Title: Modelling the effect of project cost management on project management performance: an application of SEM to Namibian MRCs

Authors: Medsalem Nandjebo; Joseph Olorunfemi Akande; Samuel Oladipo Olutuase

Addresses: Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia ' Department of Accounting and Finance, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia; School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa ' Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

Abstract: Government projects, particularly in developing economies, have continued to suffer setbacks leading to abysmal effectiveness and waste of resources. This study used a project management model to demonstrate how a project's time and quality performance can be improved by focusing on critical cost management elements. By developing and testing a structural equation model, the study analysed data collected in a survey involving 81 project management officers in selected Namibian Ministries and Regional Councils (MRCs). Results show that the cost analyses of previous projects and financial management implementations are critical components of project cost management that could significantly improve the time and quality performance of public sector projects in Namibia. Thus, the discipline to inculcate cost analysis and management skills and practices in public project management culture is essential for improving time and quality performance.

Keywords: cost management; time performance; quality performance; public sector projects.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2021.116263

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2021 Vol.13 No.2, pp.150 - 169

Received: 25 Jan 2020
Accepted: 24 May 2020
Published online: 15 Jul 2021 *

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