The aim of this research is to develop a conceptual framework for the establishment and operation of
effective PMO in the South African Municipal Environment. In pursuit of this aim, the theory and
practice of the PMOs were investigated and analysed from both literature perspective and field work
leading to findings being reported in the thesis. In addition, the municipal PMOs were investigated to
determine the extent to which their attributes match those of the proposed conceptual framework.
A specific research philosophy and approach were adopted by utilising the case study strategy using
interviews, document reviews and observation. A questionnaire guideline was developed for the
interviews. The sampling frame from which the participants were obtained was from the three
municipalities (cases). A total of 27 interviews were conducted. Data was analysed in line with Table
3.6 which prescribes the process for case study analysis using NVIVO 11 software for coding,
clustering and pattern matching.
The findings confirmed the original expectations of the researcher and all the objectives were
sufficiently addressed. The first objective, which was to identify and analyse factors considered in
establishing PMOs in the three municipalities, was adequately dealt with by identifying, listing and
analysing all the key factors considered in establishing the PMOs. In merging these factors with the
best practices outlined through the theory and practice in chapter two, gaps were identified which
indicates that the process followed by the department of local government was flawed when
developing the MIG guidelines. The identified factors were brought into consideration in building the
proposed framework.
The second objective was to analyse the level of fitness for purpose of the PMOs in the three selected
municipalities. In order to deal with this objective, the adequacy of PMOs to carry out their mandates
was scrutinised. This was done through identifying the key drivers of municipal PMO mandates, their
achievements and challenges and whether they adhere to project management best practices. Most
challenges, failures and negative perceptions that the PMOs faced were as a result of internal disablers
that could be dealt with by identifying and dealing with the internal system deficiencies that were a
result of procedural wrongs that could be traced from the establishment stage. This analogy or
approach assisted in finally formulating a framework that would deal with these system deficiencies.
The third objective was to analyse patterns of municipal dependent factors that dictate the type of
PMO that is suitable for the municipalities. This was approached in terms of grouping the factors that can be classified as common denominators across municipalities. There were also few internal unique
factors in each municipality. The new proposed framework deals with these aspects holistically.
Ultimately, the aim which was to develop a conceptual framework for the establishment and operation
of PMOs in the South African municipal environment was sufficiently answered through the proposed
model and framework as presented in Figure 5.2 and Figure 5.5 respectively. This was achieved by
merging the identified gaps and by proposing a conceptual model which ultimately let to the proposed
framework that can be used to establish an effective PMO for the municipalities. The main gap that
was found was that there is no model and framework for establishing PMOs and therefore the
department of local government in developing a guideline, did not have an appropriate foundation
from which they could have drawn a relevant model and framework that could have properly guided
the formation of these units in the municipalities.
It was recommended that a PMO will be more effective as a stand-alone directorate whose mandate
should be considered beyond the MIG, in order to gain more authority and improved performance.
This is demonstrated by the developed framework which indicates the role of the PMOs and their
expected performance outcomes. / Business Management / D.B.L.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/25015 |
| Date | 15 November 2017 |
| Creators | Mohlala, Pakeng Majasehuba |
| Contributors | Ssegawa-Kaggwa, Joseph |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xiii, 201 leaves) : illustrations (some color), map |
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