DETERMINANTS OF PROJECT SUCCESS IN INTERNATIONAL NGOs: THE CASE OF PACT ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This study is designed to investigate the determinants of project success in an international non-governmental organization in Ethiopia. It adopted a cross sectional research design and collected both quantitative and qualitative data from a total of 36 projects that were implemented between 2004 and 2016 by Pact-Ethiopia. . Project success was conceptualized as a function of efficiency and effectiveness. It was measured employing a composite index comprised of cost and schedule performance indices as well as performance of the project against key indicators. Accordingly, while two-third of Pacts projects were successfully completed, 22% and 11% were found to be moderately successful and challenged projects respectively. A range of independent variables including appropriateness of the technical design, comprehensiveness of the work plan, cost breakdown structures, pre-award assessment, scope creep, procurement, risk management communication, project team and monitoring and evaluation system were identified and regressed against the dependent variable (project success) using the ordered logit model. The result revealed that comprehensiveness of the work plan, procurement, project team building and monitoring and evaluation were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) with marginal effect of 1.7, 4.2, 7.1 and 2.1 respectively. To enhance the success of projects, Pact needs to integrate project scheduling techniques, ensure availability of procurement manual at partners’ level, maximize the advantage of bulk purchase, assess the causes of high staff turnover and work on the utilization aspect of monitoring and evaluation reports. .