Influence Of Globalizaton On Project Management: A Case Of Africa Youth Commission Organization

Abstract

The study sought to examine influence of globalization in project management of Africa Youth Commission Organization. The following specific objectives guided the study; To establish how multi-cultural conflict among team members influence project management at Africa Youth Commission Organization; To assess the influence of technology on globalization on project management at Africa Youth Commission Organization; To determine how political interventions on globalization influence project management at Africa Youth Commission Organization; and to examine the influence of legal interventions on globalization on project management at Africa Youth Commission Organization. This study was conducted using a descriptive survey research design. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using self-administered open and closed ended questionnaires from a homogeneous proportionate random sample of 104 respondents representing a population of 140. The content and criteria validity of the data collection tools was established through a pilot study over a population that did not participate in the main study. Reliability of the tools was established to be 0.765 indicating that the tool was reliable for the study. The collected data was sorted, cleaned and analyzed to draft this report. Africa Youth Commission stakeholders agree that intercultural communication, time and sociability as well as integration management influence the success of the project. In addition, they acknowledge that horizontal management is better than strong hierarchy management if the work place. The researcher found out that Africa Youth Commission stakeholders agree that having some technical and interpersonal skills is essential for them to implement the project and thus they do not feel there is need to employ virtual teams to project management. They however acknowledge that by providing them with training and information on technology they will be able to successfully implement the project. They also believe that project managers should have the requisite technological knowledge and skills for successful projects. Africa Youth Commissions stakeholders also unanimously believe that projects require frequent consultations and outsourcing for quality project implementation. In addition, they felt that political ethnic diversity as well as the policy on passport issuance and visa validation affect implementation of the project and its management. The stakeholders also agree that donors are more committed when there is flexible and adaptable political environment. They also believe that global projects are more interested in the host community and interstate related risks rather than government administration related dangers. However, they registered undecided feelings when asked if global political alignments and ancient animosities between countries could often dampen execution of global projects. On the other hand, the stakeholders think that it is important for the project manager to understand the relevant employment, health and safety laws as well as the standards, deliverables, required technical regulations and orders administering the project agreement. The stakeholders however were neutral on whether legal processes to be carried out in the project and legal risks associated with the projects should be outlined and understood. The recommendations from the research are that project managers should develop both hard and soft skills in management to enhance good implementation and success of the projects. The project managers should consider intangible factors such as muti- culture conflict, technology, political intervention and legal intervention as factors influencing the success of a project.