Ayanda Sibiya, Johan Jordaan
Abstract
Introduction: South Africa’s economic growth and development rely heavily on infrastructure development projects the government prioritises. However, this sector’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often struggle with inadequate project management processes, hindering their effectiveness and economic contributions. The main problem is SMEs’ insufficient implementation of project management methodologies in infrastructure development projects, negatively impacting project outcomes and restricting their economic contributions.
Preliminary Literature Review: Existing research highlights the significance of effective project management practices for SMEs in infrastructure projects. Challenges such as time delays and cost overruns have been identified. Traditional and agile project management approaches are emphasised to address the complexities and uncertainties in infrastructure development projects.
Envisaged Research Design and Methodology: A literature review was conducted to evaluate project management methodologies implemented by SMEs in South African infrastructure development projects. The aim is to identify areas for improvement, address SMEs’ insufficient implementation of project management practices and enhance their effectiveness and economic contributions.
Preliminary Findings: Preliminary findings show that the notion of project management as a discipline is vital for SMEs working on infrastructure projects, as its absence or non-observance hinders the growth and sustainability of organisations intended to make substantial contributions to the economy and generate employment. The effective administration of infrastructure projects impacted by internal and external variables is influenced and enhanced by a hybrid project management model for SMEs in infrastructure development. Conclusions and Recommendations: A conceptual hybrid project management model for infrastructure development projects can increase project value by driving change while improving and strengthening client engagement through employing agile project management components to increase the likelihood of the success of infrastructure development projects.