Firm growth relies on launching new products and services. An interesting question is, what are those unique project management processes that firms need to know in order to implement growth strategies in the form of new products and services. This paper will aim to shed light on what are those specific project management processes that drive the realization of firm growth. There research propositions highlighted on chapter three have been investigated through a case analysis of two large banks. The case findings indicate the organization’s ability to prioritize projects, implement those projects using a simulation model and nurture a strong project culture are central towards achieving growth. The findings of this paper build on earlier project, portfolio and programme management disciplines and adds further understanding on competitive advantage. Further research is proposed on innovation project management. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

A critical issue that faces the Saudi Arabia Oil and Gas Sector (OGS)'s projects is the high level of uncertainty in the successful delivery of those projects. That high level of uncertainty makes it vital to monitor and control project performance for limiting financial losses, avoiding cost overruns, and improving predictability. One of the fundamental tools that sets the framework for project performance is the project Scope of Work (SOW). Having an effective project SOW at the front end the project is challenging for project practitioners and is an issue that needs to be addressed; as its development process and output can significantly affect the later stages of the project life cycle. The aim of this study was to develop a clearer understanding of the project SOW role in a project development and to make practical recommendations for its improvement by investigating project team members' perceptions of the SOW development process in two Saudi Arabian Oil and Gas companies. This research adopts a qualitative approach, a case study strategy and focus group discussions to collect primary data. The results suggested that the project SOW development process is the foundation for another twelve key project management processes that need to be considered in order to successfully complete a project On Scope, On Time, On Cost and On Strategy. To be considered effective, the project SOW should have the following four characteristics of: formality, usefulness, effective content elements and effective language quality. In addition, the project SOW should support effective decision making, risk management, project planning and project monitoring and control. The results show that the project SOW in Saudi Arabia OGS is developed in several phases as part of Front-End Loading (FEL) development and final project SOW is developed and approved at the end of the 2nd phase of FEL (FEL-2). It was found that there are eleven key enablers, such as clear vision, targets, and objectives; effective stakeholders' engagement; and effective assurance review process, for producing an effective project SOW. While eleven key barriers for producing an effective SOW were identified such as: absence of reward system; insufficient training programs; and insufficient budget. Therefore, enhancing the key enablers and overcoming the barriers may facilitated improvements in the project SOW development process. This study recommends that companies need to pay closer attention to the design of the temporary organisation and accordingly set their strategy, structure, process, rewards and people. The researcher details some implications, acknowledges some limitations and provides recommendations for future research in this area.

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. Project Management Information System is tightly connected with organizational structure and particularity of executed projects. However the main objective of this research was to identify project management model that would be universal, helpful and easily used with small and medium projects In analysis phase we reviewed different methodologies, project management processes and methods, that are used to implement these processes. For our model we’ve chosen Adaptive Project Framework and basic process groups, such as time, resource management and some other, that can be effectively used in computer-driven system. During research we compared our project management system prototype with existing solutions to ascertain suggested model for its universality, helpfulness and easy use. The comparison showed that our model fits the requirements, though its not the most useful, but the proportion of functionality and usefulness is the best.

This thesis is focused on the methodological documents improvement of the company in the field of project management. The changes are based on the theoretical base, which is made up of the general project methodologies selected by the author. The first part describes two chosen methodologies, use of which, is based on knowledge of the company environment. The second part then describes the existing guidance documents that can be used as inspiration to create a new methodological document. The output of the thesis is the methodological project document, which takes into account both the principles and practices described in the context of general methodologies, current guidance documents and knowledge of the company environment.