Improving project management practice: an engineering and construction case study

Abstract

The implementation of project management best practices is a preponderant factor for the success of companies. Organizations need to respond quickly, efficiently and in an integrated way to the challenges emerging from daily routines. This paper focuses on presenting a solution for the implementation of project management initiatives in an Engineering and Construction company, which was at an embryonic stage of project management maturity. The company aimed at improving its project management maturity level, in order to increase the likelihood of success of its projects. Six project management improvement initiatives in which the company should focus its efforts were identified, considering its organizational context, through four research methods: survey, document analysis, observation and focus groups. Three dimensions were considered for the development of this proposal: People and Organizational Knowledge; Processes, Tools and Techniques and General Management System.