ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT MATURITY LEVEL OF ADDIS ABABA HOUSING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: THE CASE OF 20/80 CONDOMINUM PROJECTS

Abstract

In today’s dynamic and complex business environment, organizations find themselves in a need to manage projects whether they are project drive or non-project driven organizations. Thus, the practice of project management has to be improved so as to realize its benefits. The main purpose of this research was to assess the project management maturity level of Addis Ababa Housing Construction Project Office (AAHCPO). The maturity assessment was based on a five level project management maturity model devised by PM Solution. To assess the project management practice of the projects, ten knowledge areas were selected from the project management body of knowledge guide. The research employed quantitative research method to realize the purpose of study. A questionnaire was devised based on reviewed literature to assess the practice of the knowledge areas. The collected data was triangulated with data obtained from other secondary sources and analyzed. Based on the analysis, the researcher concluded that most of the knowledge areas were being practiced informally. The knowledge areas also have lower maturity levels. The difference was traced back to already established processes and practices the project office uses in its operations. But lack of proper integration of these practices with project management practice has lowered the maturity level of the project management practice at the project office. Developing and practicing project management knowledge areas; devising procedures; carefully collecting, compiling and disseminating lessons learned from past project implementation; creating project management standards; and creating awareness among all stakeholders towards projects; strengthening the AAHCPO’s human and other resources; and providing trainings have been recommended as a means of improving project management practice and attaining higher maturity.