders should involve project managers during the development of business strategies. The results from this study may contribute to positive social change by enabling project managers and business leaders to execute sustainable projects that can offer employment opportunities for the local citizens and help the recovery of the South Sudan economy.Business leaders persistently face the challenges of project failures. Lack of proper project alignment with business strategies is a major contributor to less successful project outcomes. One major concern of project managers in South Sudan is that misalignment of the project management processes with business strategies could result in project delays and cost overruns. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore strategies 8 project managers from 2 telecommunication companies use to align project management processes with business strategies to improve project performance in Juba, South Sudan. Using hoshin kanri as the conceptual framework for this study, semistructured face-toface interviews were conducted with purposely selected participants. Four themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the interview data and archival documents are effective communication among project stakeholders, stakeholder engagement in project management processes, competence of project manager in leadership decisions, and executive commitment and support to project team. The findings of the study may lead to proper project alignment and successful project outcome. Business leaders should involve project managers during the development of business strategies. The results from this study may contribute to positive social change by enabling project managers and business leaders to execute sustainable projects that can offer employment opportunities for the local citizens and help the recovery of the South Sudan economy. Strategies for Improving the Performance of Project Managers in South Sudan by John Paul Mogere Ong’ondi MBA, Walden University, 2014 BS, Kenyatta University, 2008 AS, JKUAT, 2003 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2017 Dedication I dedicate this doctoral study to my lovely wife, Mrs. Stella Kerubo, for the love, loyalty, patience, and moral support she provided to me which enabled me to finish this study. To my three sons: Benedict Obuya Mogere, Levis Mogere, and Teddy Mogere, I say thank you all for your patience with daddy especially not having enough time for you. Special thanks to my late parents, Mr. Benedict Ong’ondi and Mrs. Maria Mbera Ong’ondi who were my biggest role models, particularly for encouraging the family of eleven siblings on the importance of education despite the financial struggles in the family. To my brothers and sisters, late Obuya, late Salome, late Jane, late Veronicah, Margret, Peter, Richard, Bryan, Rose, and Shem for not having time for family gathering and bonding during my study. I dedicate this study to the men and women of Tabaka Ward, Kisii, Kenya. My journey to achieve the highest level of education started there and I encourage everyone to dream big. Lastly, I dedicate this academic achievement to many friends of Dalbit Group and Juba, South Sudan fraternity who kept me on the right track. Acknowledgments I am indebted and forever thankful to Dr. Gregory Uche who served as a chair and a mentor. Dr. Uche’s ability, dedication and guidance got me to the finish line of this program. Special thanks to Dr. Gergana Velkova and Dr. Neil Mathur who served as committee members to see me through the program. I would also like to thank Dr. Freda Turner, and Dr. Reginald Taylor, and for guiding my prospectus during the Atlanta residency. Finally, I would like to thank each of the participants who participated in this study.